Opinions on tubes for a newbie.

[Poee7R]

Hey guys,

ive been a member or a reader rather, for a while now and because of the overwhelming love for tube based equipment ive purchased my first piece. Which is the Dynaco Pas 3 from faster100.

At the moment i have a 2ch office rig this will be heading off which consists of an Adcom 545, a Carver c7 pre (which is being replaced by this pre) an Onkyo cd player all connected with Kimber hero ic's and the good old Home Depot 12 gauge small appliance electrical cord. All playing into either a set of Paradigm mini monitors and/or a set of B&W 602's depending on music and or mood. (no worries i have Polk's rocking my HT:D )

Now while i do realise music tastes are quite subjective i would like to get some feedback on this Pre and some tubes i should try with it, again this is my first piece of tube equipment so i really dont know where to start, or even the types that would fit the preamp.

This is in maybe a 14 x 12 room with 10 foot ceilings. not sure if that will matter with this questioning, but im trying to provide as many variables as i can.

My music tastes vary from Pink Floyd to The beatles to Gwar and System of the down... pretty much everything thats not teenpop, country or operatic.

If there is anything else i forgot i will provide the info. Again any help is appreciated and im looking forward to rolling some tubes finally :D

Thanks
Dave

[RuSsMaN]

I've had several, great sounding peice, with history behind it to boot.

Off the shelf, you simply cannot beat the Sovtek 12AX7LPS - PERIOD. If you want to look vintage, Telefunken Smooth (and Ribbed) plates are a favorite for a lot out there. My favorite are Mullards, in that particular preamp - but not anywhere near night and day differences compared to the Sovtek LPS (make sure it is the LPS, the other variations are horrible in comparison). The Tesla JJ isn't bad either.

Amperex tend to have GREAT top end, but shy on bass. The EH aren't worth the box they ship in, and have a history of BAD microphonics. The Ei are good for target practice, if you're into that sort of thing. Or course YMMV.

Welcome to our humble audio abode Dave. Thanks for choosing Polk Audio, and hope to see at Polkfest in October.

Cheers,
Russ

[Poee7R]

ah great, thanks for the info Russ. hah seems as though i have alot of tubes to look forward to.

Is there anyplace in particular that would be good to look for tubes, or should i just keep an eye out for deals on ebay/audiogon?

and thanks also F1nut, unfortunately i dont have 10+ posts yet so i was unable to IM you back.

Polkfest sounds awesome and it doesnt seem to be to far out from me, if newbies are welcome i will definately try to make the time to be there. Ill email TroyD for more info and go from there.

Again thanks guys,
Dave

[F1nut]

You're welcome.

These should get you started.

http://www.tubedepot.com/
http://www.thetubestore.com/
https://secure.tubesandmore.com/
https://www.tubeworld.com/index_high.htm
http://www.triodeelectronics.com/
http://www.kcanostubes.com/content/
http://www.vintagetubeservices.com/Default.htm
http://www.tubesdirect.com/
http://www.newtube.com/content/estore_list.asp?category=1&catname=Tubes

BTW, the Ei tubes in the Jolida cdp are pure heaven and the Mullards sound like mud. Audio is funny stuff, eh!?!

[Poee7R]

ask and you shall receive, awesome.

now my only worry will be where to hide them, so my wife doesnt find them and try to screw one into a light socket. :o

Thanks,
Dave

[faster100]

I agree, the sovtek LPS's are excellent tubes.. I'll try and hook ya up with tubes in the pre when i ship it.. gotta see what i have good. :)