[cjbranda]

Hi there,

Does anyone have any experience with fitting different tubes to the Bellari VP129/ 130 phono preamp? I'm new to this forum and wondered which tubes are recommended for this unit. I'm waiting for some Grado 325i headphones to be delivered and listen to electronic music mostly

.

Thanks.

 

[Biff_Malibu]

Hi - I just got a VP130 myself. I know the stock tube wasn't broken in, but it's Chinese so I replaced it with an old RCA black plate 5814A (same as a 12AU7). Yes, much less gain than a 12AX7 but it sounds fantastic. Very smooth. I use the unit primarily as a phono stage but the headphone portion is great too. I plugged in some mediocre headphones I had laying around and couldn't believe my ears. My Grados are at work - can't wait to hear how they sound. Wish I had them right now.

You can find 12AU7s pretty easily BTW.

Let me know if you have any hum issues (likely). I have fixes.

Biff