Primaluna - Rolling pre tubes question...

Thanks so much for the responses - I appreciate it. Navigating the forums can be daunting...

I should have offered more detail first - I have already tried 3 sets of power tubes over the past year: the stock EL34s - I really dig their midrange texture. Out of curiosity, and, for my own education I picked up a set of GL KT77s last summer (from Upscale - currently posted for sale) - these are nice, but not quite what I wanted. I ultimately ended up with PSVANE 6CA7-Z treasures - these are fantastic.

Now that I have the power tubes, I was thinking about rolling the stock 12AU7's. I believe the Cifte will bring the touch of air I want - was thinking I'd pick up 2 and see what they do.

Well now that you do indeed have your power tubes of choice. What sound are you hoping to get from the small signal tubes. That will be a tremendous help.
Since you didn't like the Gold Lions which lean towards warmth I don't think that British tubes would be what you want, but you may want to balance out your Psvanes with them. Please provide more info. Otherwise if you simply want strong clean transparent sound German tubes (e.g. Telefunken ??Siemens not sure they made a 12AU7) may be the answer albeit expensive.
My all time favorite are early 60s, late 50s Amperex which I think do it all, but are being counterfeited and subbed allover for big $$. And don't fall for the low noise 7316 variant if it not made by Amperex,(and often labeled a computer company) these are truly special but people are calling anything they want a 7316. They must come from Heerlen Holland with the right triangle and ctl with a # in the acid etch . Otherwise just look for Amperex 12AU7s to make it simple all have the Philips seamed top. The real Amperex 12AU7s are expensive the 7316s even a bit more. Sif you wanted a cheap option this isn't it.

I have the Primaluna Dialogue Premium , basically the big brother of your Prologue Premium . I have settled on the same power tube , the Black Treasure 6CA7 .
If you can wait a while I have some Amperex 12AU7's and some
7316's that I will be rolling in a few days with the BT's .
I was also thinking of the Cifte's as well but don't have any to try .
A less expensive alternative to the Amperex with most of the same characteristics would be some BEL's . They are the same design but made in a different factory (India) and time period .
If you do try some Cifte's , I would be interested in your opinion on how they do with your BT's .

Good Luck

Newbee - Appreciate the help.

Mechans -
Thanks for the recommendations - I was thinking about Telefunken, though budget may not allow it at this point. I'd say transparency is key, but balance overall suits my taste. I think the Cifte will add a touch of air and clarity in the mids...and based on at least one thread I'd read, this may come at the cost of bass definition. We'll see.

Saki70 -
I did order a pair of the Cifte, and will place in them in the front/middle position, and keep the stock tubes in the rear. I'll do some critical listening and follow up.

For reference: I am also a musician, and really dig tone, speed and dynamics (so like high sensitivity speakers).. so am less focused (though they are still important) on imaging and soundstage. Maybe I lean toward live vs. hifi?
I listen to almost every style in some form, though recent choices have been largely focused equally on small combo jazz and more experimental contemporary pop/rock. I've a modest system - and have just 2 years experience with critical listening to tube amps- so will try and focus on direct comparisons between the Cifte and stock PL 12AU7s.

Hopefully this will be useful.
Thanks again
Darren

PL Prologue premium integrated/Tekton Lore/Parasound zdac.

If the Cifte's take you in the right direction , you may want to try them in the driver position also . The two front/middle tubes control the input section and the two back/outside tubes control the driver section .
Some people will experiment further with different tubes in each section to further tailor the sound . There are many possibilities !
Have fun and let us know how it goes .
Saki70