[audiowalker]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a WA22 and have been tube rolling like a tootsie pop. My question is:

Which tube (driver, power, or rectifier) have you experienced makes the most difference in your listening experience? I ask because of an interesting thread on Audiogon regarding tube differences. Someone in that thread stated that rectifier tubes have the least effect on sound as compared to driver and power tubes. That person recommend you are better investing your money in those tubes. Thoughts? Thanks.

Cheers.

 

[kelvinwsy]

The power tube then the driver tube..I run a set of Audionote Quest Silver 300b monoblocs to drive my horn speakers and my HPs thru a Hifiman resistor box HD800, He560 and Abyss ab 1266 phi cc
The standard AN 300b and 6SN7 tubes were bland!
The amps came alive with a matched pair of TJ Full Music SE 300b and NOS US army corp 6Sn7
looked at upgrading to EML 5UG4 but at 600 a pair ???

Audionote collaborated with Pvane to laubch exclusive 300b called AN4300E

I prefer to go with the EML 300 b mesh or the 300b XLS

 

[kelvinwsy]

http://6moons.com/audioreviews/tj+synergy/3.html

 

[audiowalker]

Hello,

I came to the same conclusion with my WA22. Yet, it is crazy how much money for rectifier tubes can be. I was able to find a used EML 5UG4 with low hours to try. The sound was not as present as compared to the Sophia Electric original, non mesh, 274B or blue SE 274B. I found that the mesh tubes, at least to my ears, lack the detail of non. I want to try a pair of Pvane CV181 (driver tubes), read good reviews on HF, yet also read that Chinese tubes can really damage your amp if not performing property - ouch!

Thanks for your thoughts and the link.

Cheers!