[librarian]

1. I have tungsol5998 power tubes. Is there any better (affordable) tubes?
 
2. How much will changing the rectifier tubes change the sound? And do you have any recommandations for me?
 
I love the soundstage of WA2 and would hate to lose some of that...
 
3. Also how much can I improve the preamp section by rolling the preamp tubes?
 
I'd like to have more gain on the preamp...
 
Note: my unit is a standard WA2 bought in 2008 (that means no cap upgrades and such...)

 

[Rawrbington]

ive got two different rectifier tubes that ive put in mine and i never noticed a difference.
 
from what i've heard the 5998s are the best but ive only heard 6080 and 6AS7G
 
preamp tubes will make more of a difference than the rectifier tubes

 

[hodgjy]

Depends on your music preferences.  What do you like to listen to?
 
Quote:

1. I have tungsol5998 power tubes. Is there any better (affordable) tubes?

 

 

[Olias of Sunhillow]

1. TS 5998 are pretty good tubes. As long as they're in good working condition and you like the sound, I would be in no hurry to upgrade them. I personally preferred TS and Sylvania 7236 to the 5998s, but by a very, very small margin.
 
2. I found very little difference in changing rectifiers. Even though I had several more expensive pairs, I generally stuck with the Ei EZ80s that Jack provides with the amp.
 
3. Yes, you should see noticeable results from rolling preamp tubes. What are you using now? I really liked US-made Amperex 7308s (I used both green and orange globe versions). Would run you about $150 at Upscale Audio.

 

[Golfnutz]

Quote:

1. TS 5998 are pretty good tubes. As long as they're in good working condition and you like the sound, I would be in no hurry to upgrade them. I personally preferred TS and Sylvania 7236 to the 5998s, but by a very, very small margin.
 
2. I found very little difference in changing rectifiers. Even though I had several more expensive pairs, I generally stuck with the Ei EZ80s that Jack provides with the amp.
 
3. Yes, you should see noticeable results from rolling preamp tubes. What are you using now? I really liked US-made Amperex 7308s (I used both green and orange globe versions). Would run you about $150 at Upscale Audio.

X2
 
However, considering the prices of the 7236 vs 5998 the margin is much bigger for me, in favor of 7236.
 
 

 

[owidjaja]

Does changing driver tube Change the sound a lot? sorry i am new to tube amp

 

[Rawrbington]

for me the drive tubes affect the brightness more than anything else.
 
but it could just be the tubes i have tried

 

[webegrubbin]

I currently have the Tung Sol 5998s.  Is it even worth it for me to buy the 7236s?  What differences can I expect to hear?  My friend can get NOS Sylvania 7236 for $50 from this store near his house.  Is that worth it?

 

[Rawrbington]

i've never heard the 7236 but its on my list.
a lot of people liked the 5998 better it seemed.
but lately the 7236 has been talked about and recommended a lot.
im sure it has a different sound and wouldn't be a bad back up if nothing else.
 
just be sure and check the return policy

 

[librarian]

Thanks for your responses
 
I think I have  the sylvania 7236 stored somewhere. I liked the 5998 better. I wanted HD650 to have a little more bass respons, and from what I recall, the 5998 has more bass. My listening preferences has changed some since then. By now I like a brighter sound. Maybe I should give the sylvanias a second try...
 
I listen to all kinds of music. Jazz, soul, reggae, pop. For me at this point changing the tubes is not about changing the signature, but upgrading the sound allround. You know, I just want more of everything
 
Changing the preamp tubes must be my next upgrade. Thanks for recommandations. Keep them comming Especially if there is a tube, that increases gain.

 

[ardilla]

Can you name some good UN-bright tubes you have tried?
 
Quote:

for me the drive tubes affect the brightness more than anything else.
 
but it could just be the tubes i have tried

 
 

 

[hodgjy]

At least in my WA3, the Sylvania 6DJ8 is very smooth with a pleasant, but not too overbearing, highs roll off.
 
Quote:

Can you name some good UN-bright tubes you have tried?
 

 
 

 

 

[Rawrbington]

ive only tried the Amprex 6DJ8 bugle boy and Phillips ECC88 and the amprex seems a little smoother in the S's and T's and cymbals

 

[ardilla]

Any recommendations for tubes using the WA2 with LCD-2 and HE-500 ?
 
I read that the  5998 tubes give more output power?

 

[Skylab]

I liked the 5998 output tubes with Mullard CV 2492 driver tubes.