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November 9, 2019, 08:54 AM #1Junior Member
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Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
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?
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November 17, 2019, 12:33 PM #2Senior Member
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
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.Larry
Lumin U1
Chord Dave Dac
Vac Master Preamp
Vac 200IQ Amp
Magico S3 Mk2 in Mcast Pewter
Denali 6000S
Ansuz and MIT cabling
Timbernation walnut racks
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November 17, 2019, 01:28 PM #3Junior Member
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
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?
Originally Posted by Dguitarnut
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November 17, 2019, 01:51 PM #4Senior Member
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
The Master came with Electroharmonix 6922’s.
Larry
Lumin U1
Chord Dave Dac
Vac Master Preamp
Vac 200IQ Amp
Magico S3 Mk2 in Mcast Pewter
Denali 6000S
Ansuz and MIT cabling
Timbernation walnut racks
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November 17, 2019, 08:59 PM #5Senior Member
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
My guess is Golden Dragon from China Originally Posted by Robd2
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!
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November 17, 2019, 11:21 PM #6Senior Member
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
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.
Analog source: AMG Viella 12; Ortofon Anna cartridge, van den Hul Crimson Stradivarius XGW
Digital source: Totaldac d1-twelve Mk2 DAC, Totaldac d1-player, Totaldac d1-streamer, Totaldac Live Power supply
Pre amp: VAC Master with phono
Phonostage: Constellation Andromeda
Amps: VAC 200iQ monoblocks
Speakers: Magico M3 with MPods
Cables: Synergistic Research Galileo SX speaker, phono, analog and digital interconnects
Power products: Synergistic Research Galileo PowerCell SX and Transporter Ultra. Galileo SX and SRX power cords. Keces P3 LPS for cable modem and router.
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November 23, 2019, 03:56 PM #7Senior Member
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
NOS Amperex 7308 gold pin are just right for my taste in my system.
Rance
Synology DS411+II | GigaFOILv4 + Keces P3 Power Supply | Shunyata Alpha Ethernet | Lumin S1 | VAC Master Line Stage | VAC Signature 200 iQ amps | Kharma Elegance dB11-S | SVS PC-4000 subs x 2 | Shunyata 6000/T v2 | Kharma Elegance signal cables| Luminous Audio Technology power cables | Isoacoustics OREA vibration isolators | Solid Tech racks | Vicoustic room treatments | Acoustic Sciences Corporation IsoWall + IsoCeiling construction
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November 24, 2019, 12:44 PM #8Junior Member
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
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
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November 24, 2019, 02:35 PM #9Senior Member
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
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.
Rance
Synology DS411+II | GigaFOILv4 + Keces P3 Power Supply | Shunyata Alpha Ethernet | Lumin S1 | VAC Master Line Stage | VAC Signature 200 iQ amps | Kharma Elegance dB11-S | SVS PC-4000 subs x 2 | Shunyata 6000/T v2 | Kharma Elegance signal cables| Luminous Audio Technology power cables | Isoacoustics OREA vibration isolators | Solid Tech racks | Vicoustic room treatments | Acoustic Sciences Corporation IsoWall + IsoCeiling construction
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December 14, 2019, 10:01 AM #10Junior Member
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
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.
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December 14, 2019, 10:13 AM #11Audioshark
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
I’ve stuck to the stock tubes for now. But I have plenty I could try. I love how it sounds now, so I haven’t felt the urge. Originally Posted by Robd2
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
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December 14, 2019, 11:25 AM #12Junior Member
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
A question I was hoping the group could help answer for me. Regarding the tubes in the onboard phono. Are those always "on" even when listening to other inputs? I think the answer is yes just wanted to confirm.
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December 14, 2019, 11:41 AM #13Audioshark
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Re: Tube Choices For Signature and Master Preamps
Yes. Originally Posted by Robd2
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
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