[neggy]

Hey guys I was wondering if you could help me out with a decison. I have recently got some money which i would like to invest into my headphone rig. I am either going to get that new zu-cable mobius hd600 aftermarket cable or some better tubes for the mg head, I am currently using stock and i dont find them to be that bad. Which would provide a better increase in sound? new cable? Or new tubes?

Tubes i was considering were Sylvania 3 mica 5751 GOLD PIN (NOS) asking $70 for the middle. For the two power tubes I am considering these:
for the 12ax7/5751 either the Tung Sol 6BQ5 USA (NOS) $35 each. or 7189 Sylvania (NOS) asking $35 as well. Mullard UK (NOS) 60 each. They are offering some very rare mullard 7571 tubes for 160 a pair as well.
Thx any advice is appreciated.
Neggy

 

[GlowWorm]

I personally would get the cable first, because that will give you the biggest improvement in sound quality. But the tube upgrade is a close 2nd. I like your taste in tubes, the Sylvania is one of the best 5751's availible. Also I find it interesting that you mention the Tung Sol EL84's, because they will be my next tube upgrade to match my Tung Sol 5751.

 

[braillediver]

Power tubes:

Amperex EL84 Neerleen Plant, Bugle Boys.
Valvo EL84
Philips Miniwatt.

The Mullards were kind of darker or richer, thicker sounding.

The Sylvania Black Plate 7189's sounded good.


For the center tube try a GE JG5751 Tripple Mica Black Plate

Or a GE 6072 3 Mica Black Plate.


Changing the tubes will improve the sound where the headphone cable will only transfer the sound that is there.

The GE JG5751 Tripple Mica Black Plate should be available for around $30 and will make the biggest improvement for the money. The power tubes make a difference but it's more subtle the JJ EL84's are a good tube for the money.


Good Luck

Mitch

 

[GlowWorm]

Quote:

The GE JG5751 Tripple Mica Black Plate should be available for around $30

Where?

 

[neggy]

So you only roll the middle tube usually?? I do not have JJ's for the power tubes.I use two sovtek 0212 6Bq5/EL84. I have a JJ ECC83S for the signal one though. I am not sure if those are the normal stock ones cause i bought it demo from my dealer, he may have put different tubes in it.

 

[GlowWorm]

The Sovtek's and the JJ are stock, sometimes Joe Lau will substitute Chinese 6BQ5's for the Sovtek's when he runs out.

 

[dd3mon]

Quote:

Originally posted by GlowWorm The Sovtek's and the JJ are stock, sometimes Joe Lau will substitute Chinese 6BQ5's for the Sovtek's when he runs out.

The chinese tubes sound better too (to me) -- Joe will second this. JJ's sound better than both though. I'm currently looking into some Amperex bugle boys (holland - d-getter, late 50's - yeah the expensive ones) to replace my JJ's. The gold brand / gold pin Sylvania 5751 is still tops for me as far as the signal tube goes.

-dd3mon

 

[neggy]

If i get new tubes i am for sure getting the Sylvania 3 mica 5751 GOLD PIN (NOS) But my question wasnt really about tubes. What do you guys think would be a smarter upgrade, NOS tubes for the mg head, or the zu-cable mobius?

 

[GlowWorm]

One more time. Cable 1st, tube upgrade 2nd. If you can do both at the same time all the better.

 

[neggy]

Just ordered the Mobius, cant wait to hear the diference. I am stoked.

 

[GlowWorm]

Good choice neggy, let us know what you think once you get it. Next up you should get a good NOS 5751, because that will give you the greater improvement compared to the EL84's. The JJ's, and the Ei Yugo's are very good, and will only set you back $20 a pair. But be prepared to spend $50-$75 for a good NOS 5751 (I'm sure your aware of the prices).