I have just changed out the stock tubes and got some amperex pinched waist tubes. This has been an amazing upgrade. I had no idea that changing tubes would make this much difference. Everything improved but especially the midrange and bass. This is just an excellent preamp
musica bella tube preamp
I finally got my new musica bella lusso preamp a little over a week ago. Right out of the box it has a very nice sound to it. Compaired to my old ps audio solid state preamp the lusso has more weight to the music. It is very dynamic and has that emotional connection to the music. It really pulls the inner details from the recording and I know that people always say this, but I am hearing things in my recordings I didn't hear before. All the extra detail and it is still very smooth and never harsh. I have always read that tubes can run hot but this pre can be on for hours and still stays cool. I would like to do some tube rolling and when I asked the manufacture about tubes to try he said that he thought I should let it run for another 100 hours or so before changing anything. Do you think that I can do better with some nos tubes (JJ electronics are in the pre now).
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My Musica BellaMax uses 12AU7 tubes. This model is definitely more on the neutral side than warm. Perhaps, that’s because of the V-Caps. I found the Mullards to be sumptuous in the mids but lacking in the HF or LF. Not my cup of tea. If your preamp signature is already warm, I recommend trying Le Radio Technique 6922’s - if you can find them. Less warm, great dynamics. I agree about the quality of Musica Bella products. Bill Baker knows what he’s doing. He also upgraded the x-overs on my speakers. Huge improvement! |
this preamp keeps getting better and better. I still have the stock jj tubes and am about ready to try some mullard tubes. This pre is slightly on the warm side and laid back sounding, which is good for my system. I can listen for hours without any fatigue. I don't understand why musica bella products don't get talked about more on the forum. I payed a little more for this pre than my previous ps audio pre and it is much more refined and natural sounding than the ps audio(which is also still a nice pre). |
I have the solid state power supply. I really like this preamp so far. It is still breaking in and soundstage seems to be expanding and it is becoming more laid back but still very nice detail. I have been looking for different tubes online and talked with Brent Jesse but I would like to talk with Andy also, thanks |
Based on another 6922 thread just dropped in some
Matsushita / National 7DJ8's in my preamp and they sound fantastic. Got them from Upscale Audio $35 each for Platinum Grade. The thread I'm referencing is here: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/6922-tubes Have fun and happy tube rolling! |
" Thanks everyone. I don’t know much about tubes but do they need break in time also? I am looking for a smooth top end and more weight to the bass. Maybe some amperex also? " in looking back, you have had tube preamp before ? https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/sunfire-classic-vacuum-tube-preamp if you want to get some different tubes, give Andy a call at Vintage Tube Services and tell him what you are looking for.....he will gladly help you . http://vintagetubeservices.com |
Enjoy! I’ve got a Musica BellaMax - a precursor. Not only do the tubes need to break-in, but also the capacitors. They can easily take 200 hours or more - depending on the make. Musica Bella preamps are very responsive to all tweaks: tube rolling, fuses, power cords, interconnects, vibration control, etc. Take your time to discover what works best for your ears. It’s normal for signal tubes on preamps to be slightly warm. It’s the output tubes on amps that can heat a room. |