Matching tubes

mikeyb128

I've been on the hunt for RCA 5814A black plates, I see a lot on eBay, but I'm having trouble finding a quad set. Is it ok to mix up year? Say a 1965 with 1964? And do they all need to be closely matched? Thanks everyone.

MrBuhl

Yea I think you're right preamp tubes don't get bias.

I try to match type and getter, plate size and color, number of mica, but i havent worried about years unless we're talking 80s/90s to 60s. I'm relatively a noob too tho, been learning what I can for the last year. I think those Gold Lions are easy to find because they are either 1. expensive original ones or 2. less expensive russian/chinese made not original ones. Definitely not an expert here, you need the services of some of some senior Polkies.

H9 is your man - several others as well but he seems to have it all plugged in.

in the mean time - here's what I gots for ya.

MrBuhl

I can only answer with a question - is your amp self biasing? The close matching isn't as critical if it's self biasing like my Dodd as I understand it.

That's the limit of my contribution though - sorry. I may have a 5814a BP laying around though - I'll have a look and let you know.

mikeyb128

They will be used as pre amp tubes. I'm new to tubes, the stock ones in my Cary sound very nice, but the reviews state there is a helluva lot of potential in the pre amp with a tube roll.

From what I read pre amp tubes do not need to be re-biased.

mikeyb128

Carys website recommends Genelex gold lions as a premium tube upgrade. Which are easy to find. I hear good things about the RCA's.

mikeyb128

The new gold Lions are made in Russia, I have some NOS Russian tubes in my shanling and I really like them. I read good reviews for the gold lions.

That definitely is a balck plate RCA. I see some NOS on eBay for about 30-40 bucks a matched pair. Might scoop some up. I know vintage tubes usually prevail, just worried about reliability.

MrBuhl

I've had pretty good luck honestly if you're careful with feedback on the 'Bay.

That one tests fine, happy to send it to you just PM me.

Yes, I have some Treasure 6Ca7's that are Chinese that Jesse recommended, top quality and fantastic tubes, best I have tried in the Dodd. Didn't mean to denigrate the makers of them, just make the differentiation between the two.

mikeyb128

Thank you @MrBuhl ! Sorry for the late response. I tried to pm you regarding the RCA tube, but I can't for the life of me get pm to work, which worked fine before. I did however find a matching quad of RCA 5814A 1965 black plates for around 70 bucks shipped to my door, they test strong and are in great shape besides worn off silkscreen.

Nightfall

It's less about this brand is better than that brand and more about what sound you like, as long as you're not talking about $10 Chinese tubes. That is my take on signal tubes so far.

mikeyb128

Nightfall, trying to find that sound, and doing it with a reasonable budget. The original question was matching years for vintage tubes as it seems hard to find quad sets for a reasonable amount.