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05/21/13 at 17:13:35

Forums › SUPPORT FORUMS FOR TUBE GEAR › ZP3 / ZMC1,2,3

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What tube's are you guys using? (Read 275 times)

JD Senior Member Posts: 97	What tube's are you guys using? 01/31/13 at 17:11:40 To appease my Decware addiction I just ordered a ZP3. In perusing the forum I didn't see too much info on tubes used. I am going to stockpile a few so I'll be ready to roll when it arrives in 2-3 months time. Curious to know people's positive and negative tube impresssions. Thanks in advance. JD
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Lon

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Re: What tube's are you guys using?
Reply #1 - 01/31/13 at 17:59:52

I've tried about six rectifier tubes in my ZP3 and the clear winner for me is an old RCA 5Y3GT that just really anchors the tone foundation for me and also gives the most natural, unprocessed presentation of the six.

I bought a pair of Raytheon 12AX7s from Mike here on the board that really nail down that tube type for me, a matched pair. Interestingly I've found that the 12AU7 spot is very influential to the sound and I have handfuls of this tube type. I alternate lately a Telefunken, Mullard and Raytheon (I think, maybe RCA, supplied by Decware). It's taken me weeks to get to the point where the sound is stabilized and I can really make solid judgments. . . . This preamp is a lot like the CSP2+ in that aspect.

In the OA3 position I've also tried six tubes, and also two OB3 tubes. The Sylvania bottle type OA3 that Steve sent is very good, and I also am still using an RCA bottle type. OA3. An OB3 is interesting with this preamp, but in my system always just comes up a bit short in the weight and heft areas.

I know you're really going to enjoy this preamp!

Decware:ERR,HR-1,Styx,ZP3,CSP2+(2),Torii Mk III
PS Audio PWT and PWD Mk II,PowerBase (2), PPP,AC-12 pc
Sony BPD-S5000ES
Denon DCD-A100
Rega RP3+TTPSU,white belt and Exact2
Cryoset, VooDoo AudioICs
Mapleshade Samson v2+v3 and 4"platforms
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marky Seasoned Member Posts: 130	Re: What tube's are you guys using? Reply #2 - 01/31/13 at 18:19:30 I`ve liberated a Mullard GZ34 from my old amp which has been replaced by SE341`s, and put the stock back. Looking forward to popping it in the ZP3 after new amps and cables have settled down.
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JD Senior Member Posts: 97	Re: What tube's are you guys using? Reply #3 - 02/02/13 at 01:01:18 appreciate it guys thanks JD
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marky

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Posts: 130

Re: What tube's are you guys using?
Reply #4 - 02/03/13 at 19:37:15

JD, you must be checking out a variety of tubes in anticipation.
I did the same and have a small selection.
No real favs between TFK, Brimar, Mullard, and a P.miniwatt in the 12au7 spot.
GE, RCA, Mullard, Phillips, for rectifiers of different configs, ie, 5Y3GT,
5R4GY etc.
0A3 pos....Raytheon
12ax7, seems I`m happy with Sylvania x3 mica.
Still a few to get but there comes a time when you say
enough for now. Well maybe a 12at7 or two.

Ones that got away for now....square getters....bugleboys...
the usual suspects,
Some GZ34 rectifiers are big bucks. My Mullard wasn`t to bad. Listening with it in now sounds good....or different.
Good hunting

« Last Edit: 02/03/13 at 19:50:27 by marky »

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