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Originally Posted by vic1890 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I've been looking at this thread for quite long but haven't been able to fnd something conclusive - I just got my raptor - and i'm using it with Slyvania's Gold Brand/gold pins with a telefunken at the back for a HD 650.
It's lovely, except that I find it a little too forward at times - what tubes would be recommended for a larger soundstage, making it a tad bit recessed at the same time? - I'd prefer keeping the gold pins, and changing the back tube - if possible.
Any ideas guys?
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I can highly recommend the Sylvannia "gold pin" 5963 (=12AU7) for the 12AU7 spot. Great tube. Very articulate, detailed and smooth airy highs. Bass is tight but also nicely (not overblown or "flubby") extended and deep/natural.
I also think you'd enjoy that tube combined with a pair of RCA 5687 Black (or Bronze) plates in the 5687 spots; they are reasonably priced and dramatically improve the soundstage and 3D imaging over some of the other 5687's I have (Tung Sol, GE, etc.). I've found that swapping the two front 5687's change things a bit more dramatically to my ear than does swapping the 12AU7's ... for instance, the difference between the RCA Bronze/Black plates 5687 to be far more enjoyable and natural than the Tung Sol 5687's that some folks like (with my cans, the Tung Sols are absolutely bloated and "flubby/farty" sounding in the bass, whereas the RCA's are nice and tight and natural sounding.
But cans *do* make a huge difference, I must say ...
I'm listening with GS1000's which are pretty much the Yin to the HD650's Yang. But since the tubes are all pretty affordable, I'd recommend trying them anyway. I know the above combo also sounds really nice with my roomies AKG701's (which, under any listening arrangement, I really don't enjoy but have used them for review purposes aplenty).
Good luck!
...
On another note ...
Old Blue Eyez was a fantastic contributor in regards to tubes. One of the more knowledgeable folks I know regarding tubes for the Raptor. His comments re: tubes were always spot on to my ear. I'm sad to see him go.
Shame forums can't stomach nasty arguments. Banning is sort of stupid. Nothing like a good fight to move things forward. Better an infraction system if somebody starts acting too lame ... give them some time off and an opp to come back. Maybe that's how "being banned" works anyway. Dunno.
But I'm not admin so ...
Rock on.