[audiojerry]

Hey guys,

I was wondering what tubes others have been happy with and why.
I'm very happy with my complement, but the Mini is so great at communicating the character of its tubes, I thought it would be fun to create different flavors.

I'm using a Tungsol JTL6x4WA, and two Telefunken 12AU7. This produces a fairly neutral, fast, and detailed sound. Sometimes I'd like to listen to something a little softer and warmer.

Anyone else care to share their thoughts?
       
Haven't had much time to spend here lately because of my job, and I miss the friendly conversation and exchanging of ideas.

[Chazz]

Hi,

I'm currently trying out some Philips Miniwatts on the driver and buffer stage which seems to add some more sweeter sound than the stock ones.  The EZ90 is the sock GE one and I'm getting some tungsols and Hivacs due soon.

It's a cool little preamp

Charles

[John Casler]

Hey guys,

I was wondering what tubes others have been happy with and why.
I'm very happy with my complement, but the Mini is so great at communicating the character of its tubes, I thought it would be fun to create different flavors.

I'm using a Tungsol JTL6x4WA, and two Telefunken 12AU7. This produces a fairly neutral, fast, and detailed sound. Sometimes I'd like to listen to something a little softer and warmer.

Anyone else care to share their thoughts?
       
Haven't had much time to spend  ...

Hi AJ,

I have not "rolled" a lot of tubes, but have settled in with the same Tungsol JTL6x4WA rectifier as you.  In the driver and buffer stages I use
the Raytheon JAN-crp-5814 and the Tungstram E80CC.

This combo seems to have most of what I'm looking for.  It is detailed, transparent, and has great bass weight and authority.  Dynamics are very good and glare and grain are pretty much gone.

I also loved the HIVAC, but would caution anyone who uses one to remove it if it makes the slightest bit of noise. (chirping, growling, burping, sputering, or whatever)

If it fails, it can cause problems.

One other point, that was fun.  I will occasionally "switch" the Tungstram and the Raytheon positions, (buffer to driver/driver to buffer) for a slight change in the sound.  It is my understanding that these do not need to be "matched" in the EEMMPA and the results are interesting.

[audiojerry]

Thanks for your advice John and Chazz.

[Carlman]

A friend sent me a MiniMax today to compare to a Philly 7a and see how closely I can get them to match in sonic characteristics.

Right now the Minimax has the exact tubes mentioned by John.  I think it's a great combo but sacrifices a little upper frequency accuracy for better smoothness compared to what I'd tried previously which was: the Tung-sol 6x4 (leftmost), Raytheon 5814 (center) and an Amprerex w/ D getter from Holland in the rightmost position.

I liked the Amperex for ultimate accuracy.  The tubey warmth and smoothness were there without going too far.  I think the combo John mentioned and that I now have adds too much smoothing for my tastes.  I could live with it but having that Amperex makes the Minimax a little more special.

-C

[John Casler]

I liked the Amperex for ultimate accuracy. The tubey warmth and smoothness were there without going too far. I think the combo John mentioned and that I now have adds too much smoothing for my tastes. I could live with it but having that Amperex makes the Minimax a little more special

Hey Carl,

You have to remember what speakers I have. ... 626Rs.

So the way I have them set, these tubes aren't "smoothing" too much and the high end is fully extended.

I'm also using the MM CDP and will have some new cryo'ed 6922 Sovtek's in a week or so for that to play with.

If I planned right, it should sound spectacular.

If you're using the Europas, that might offer some warmth with that tube combo, in comparison.

Actually I'm at this moment running the stock tubes to "burn in" a new MM Pre.  About 4 hours so far.

Even in the other room, it has a slightly etched sonic. (again with my speakers)

In about 20-30 hours, I'll throw the NOS's in again. and see if it "lights up".

[Carlman]

I can't believe how much system synergy plays a part on this... so, yes take my comments with the appropriate granual of 'this is what it does in my system today'...

In fact, I almost need to retract my comments.  I connected some Scott Nixon monoblocks tonight and the sound was not overly smoothed at all.  It was quite detailed and accurate.

What a great combo, the Mini and the monoblocks.  Plus, I could just about put it all in a shoe box!

I kept asking myself... all that sound, from just that?

So, not only the speakers but the amps, play a big part in all of this.

-Carl