Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps

[Robd2]

Hello Everyone, Happy owner of a VAC Signature SE preamp for 2 years. Stock tubes only so I’ve been starting to think about tube options for both the line and built in phono stages. Starting a thread to consolidate responses.

Any experiences or recommendations to share from the group with tube options for the Signature and Master Preamps?

[Dguitarnut]

I have finally settled on a pair of Amperex PQ 6922 tubes as my favorites although the stock ones are quite good and I could easily live with them too.
I have no phono section.

[Robd2]

I have finally settled on a pair of Amperex PQ 6922 tubes as my favorites although the stock ones are quite good and I could easily live with them too.
I have no phono section.

Great info Dguitarnut, thank you! I’m newer to the tube rolling topic. I haven’t opened up my Signature SE yet, any thoughts what stock tubes the Signature SE ships with?

[Dguitarnut]

The Master came with Electroharmonix 6922’s.

[knghifi]

Great info Dguitarnut, thank you! I’m newer to the tube rolling topic. I haven’t opened up my Signature SE yet, any thoughts what stock tubes the Signature SE ships with?

My guess is Golden Dragon from China

My favorite Signature SE tube is 60's Siemen and Telefunken e88cc. Sound is transparent, linear and detail. Telefunken prices has skyrocketed to $700 MP so try find some Siemens. GL!

[Dth31]

IMO, it depends upon what kind of sound you’re looking for and where the rest of your system currently is. In my system and for my tastes Mullards were too warm, Telefunkens just a little too analytical, and Amperex were just right. That was due in part to the fact that I already had the tonal balance I wanted in my system. Had I thought my system was a bit too warm and lacking detail I suspect I would have preferred the Telefunkens. They’re all good tubes. Depends upon your taste.

[rrwmd]

NOS Amperex 7308 gold pin are just right for my taste in my system.

[Robd2]

This weekend I pulled the lid to have a look inside my Signature SE. Looks like it shipped with a pair of Electroharmonix 6922 in the preamp section. Sonic signature-wise, any thoughts on how these compare to the NOS Telefunkens, Siemens, Amperex?

FYI the phono section shipped with Russian made Mullard 12AX7s

[rrwmd]

EH tubes are stock in the Master preamp also. Amperex are a little fuller and warmer with a bit plumper bass and a very slightly relaxed top end but still very detailed. Siemens are more in the neutral camp, similar to EH but a bit sweeter. Haven't heard any of those particular Tele's.

[Robd2]

To report back. I splurged for a pair of the Tele E88CC. Very very interesting results at the first note..... I’m excited to hear if and how these evolve.

This now has me thinking about swapping out the new issue Mullard 12AX7s in the onboard phono stage. Those of you running VAC phono stages, what tubes do you like here?

Regarding tonal/imaging qualities. I do feel I could use just a little more image precision from my phono rig.