Fireblade
Seasoned Member
  

Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers. A.L.Tennyson
Posts: 1046
|
True, but I've found driver/output tube synergy matters. There are sound-opening drivers that require darker output tubes to make a nice balanced sound, i.e., Brimar 12at7 and the russian 6v6 GT. On the other hand, a powerful 6V6 like G (ST) goes very well with darker drivers, like the RCA 12au7 (Black Plate). Then there's the special combination of an Amperex 7062 SQ and the G (ST), which is awsome, in my setting anyway.
Depending on the music genre and recording characteristics/quality, one can optimize the tube set within system constraints.
Lately though, what has made the most difference in my system is my current external DAC. This is a variable that can be a game changer, unless you start with a very good one from the start. Of course, this is for a computer-based transport source. IMO, in this environment, the quality of the DAC is crucial, beyond even Tube-Rolling or other tweaks.
|