ProggRob
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I've been changing the input tubes for a month now, and think I've finally settled on the Russian Type 3 6922 from Upscale Audio. It provides greater midrange clarity and better dynamics, IMO, vs. the standard 6N1P. I thought I had settled on the Matsushita National 7DJ8, but over time found the additional forwardness to be fatiguing, albeit the detail was off the charts.
Now I'm playing with the rectifiers. Tried a solid state rectifier for S&G and actually found the dynamics to be quite enjoyable. The NOS RCA 5U4G is like bottled romance, fun for late night listening but not practical for most recordings. To me, it is clearly coloring the sound in a way that makes modern recordings sound slurred, but older recordings sound like you've arrived Heaven's Gate. My favorite thus far has been a cryo'd Valve Art 274B, which plays nicely with all recordings, is more lively and linear than the RCA, but a bit lean by comparison. Seems like if I could find something that fits in between the 274B and the RCA 5U4G I'd be happy. I've read good things about the Phillips 5R4GYS and am inclined to try it, and also the Brimar that Lord Soth has mentioned before. Though $200 in tubes could more wisely be put towards the UFO transformer upgrade. What's a boy to do?
Rob
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