New Tubes Sound Terrible! HiFi Fail

NOS tubes are usually good, right? What happens when they're not and they make your hifi system and tube amp sound worse?!?
Follow our Facebook page for unique Hi-Fi Audiophile content and discussions! / michaelshifiadventures

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Join us on our Facebook page for fun conversations on this and other Hi-Fi audio topics and gear!: facebook.com/MichaelsHiFiAdventures

[@user-ez3uq1uu4m]

I use RCA NOS 12au7’s in my Prima Luna pre/power combo. I have found that mixing the RCA long black plates with the cleartops can yield a pretty amazing sound. The “darkness” of the long black plates is offset by the brighter character of the cleartops. In my system, I use the long black plates in the first gain stage of the pre with cleartops in the second gain stage and cathode follower stage. Long black plates in the input stage of the power amp with 6189 short black plates in the driver stages. Sounds like you have both types of tubes on hand. Give it a try.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks for sharing!

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Yes , the secret of the magic is in the right mix of tubes ...........

[@kesm66]

Tube dealer is the correct phrasing given the price tier of NOS tubes in the current market. We’re audio addicts/junkies given we’re willing to pay for it.🤣 I love tubes too…& implement ‘em into my system…along with class A SS amps. I have a Hafler tube DAC in my desktop system with excellent results. I’m currently demoing a Gold Note Audio Tube 1012 (output stage tube device). I’ve always used NOS Mullard tubes…they just seem to be more organic in my experience (than stock).

[@jazzkatt7083]

This is why I stay with solid state. Tubes are way too finicky for me.😮

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Certainly something to be said for that approach. It is much easier for sure.

[@andrewp9725]

I think this is a very valid point, i tried tubes several times over the years, its very expensive to keep experimenting with tube rolling and you may not get anywhere, yes there are some wonderful experiences with tubes but they are far few between for the cost and time it takes to find those magic moments, overall a well designed solid state amp is going to be plug and play for most people and sound great, i use a valve pre, most of the NOS tubes I purchased are expensive, and were pretty ordinary, some didn’t even last that long, so far new Tungsol 6sn7 have been better than any NOS tube I bought

[@user-ho6ir8go9u]

People rave about Brimar. I put in 6 nos Brimar 12au7s in my Prima Luna preamp and amp. They seem smooth. (I also prefer smooth treble.) I havent yet gone back and done A-B testing against the stock psvane tubes.

[@rickg8015]

I find RCA Command 5814A’s linear sounding for driver and phase inverter apps, BUT they draw much higher heater current, so check with your amp manufacturer.. To my ears though they are Not so good as a preamp tube for airy extended HF..

[@sean_heisler]

I’ve got a 12au7 tube preamp. Bought a simple 12au7 to 12sn7 octal adapter, started using 12sn7’s and never looked back. 12sn7’s are the exact same as the much celebrated 6sn7 just a 12V version of it. 12au7 is the successor to the 12sn7, same mu gain of 20. My least favorite 12sn7 sounds better than all of my very best 12au7’s. You should try it.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks for the idea!

[@vmpty]

I learned that besides the tube's reputation for sounding this or that way, they don't sound exactly the same when placed in the equipment. We cannot scape from testing until finding what we like.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Totally agree! There are so many variables such as the rest of our gear and the room acoustics.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

That's correct ............same tube in different circuits may result in quite different results. Most modern amplifiers are VOICED on current production tubes ........NOS besides being the better tube may fail in those circuits because of different build and ( lower) quality control as well as resulting in adifferent musical performance /slightly or even more different operation points than the genuine tube type. Building tubes with the ( lost) technology of a repetated nos brand /the know how and ( illegal ) secret chemistery today is imposi ssble and as said ..ILLEGAL

[@MasterofPlay7]

expensive tubes don't necessary mean sounding good, I played with the cheap 6N3 variants, found the GE 5670 to be very dynamic but more digital sounding, like the cheaper chinese 6N3 better, very warm organic sounding open

[@GreekAudioGeek]

For sure more expensive doesn't promise "better".

[@karenyfreddy]

Hi, love NOS tubes, I do roll tubes quite frequently. Curious about your dealer. I have a few Mazdas and love them but can’t find them any more with my reputable dealers. If you can share the info on yours I will appreciate it. Thank you

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

In fact MAZDA is from the PHILIPS group............

[@Bill.K]

Any update on your experience adding the Antipodes K41 to your K22? TIA

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Hi Bill - I'm going to be working on that video soon. :)