JK-47,
Sounds like you got some really great deals! Let me know what you think of those KT-66s; no worries, seems like quite a few of the KT series, as well as just about every type that has a large pin (many are hollow), are also missing the guide pin because it snapped off at one time. Just make sure you line everything up when installing the replacement adapter; if you want to make it permanent you can also use a heat resistant silicone sealant, preferably one that adheres to plastics well. Just make sure you file down the contact pieces so they made a good adhesion, especially the adapter as they are usually very smooth.
Nice purchase on the Hickok, I think you'll like that model. What ultimately helped me decide was figuring that it would do everything I really need it to, with some added cool factors like the listening test/headphones, etc., all at a smaller footprint than some of the higher end, and priced models. Even though it is still a little heavy, I feel comfortable enough to be fairly mobile with it when needed.
Glad to hear about the vinyl re-surge! There is just something about that sound...
I'm currently using a Monolithic Sound preamp and battery supply unit that is fed by my 1200. The only real reason I'm using this unit is that it allows one to tweak the loading of the cartridge, among a few other things. I've found that certain settings drastically changed the sound, even more than most tube changes, and ultimately decided on the following; 44db, 1k ohms, and 270pf for my Denon DL160. Every cartridge and stylus is different, but the crazy thing was that at the most common default setting, that is used by most preamps, my Denon sounded the worst!!
It all depends on the cartridge you're using, but for what's it's worth, there are some companies out there allowing this and more tweaks from the preamp unit. A few off the top of my mind are units by Musical Surroundings and Fletcher-Haynes Audio; these units allow much more fine tuning of these adjustments than the Monolithic Sound. I do believe that you can adjust this simply by putting different components in the path, however I'm far to much of a layperson on topic to know how to really accomplish it. I do remember seeing a few charts somewhere that listed major cartridges/stylus ideal load settings... now, if I just could remember where I found them, as I do remember that it was fairly accurate in regards to my Denon (I ended up slightly different, I believe mostly do to the Elekit as well as my own preferences). The TU-8500 looks really cool, and I bet it sounds great! Also being able to use similar tube types as one's amplifier, does help. Definitely keeping it on my radar!
Keep letting us all know how the newly purchased types fair and how things continue to progress!
EDIT: In regards to your wondering about the stock Chinese 12au7s, you could be right. While we strive for matched pairs, many over the years have come to conclusions that it is much more important for each section of a tube to be of similar emission, than between tubes/channels. I'm not an expert, but we could probably say that this definitely wasn't helping any, however either is the make and materials of the actual tube, which does make a difference. I guess the only real way to tell is to get another pair, with which you can make at least 1 perfectly matched pair and then compare the sound with the off tube. Could be at least an interesting experiment...
