Bellari VP-130 Pre Stage tube rolling

gfong

First off my opinion on the VP-130 is its a nice sounding entry level stage with a wide sound stage and a satisfying output. It has a separate headphone amp but is definitely not loud enough for my use with headphones. I use my integrated amp for headphones use.

At Christmas I upgraded my turntable and am now in the process of researching better stages.

Before I move on from the current Bellari I thought I would try a few different tubes in it to see if the sound changes much.

I'm using the stock tube now and will try a Tungsol 12AX7 as well as a Sovtek 12AX7LPS. I got them for $30.00 so the investment is minimal.

I will test them out and report back to see if the $15.00 investment into this entry stage will step it up a bit or if the stock tube suffices.

Anyone else have thoughts on this stage or have used it or rolled the tube in it?

gfong

Trying the Tungsol first. Right out of the box the output is a little louder and the noise floor is a little lower. Highs seem more detailed, bass is very close to tube that was in there( a Ruby.) but could be a little more forward but with less umph.

Almost done side 1 and the Tungsol sounds clearer and more defined than the Ruby. I would guess the Tungsol would like jazz as it seems it can keep pace better with the tracks on side one.

I'm using one record to test the three tubes Elvis Costello, My Aim is True MOFI.

Will listen to side 1 once more for changes.

More up front in your face, clearer with more detail. I would say right out of the box that it is not better but different.
In the song Alison and others , cymbals, wood box, voice are clear but seem to have lost all the warmth or that veiled bass sound that the record is known for.

gfong

Went back and tried the Ruby again and it is a clear winner over the Tungsol. Much better lower bass, not as harsh and has that slightly muffled warmer sound that I associate with records.

The Tungsol excels in high and mid range but is too in your face. The output is a little higher and the noise floor was lowered a bit. I know it was fresh out of the box but I don't think it would tame down enough for my liking. I'm starting to see that I like the flatter more neutral sound of the Ruby or with music in general.

Still listening to side 1 with the Ruby and going to switch to the Sovtek next. From reviews on other sites the Sovtek is the one that apparently matches well with the Vp-130 and the older 129. Will see in a few.

gfong

Well the Internet and the user reviews didn't disappoint this time. Wow... $15.00 tube upgrade and you would think I added another $200.00 more to the stage.
The Sovtek has a little lower noise floor, clearer vocals, great low bass, defined mids and mellow highs with an all around better sound fresh out of the box.
Seems to have cleaned up some of the tist tist that this record has after some of the vocals. Very clear, detailed, mids are there without being too forward.

So going to listen to side 2 and then call it a night with this. My stage is always on so that can only help the burn in for the tube.

Will continue on the weekend. Think I found the winner... Sovtek, hands down.

[Deleted User]

I'm using this combo but don't use it for headphone listening.
It's in the vintage system and pairs real well with my Dynaco A25's

gfong

Right on, with the new tube it just seems to have cleaned up the sound and brought it out more. Of course it is not night and day but it is very noticeable right out of the gate.

gfong

Well my jubilation over the Sovtek tube was lost when I found out that it is just too sensitive or noisy in my system. My gear is well isolated but the Sovtek picked up my gentle foot taping 2 ft way from the turntable. I noticed it when I went to get a drink from the kitchen as I walked by I hear my footsteps coming from my speakers! So I did some tapping and it was too much to handle. I ran a ground but did not help at all. The other two tunes did not do this ever.
anyway it's out now and the stock tube is back in. Fail..... lol

voltz

I've had my share of tubes in my headphone amps that sound great but if you touch the side of the amp or table it was on you could hear it through the headphones some are just to Micro-phony or how ever you say it. all of my Amperex seems to suffer a little or a lot from it. my Jans-sylvania & Psvanes have been the most noise free tubes I've have tried.
Headphone amps & Phono amps I think are touchy units in that area.

nspindel

get some tube dampers. the little rubber band looking things can make a huge difference when a tube is microphonic.

gfong

Thanks fro the great info, nspindel, I have heard of that term but never knew what it meant as I do not dabble too much in tubes. I will look for some just to try.

[Deleted User]

For selfish reasons I'd like to hear what you hear.
I don't have your issue but...

[Deleted User]

... Also, did you upgrade the "wall wart?"

gfong

Out of three different brand tubes it only occurs on the Sovtek. Could it be efficient speakers and higher gain tube? Did not upgrade the plug as never needed to. No hiss, no ground loop, worked stellar before the Sovtek, works stellar with the Tung-Sol just don't like the sound Tung-Sol tube.

nspindel

http://m.ebay.com/itm/151403926183

nspindel

I've really never been able to figure out why one tube may be more microphonic than another. But the dampers definitely help.

gfong

Thanks for the link