Hello,
I like to pass on my good experienced with "rolling" the tubes on my Cornet 2. So far I was getting good results with RCA Black Plates, Tungsram, Telefunken, Matshusita, Sovtek 12AXLPS, Shuguang, Mullard, and Amperex on the 12AX7 positions and Amperex bb, Telefunken, RCA Cleartops, Mullard, JJ, and Sylvania on the 12AU7 positions.
Lately, I was trying to find a combo that sounds great, and a little cheaper in terms of re-tubing. I got lucky and I just want to share it here especially to those using the Cornet 2 with SS amp. I am getting very good results with a GE or RCA 12BH7 on the 12AU7 position and Groove Tube 12AXM in the 12AX7 positions. On a much cheaper alternative, the Tungsol 12AX7 re-issue, the Sovtek 12AX7LPS, and the Shuguang can take the place of the Groove Tube in the same position as well. So it seems that the "money tube" is the 12BH7.
To me, the improvements were piano notes becomes so alive and horns have more "air" compared to using a 12AU7. Vocals sounds like its coming from a very good tube amp in clarity and feeling, and the bass having that "great" kick from mid to the bottom end. The acoustics of drums and other instruments of the same family have that "snap" that sounded so real. On guitars, it was very easy to determine wether nylon or metal strings was being use. These were my observations in my system only of course. Just want to share my findings and hopefully will work out for others as well. Of course your experience may vary.
Phono: Cornet 2
Cart: Koetsu Sugano Rosewood loaded at 60 ohms
SUT: Tribute set at 1:10
Arm: OL Silver Modified
TT: Teres 255
Speakers: Linkwitz Orions
So, a question for Jim. Is there a thing that I have to worry about using the 12BH instead of the 12AU? I compared tube specs and everything seems to be fine. Thanks!
Happy Holidays