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I am new to the tube world and the only review I could find on the Jolida 100A CD player said that the Svetlana 12AX7 made for a noticeable sonic improvement over the stock Chinese 12AX7 tubes. Has anyone experimented with tube replacements, and if so, what tube provided a low noise floor and the best sound quality? Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Follow Ups:
Please check your CDP's schematic. I know some Jolida amps put 12 Volts on 12AX7 heaters. If the CDP puts 12 Volts on the heater too, you have a low cost NOS option available. The 7058 is a direct substitute for the 12AX7 in circuits that use 12 Volts on the heater. NOS RCA 7058s are the "best", but the Sylvania and GE built tubes are FAR from junk. The RCAs are becoming scarce and prices have been rising, but they are still under $20 per tube. Sylvania and GE 7058s can be had for less than $10 per tube. To put things into perspective, consider that NOS RCA 12AX7As cost about $50 each.GOOD US built NOS at prices competetive with current production tubes should not be ignored, if they fit electrically.
Eli D.
First off I have to say that I have no experience with the Jolida. That being said I think most any tube would be a marked improvement over the Chinese ones. It's all a matter of money and what sound you want. The Telefunkens are a favorite of many and cost a lot. To me they are a bit too soft on the highs but not what I would call rolled off. I like a tube with a bit more bite personally. The EI Elites are a great deal I think. For about 10 bucks they are had selected and have a nice full sound leaning towards the bright side but not harsh. Mullards are somewhere in between. Loads of choices and you really don't know until you try something. Really anything in your case will be an upgrade so I would try something cheap like the EI first and see if it makes you happy. Why pay $100 each for the Telefunken when you might be pleased with a $10 tube. I am sure I will get flamed for this but actually have my tele's sitting in the closet and am using the EI's.
Dear Greg C,I have the previous generation Jolida 603A CD player and swapped out the Chinese 12AX7s for a pair of used Mullard M8137 (special low noise communication versions of the 12AX7) tubes. Also swapped out the plastic 1uF/400V opt caps for a pair of PIO like spec'd WestCaps. Sound is now unbelievably good!!
YMMV,
I tried Bugle Boy, Telefunken and Mullard in my JD 100 and I prefer the Mullard for a sweet and balanced sound.Try ebay for tube deals, but be careful and look for people with track records and measured testing.
Thanks for the feedback. I have been reading reviews and looking at used tubes since I posted the message on this forum. I am trying to decide if I want to go vintage and get Telefunken, Mullard or Amperex, or do I want to go new and get the gold pin EI or the Svetlanas. I think the Jolida 100 uses good internal components with the tubes being the main required upgrade. The Mullards are British which would probably match well with my Monitor Audio Silver 8i speakers and B&K Ref 30.
Big difference in price between the tubes you mention. Really it isn't fair to compare something that sells for $10 with something that sells for $100. I was just trying to let you know that the $10 tube, IMHO, is quite good. Now if money is no object then I would say get the teles if you like a darker sound, get the mullards for a balanced sound, or get the EI Elites for bit brighter sound. Hope this helps.
Russ
P.S. They may be even more choices, entirely different tube, if your CD has enough gain
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