Tube Rolling w/Crack

[mcandmar]

That is an interesting observation. Its also nice to see a highly regarded tube that doesn't cost big bucks, not often that happens.

[JamieMcC]

That RCA 12au7 clear top is a nice input tube especially in combination with using the HD650's

[Nathan]

The RCA 12AU7 clear top cost me a whopping $12 delivered to me door.

I like there observation- everyone's 2nd favorite tube. The clear top is certainly a very good tube!

I have a NOS GE 6AS7GA on its way in. That was under $20. I'm hoping that's another good and inexpensive find.

[Nathan]

So I got my GE nos 6as7ga. Total investment of that and the RCA 12au7 clear top under $35. A very small bit bright, and not as layered as my Mullard 12au7 and Tung Sol 5998 combo, but damn, great results for less than$35. It's an easy to live with combination

[Adamaley]

I have had the Mullard CV4003 paired with my TS 5998 for the last week and I must say that my search for a 12AU7 is over.  Its combination of smoothness and transparency can't be beat, IMO. It doesn't take away from all the things the 5998 brings to the table, but rather enhances them. It rounds the edges off the 5998, which sometimes could be bright paired with other tubes. It is a surprisingly quiet tube as well, and allows you to hear through to the recessed layers of tracks. Lovely.

[ashneel]

I have had the Mullard CV4003 paired with my TS 5998 for the last week and I must say that my search for a 12AU7 is over.  Its combination of smoothness and transparency can't be beat, IMO. It doesn't take away from all the things the 5998 brings to the table, but rather enhances them. It rounds the edges off the 5998, which sometimes could be bright paired with other tubes. It is a surprisingly quiet tube as well, and allows you to hear through to the recessed layers of tracks. Lovely.

It's one of my favourite combinations as well together with the Bendox6080+RCA 5814A
For Jazz and similar music..the 5998 and Mullards are sublime

[Maynard]

Hi all, wondering what a not expensive alternative for the 6080 tube on the unmodified crack would be??

[JamieMcC]

Hi all, wondering what a not expensive alternative for the 6080 tube on the unmodified crack would be??

Have a look at the 6as7g types or the Russian Svetlana Winged C 6H13C the latter can often be found as new old stock for under $10 on ebay don't be put off by its low price or that its Russian made as its just capable as tubes costing twice as much.

[Maynard]

Can anyone let me know if theNorthern Electric 6SL7 would work well in the crack? 

[Paul Birkeland]

Can anyone let me know if theNorthern Electric 6SL7 would work well in the crack?

The 6SL7 would be an equally poor choice for replacing both the 6080 and the 12AU7.

[Natural Sound]

Have a look at the 6as7g types or the Russian Svetlana Winged C 6H13C the latter can often be found as new old stock for under $10 on ebay don't be put off by its low price or that its Russian made as its just capable as tubes costing twice as much.

I took a gamble a few years back on an "untested" mixed lot of 12 6AS7's on eBay. I paid something like $25 with shipping. I tested them on my B&K 707 when they arrived. All tested at 77 percent or better. A few tested NOS although they were used. I should have enough replacement tubes to last my lifetime.

[MrPotatoSalad]

What is a good pair of tubes for psychedelic/blues rock, classical, jazz, and the likes. I have an HD600 and will have SB soon. About $90 for both curved power tube and preamp.

Cheers

[JamieMcC]

What is a good pair of tubes for psychedelic/blues rock, classical, jazz, and the likes. I have an HD600 and will have SB soon. About $90 for both curved power tube and preamp.

Cheers

$90 should see you with a Tung-sol 5998 driver and a E80cc input this would give a very noticeable difference to the stock 6080 or the budget 6as7g's

[Maynard]

Hey all,

So what would the two tube upgrades that first spring to mind when upgrading the stock crack tubes be? Oh, that wouldn't be too expensive btw! The most bang for the buck, or the next step up.
thanks

[JamieMcC]

Hey all,

So what would the two tube upgrades that first spring to mind when upgrading the stock crack tubes be? Oh, that wouldn't be too expensive btw! The most bang for the buck, or the next step up.
thanks

On the bang for the buck front

For the driver consider a Chatham 6as7g or perhaps a Philco 6as7g the Philco are is said to be made by Amperex and the same as heir own branded 6as7g which sell for four times the price I thought they both sounded better than the RCA and Sylvania 6as7g.   I found the Chatham more too my own liking. The Russian Svetlana Winged C 6H13C can often be found as new old stock for under $10 on ebay don't be put off by its low price or that its Russian made as its just capable as tubes costing twice as much.

Input wise the 12au7 RCA clear top is a favourite with many especially if your using HD650's its also inexpensive and is commonly found branded as Conn. Just search on ebay for "12au7 clear top" and you will be spoilt for choice.

By the way there is a dedicated thread for tube rolling with the Crack lots of info on what types works well with different cans and genera's of music its a long thread but worth a read through and the best place to post questions like yours.

 http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=663.900