The power tube has the largest effect on sound, so don't go overboard trying to track down some exotic Telefunken or Bugle Boy pre-amp tubes. Sure, the pre-amp tubes do affect the sound, but not as much as the power tube. For the pre-amp tubes, look into the Sylvania JAN 6DJ8. I've tried a variety of tubes, and these are among the better ones. Best part is they are relatively cheap compared to others. Get those for starters, and perhaps, be done with it.
The power tube is the most important. The best sounding ones are now extremely rare and uber expensive. In a perfect world, you'd want a GEC 6AS7G or a Tung-Sol 5998. Since those are rare and now require a mortgage, look into these:
RCA 6SA7G. It's a great tube, but can be noisy.
GE 6AS7GA. It's a very good tube and also dirt cheap.
Svetlana 6H13C. It's from Russia. Very warm, some veil, but no noise to speak of.
I'd try those for starters. I really didn't like any of the 6080 tubes I tried. Also, don't be tricked into getting a 5998A tube thinking it is a 5998 because they are different. There are some good 5998A tubes out there, but you're better off trying the other tubes first.
There are also the 7236 tubes, but those are over priced for the performance they offer. If you're curious about tube rolling, try the tubes I mentioned first because they are easy to find and relatively cheap. In the WA3 amp, getting more expensive and exotic tubes really surpasses the law of diminishing returns. You'd be better off getting a better amp before going crazy on the tubes. Trust me, I've been there and done that with my WA3 adventures.
A little help: Someone could recommend tubes to upgrade my WA3 (all stock)?
Maybe it can't handle the power of WA5LE?
. Only few minutes music playing, dying flash? Who knows.
