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New To Tubes Advice Needed

Hi Guys:
Like my question says I'm very new to the world of tubes. I have recently purchased a Xindak MT3 tube Integrated and I'm very pleased with the warm sound it produces in comparison to all the SS amplifiers that I have used over the years. I based my decision to purchase the Xindak based on the sound I heard and not the fact that the unit is made in China. This being my first entry to the world of tube gear cost was somewhat of a concern just in case I did not like the sound in the long run. The unit runs on 4-EL34, 2-68NP (6SN7GT)and one 12AX7 stock tubes original to the unit. I have read that tube rolling could yield some good improvements, since I know nothing on the subject I was wondering if I could impose on some knowledgeable members to guide in so far as to what should be changed and what with. I'm aware that there is so many different tubes on the market and that buying one over the other is a matter of taste but in my case I'm totally in the dark so any guidance is valued.By the way I would like to keep the cost factor in to play so no suggestions for very expensive tubes. Also I have read that EL34 could be substituted with KT77 what is the difference.
Thanks in advance for all of your input.
RossQ
rossq
wynnsanantonio
1 posts
 
Hello Rossq,

I was in the tube way before the Solid State came along and my soft side is always the with the beautiful sound of the tube. I am glad to hear you have discovered the same. The upmost important thing in this hobby is the way YOU liked it. Not someone who's trying to tell you what's his preference. Each one of us heard the music differently. That's why there are so many brands and companies to choose from. I don't know anything about your amp. I put my amps together from the kit and after few nights slinging the soldering gun, I am really enjoying it (Bottlehead's Paramours) and after a few years, am still loving it.

Yes, tube brands make different sound. You could tell the difference from one to the other when you rolling the tube. Stick with what sound the best to YOU. My other advise is to pay attention to the front end (CD, Turntable, etc.). If garbage in, it will be garbage out and your first watt is the most important to you system. Do not spend your 401K chasing the rainbow. Just listen and if you liked and that's is.
Enjoy the music!
rossq OP
26 posts
 
Replytoken-Detredwings and Wynnsanantonio.
Tanks so very much for your input. So just so that I understand I could start by just changing one of the tube the 12ax7 and see what happens, if I was to change the 6SN7GT I would have to change both of them. Now since there is 4 EL34 when changing I would have to change all 4 is that right? What happens if one of the 4 EL34 burns out or is faulty would I then need to replace all four once again and would I have to replace the burned one with the same make. The Integrated sounds just fine as it is but you know how it is just trying to refine the mid range and see if I could get the base to be a little faster and tighter.
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,515 posts
 
I would first give the unit some time to break-in and for you to become familiar with it's sound.

Excellent advice!!!!
newbee
4,093 posts
 
If you are bent on moving ahead with tube experimenting and you're a fundamentally happy with your unit as it is just try changing the smallest/cheapest tube first. The power tubes will usually effect a larger change, but are more expensive and involved. And, even if you find different ones you like, you will probably try to fine tune the sound by changing the small tubes.

I don't know your amp, but there are a lot of good 12AX's that are relatively inexpensive. Not so much with the 6SN7's.

But I agree with others, relax and enjoy for a while before you start changing tubes.
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
I am a huge advocate of tube rolling for the simple reason that, by doing so, I have realized sonic improvements on a par with major equipment upgrades, albeit with NOSs (not cheap). But it's not as simple as reading a review and making a switch. For someone like you (and me) working with the right tube merchant is essential.

That said. Detredwings and Tpreaves, are spot on. This isn't the first thing you do. IMO, it's one of the last. The right tubes will tie everything together.

When the time comes, as advised above, I would look to the 12ax7 first. Welcome to the brotherhood of tubes. Good luck.
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