[Gopher]

I've been using mimicking Bill's favorite tube configuration in my Minimax for over a year.  It consists of a 1952 Raytheon 6X4, a Raytheon 5814A triple mica D getter in the middle with a RCA blackplate D getter 12au7.

The tubes are going nowhere and remaining in my stash, but I'm curious about tube configurations which might give me a touch more tonal warmth and harmonic density.  I'm using a very fast, clean and dynamic solid state amplifier (First Watt F1) and Zu Superfly speakers, and I'm not sure I am ready to give up on this pairing, but would like to retain these virtues while making things sound a little "tubier."

[nature boy]

I found rolling the rectifier tube to make the most difference and would encourage you to try a Genalex (G.E.C) 6X4WA in place of the Raytheon.  Very smooth and slightly warm, projects a wider soundstage.  Here is a link to some (note: I have not purchased from these folks):

http://www.tubemonger.com/Brand_New_G_E_C_Genalex_6X4WA_CV4005_Rectifier_p/176.htm

This is the smoothest sounding rectifier tube I have heard in my minimax.

Cheers,

NB

[Gopher]

NB,

Very interesting.  I will give that a whirl tonight.  Wasn't that the stock rectifier?

[dangerbird]

+1 on what Natureboy suggested,,,I'm using the Genelex 6x4 and a Tungsram  E80cc in the middle followed with a Siemens 12au7 silverplate.Talk about detail,wow.

[nature boy]

NB,

Very interesting.  I will give that a whirl tonight.  Wasn't that the stock rectifier?

No, stock was a Chinese variant.  If that doesn't get you there, put a Mullard 12au7 in the right slot too.  I love this combination and it's what I run in my minimax.

NB

[Gopher]

I think it came with my minimax pre.  I got an EE branded 6x4 with my EE Phonostage, but I think that GEC is what it came from Bill with.

Listening to it now with that 5814a in the middle and a Mullard on the end.   Very promising.  Its not warmer per say, but I feel like its a richer sound.  I tried a Haltron 6x4 in there last night which I had in my box of tricks.  It was definitely warmer, but greatly lacking in focus with the 12au7 tube compliments I used.

My end goal is to keep the tight controlled sound my First Watt F1 has over my full range drivers but add a little more tube magic to the equation.