Tube recommendations for AR SP8

jimbones · October 29, 2011, 07:32:20 PM

Hi all, I have an Audio Research SP* that I haven't retubed in quite some time. I don't think I have many hours on them but I want to retube Just In Case!

I want to get "better than stock" but not boutique super expensive either. Is there anything in the middle? I know it uses 12ax7. Thanks,

richidoo · October 29, 2011, 08:51:18 PM

Jim, try Sovtek 12AX7LPS.
http://www.svetlana.com/ProductHighLight.aspx?ProId=81

Or Mullard 12AX7 long plate:
http://www.svetlana.com/ProductHighLight.aspx?ProId=1159

Jim McShane is a good source for these.
http://www.mcshanedesign.net/tubes.htm
All of the "New Sensor" made tubes are very reliable.

Other modern 12ax7 compared: http://thetubestore.com/12ax7review.html

jimbones · October 30, 2011, 07:06:29 AM

Whoa! Thats perfect. Thanks. Do you know what the sonics differences are that you have experience with sovtek and mullard?

rollo · October 30, 2011, 08:19:42 AM

Hey Jimbones welcome aboard. My AR gear just loves Chelmer brand tubes. Harmonix gold pins as well.
Rich has given some good advise as well.

charles
SMA

richidoo · October 30, 2011, 08:27:31 AM

No I don't know, as I don't use 12ax7s. These Sovtek LPS are supposed to be better than the base $9 sovtek guitar tubes. Mullard will be even better, and their premium brand Gold Lion will be even better than Mullard, but they are $70/tube.

evan1 · October 30, 2011, 08:36:42 AM

Quote from: richidoo on October 30, 2011, 08:27:31 AM
No I don't know, as I don't use 12ax7s. These Sovtek LPS are supposed to be better than the base $9 sovtek guitar tubes. Mullard will be even better, and their premium brand Gold Lion will be even better than Mullard, but they are $70/tube.

I'm breaking in the Sovtek 12AX7 LPS in my Jolida JD9 right now. They are very nice so far.

etcarroll · October 30, 2011, 10:02:56 AM

If you can afford it, I'd recommend Telefunkens.

http://www.tube-classics.de/TC/Tubes/SieTel%20ECC83/ECC83.htm

rollo · October 30, 2011, 10:05:38 AM

Quote from: jimbones on October 30, 2011, 07:06:29 AM
Whoa! Thats perfect. Thanks. Do you know what the sonics differences are that you have experience with sovtek and mullard?

In general terms the Mullards are a fuller richer sounding tube compared to Sovtek which is a brighter presentation overall. However system synergy as always plays the most part.
Unfortunately we can give you our opinions all day long. The true test is trying yourself as you know. This is a good starting point.
If it were me depending on how many you need is to try the Gold Lion first. BTW contact AR and ask what they use now for that Pre, can't hurt.

charles
SMA

jimbones · October 30, 2011, 04:24:59 PM

OK, so it seems that since the tubes have different sound characteristics I might buy a complement of each.

AcidJazz · October 30, 2011, 06:21:07 PM

I have tried 3 different New Reissued 12AX7, the Mullard, Sovtek LPS and the TungSol...of the three I liked the TungSols the best, followed by the LPS...
The Mullard I had liked at first over the TungSol and used it for 3 months in the linestage of my pre, switching back to the TungSol (which I had tried for a couple weeks) revealed how much cleaner and detailed the TungSol was vs. the Mullards, plus the soundstage was more 3-D.
Now bear in mind that the TungSols were cryoed, available from Cryoset:
http://www.cryoset.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_25&products_id=49&osCsid=f211c66acd8cace387dcbda438256904

I use the LPS in my phono stage. My pre is a C.A.T.

YMWV

bpape · October 31, 2011, 05:40:56 AM

A LOT depends on your preference and in equipment matching as has been said before. In MY system, the Mullards are very lush in the mids but sloppy and muddy in the bottom. I have other friends' systems where the Mullards are just perfect.

In my particular system, RCA Blackplates seem to be the best balance of great mids, non-rolled off highs, and tight, punchy, extended bass.

Other tubes to consider are GE 5 stars, Phillips, Telefunken ($$$$)

Also remember that in different locations in the preamp circuits, you may find different things work better for you. You may actually end up with a mix of brands. I know in my preamp, the RCA's work best in the gain stages while a Telefunken works best in the power supply regulation.

Bryan

jimbones · October 31, 2011, 05:06:58 PM

Good point bpape. Tele's are out of my price range. What are cryo'd??

richidoo · October 31, 2011, 05:34:21 PM

That means they are cryogenically treated, submerged in liquid nitrogen for a day or so. This supposedly changes the molecular structure of the metallic parts, which makes them sound different. It also works on metal musical instruments.

jimbones · November 02, 2011, 08:08:49 PM

Sweet, Thanks

Tube recommendations for AR SP8

evan1

AcidJazz