Valves for tube Preamp

[Mcderms]

Hi

First I would like say please go easy as this is my first thread, so am a novice !

I will ask as much as I can think of to save lots of threads!

I would like advice on valves for my Einstein pre amp, I have been reading up on Ecc81/82 valves for the phase splitter input .The Einstein pre has 19 valves in total 10 ECC88 for inputs and as is a balanced unit and has 4 ECC88 valves for each transformer.

The questions are what ECC82/81 would suit /improve the sound for phase splitter, also if I changed the 8 ECC88 for the transformers would this make difference ( do they effect the sound).I am happy with the sound at present , but as always looking for that magical sound in my head!

I would appreciate any advice, I know telefunkens, Mullards are recommended , but pricy, the phase splitter at present is a Tronal 1305?

The chap i purchased the Einstein from gave me some spare valves, ECC88's+3 phase splitters 12au7 & I tried a Tung-sol

,Tungsram & Raytheon 5814a, however I didn't hear much difference to the Tronal ?

thanks

Sean

 

[bandit pilot]

Hi Sean, and welcome.

There isn't a world of difference between brands, maybe a subtle difference if the rest of your system is revealing enough to hear them. This is only my opinion of course.

What type of ecc88 are currently on the inputs?

Lovely pre btw. :^

 

[Mcderms]

Hi Bandit

thanks for the welcome

I agree that I will hear subtle differences , but reading about valves , some say there are amazing differences especially older tubes. I actually don't know what the input valves are there is no markings on them, all I know is the chap who sold it said that on input 1 the valves where £200 and some of the best available. They definitely sound better that the other inputs, but lost contact details for him so can't confirm.

What about the 8 power valves would these make difference, also the Einstein is very powerful ,he said something like 12v output signal, the volume could do with attenuation, but even with 12Au7 valves still not much travel on volume control before too loud!

Sean

 

[June]

Hi, I've spent the last year on a tube rolling frenzy. If I've understood my research correctly (which is dubious) then there is no amplification at a phase splitter stage, and so the sonic benefits of tube rolling here are negligible in theory.

I've just finished tube rolling my phase splitter stage. I compared 3 very different 12A7's - 1960's grey plate La Radiotechnique, 1960's Siemens chrome plates and current production Groove Tube 12AU7s. Big price difference between the least expensive and most expensive of these 3 pairs - bugger all difference in sound. The same 3 tubes compared in a friends DAC brought very noticeable differences.

Tube rolling 12AX7s and CCa types in various other stages of my amps has brought benefits IME, especially in the phonostage.