[IronLion]

So I just got my new TP, unpacked it and was in such a hurry to get everything setup that I put all the tubes in right after setting the thing down on my rack.  Then, after the tubes are in, I notice that on the bottom of the tube boxes there are two different markings, one of the boxes says "30/18 rear" and the other "18/30 front".  So, I'm guessing this means one tube is meant for the front and one for the rear?  Now its too late for me to tell which is which!!  Argh!  Do the numbers have to do with Triode 1 and 2 measurements, and now its possible that I could not be using the intended triode in the right position? 

[ted_b]

I've never noticed a difference and swapped my signal tubes many times without seeing which is left or right, front or back.  I wouldn't worry one bit.

[IronLion]

Thanks Ted, I figured that might very well be the case which is why I assumed there would be no preference marked on the tubes, but I guess those numbers and everything might be there for another reason.  The TP is sounding great overall out of the box, though I suspect it needs some break-in as things can be a bit sibilant or muddled at times. 

[modwright]

The unit WILL benefit from 200-400 hours of break-in because of the use of our MWI capacitors in the signal path.  You can ask any MWI customer and they will confirm that the caps take some time to burn in and the sound will change quite a bit in this time.  If you still find the sound to be too forward or not as warm as you like, I would recommend trying the 6CG7/6FQ7 or 6H30 tubes.  They each have their own sonic signature.  I find the 6N1Ps to be the most accurate, but we all prefer different things and the sound can definitely be tailored to your sonic taste by tube rolling.

Thanks,

Dan

[rydenfan]

Thanks Ted, I figured that might very well be the case which is why I assumed there would be no preference marked on the tubes, but I guess those numbers and everything might be there for another reason.  The TP is sounding great overall out of the box, though I suspect it needs some break-in as things can be a bit sibilant or muddled at times. 

Things will for sure take some time to settle in. Try breaking-in a TP and 36.5 within two weeks of each other 

The tubes alone need 75-100 hours to sound their best. Ted and I each posted some detailed comments about tube rolling today in the transporter thread so that may be of interest to you as well...