who?me? I am running the stock EL34s. Dealer that sold unit mentioned I should go to KT120s, but then again he is also an Audio Research dealer.
Stereophile review states that they prefer the EL34 tube over the others.
Thought about upgrading the EL34s, but Upscale Audio does not push this like they do using the Brimars or Mullards in the Front.
Yes, but remember, the signal passes thru the the preamp tubes to the power tubes,
so the power tubes have the last (tube) sonic signature before going to the speakers to your ears.
IOWs, the preamp tube have influence as you know, but are not the final say in the matter.
Eg. In the last week, I switched out the stock PL EL34s for 4 PS VANE KT88s and 4 RAM KT88s.
The difference was significant, and predictable, just as Kevin says himself in his video tirades.
And this is still after putting in NOS MULLARDS 12AU7s in the Preamp section.
As expected, the hi low frequencies were extended, the top and bottom were less "soft" and round sounding.
The bass was more taught, octaves were better delineated. I was getting some listeners fatigue with the EL34s
in the lower high frequencies. The KT88s spread out the energy to higher frequencies,
reducing the bunched up energy at the lower highs, and balancing out the sound from upper mids to high highs. Now we are cooking with Crisco.
I am considering the KT120s as well for more extension, immediacy, and bass delineation/taughtness.
I am just hoping it does not negate the 4NOS MULLARDS that I put on the front end to the ridiculous tune of ($450).
Will call Upscale and see what they suggest, given my current set up.