Tube Noob - How'd I do?

MrBuhl

So I picked up a few tubes to try rollin in the Dodd MLP - the budget was pretty limited but I'm listening to the first set now - via Steely Dan - Gaucho SACD, and I have to say I like what I'm hearing, definitely a different flavor from the PSVane's that were in it. Through the first couple songs, more "lively", deeper texture too, sounds less sterile on the Sony ES9000 than before I'd say.

Listening now to the quad of 12ax7a Raytheon (Baldwin organ branded) - black plates, halo getters and 2 mica. $80 shipped.

Also have a quad of Sylvania 12ax7a - 2 mica, Halo Getters & long grey plates to give a try as well. $57 for both pairs shipped.

Tried to pickup what I've seen mentioned in the knowledge trove here, still looking for a reasonable price on some TM Blackplates but nothing has presented itself exactly (been thinking GE 5 star?) But welcome suggestions, I'm a total noob.

Thanks folks!

heiney9

Early Sylvania and GE 5751 TMGP's and TMGP's are pretty pricey these days. I just picked up (2) pairs of Raytheon 2 mica BP's w/windmill getter for a song (NOS to boot). Those are even harder to find.

A real sleeper in the 5751 tube is the early 2 mica GP, horse shoe getter Tung Sol's, sometimes you can find a deal (compared to GE's and Sylvania's) on these. I just acquired a NOS pair from 1956 for a very decent price.

Early Tung Sol gray plate 12AX7's are another really nice tube that get overlooked.

1960/1961 Philips made ECC83 tubes are really nice also. These have the large halo getter and were only produced for a couple years. Top line of code is I61; second line can start with B= Blackburn; R= Mitcham; delta triangle = Heerlen. Be sure and look for the LARGE O halo. They are closer to the characteristics of long plates than later versions with the small O halo.

H9

MrBuhl

Thanks H9!! I truly appreciate the ideas/direction!