[WittyzTH]

haven't tried 12AU7 much. My Raptor use Tungsol 5687s with 1950's GE 12BH7A.

 

[olblueyez]

WittyzTH can you describe the sound you get from that combination and what cans do you prefer with that tube combination?

 

[raffy]

I rolled my power tubes to a matched pair of GE 5-Star 5687s and I noticed that these tubes provide a somewhat smoother and more "analog" sound. Highs are smoother without sounding rolled-off. Detail and punch may be less compared to the Tungsols though.

Currently, I'm enjoying an all-GE tubeset: GE 5-star 5814 and 5687s. To make things even sweeter, this whole set only cost me $29 total!

 

[olblueyez]

Raffy, you try the Sylvania 12BH7A yet? Also would you ever be interested in getting another 7316? Does the 5814 give you more gain? It is supposed to put out more power.

 

[raffy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblueyez /img/forum/go_quote.gif Raffy, you try the Sylvania 12BH7A yet? Also would you ever be interested in getting another 7316?

I tried the Sylvania briefly and sounded like a dry, bass light version of the RCA 12BH7A. I might have to spend more time w/ it. As far as the 7316 is concerned, yes I would be interested in getting another one, I'm just frustrated on how mine went downhill. BTW, I have a used Mullard 12AU7 coming tomorrow, hopefully that sounds like people have described: smooth but still accurate.

The 5814 seems to provide me w/ a little bit more volume but ever so slightly. The 12BH7 had a bigger gain difference.

 

[olblueyez]

Yeah I cant wait to hear about the mullard.

 

[OutdoorXplorer]

I can't wait till the arrival of the Amperex 7316 which I won from eBay... Will definately share the impression.

 

[WittyzTH]

I do have the black plated RCA 12BH7A and the GE's. I prefer the latter because it gives me more detail and PRAT while keeping the smooth and lushness of tube. The RCA's has smoother sound. It may good with a pair of Grado, but for my W3000, it's tooooooooooo smooth. ^^" It sounds like SS amp with a touch of lushness of tube amp.

 

[olblueyez]

I have a Tung-sol 12BH7 and a pair of HP branded 7316s comming. Its killing me. Perfect timming too as my V3 headphone cable has a problem, sound cuts in and out when I move my head. 300 dollar cable and 2 months later its screwy, its been sitting on my desk all this time. Yeah, I like the RCA 12BH7 but its way too mushy for my 650s.

 

[raffy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblueyez /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have a Tung-sol 12BH7 and a pair of HP branded 7316s comming. Its killing me. Perfect timming too as my V3 headphone cable has a problem, sound cuts in and out when I move my head. 300 dollar cable and 2 months later its screwy, its been sitting on my desk all this time. Yeah, I like the RCA 12BH7 but its way too mushy for my 650s.

olblueyez, would you be interested in splitting the 7316 pair?

BTW, I got my Mullard 12AU7 today and I've only spent around an hour with it but it seems to have a very good balance of smoothness and detail. It was hard to make this tube sound too treble-happy but detail is not compromised either.

 

[mrarroyo]

Raffy, are you going to attend the meet in Tampa tomorrow (11/15/08)? If yes bring the Raptor.

 

[olblueyez]

D getters with matched sections. I will let you know when I get them Raffy.

 

[rapzoo]

I've had my Raptor for a couple of months now. In addition to the stock tubes, I also purchased a pair of NOS Tung-Sol 5687s and a NOS RCA 6189 from the previous owner. I've been very happy with the RCA 6189 paired with the Tung-Sols. This combination yields good detail and PRAT, sweet highs and deep bass with good articulation and a touch of warmth in the mid-range. This thread got me interested in tube rolling my Raptor. I have now tried an RCA 12BH7A and an RCA 12AU7A clear top. The RCA 12BH7A is lush and smooth but I find it a bit slow and dull with both my HD650 and my DT880. It does seem to mate a little better with the Philips 5687s than with the Tung-Sols. The RCA clear top is a very nice tube. It is detailed with extended highs, strong bass and a slight mid-range warmth. I can see why this is a popular tube. It is very similar to the RCA 6189 but it has a slight glare that is not evident in the 6189. The Tung-Sols pair very well with the clear top and do help decrease the glare. However, the RCA 6189 paired with the Tung-Sols is still my favorite combination. It offers everything that the clear top does but without any hint of glare or edge. I think I will try a 7316 and a Mullard next.

 

[olblueyez]

Ah crap Rapzoo, now there is another tube I have to buy. My wife is going to kill me.

 

[rapzoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblueyez /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ah crap Rapzoo, now there is another tube I have to buy. My wife is going to kill me.

My apologies to your wife, but we headfiers must do everything we can to keep the economy from slipping further into recession.