by LEVLHED Sat Nov 21, 2009 2:52 pm
I currently have 4 different 12AT7's and 3 different places to put them. The front of a Dared SL-2000A pre, and the voltage amplifier (first middle) and phase splitter/phase inverter position (right/left) of a VTA ST-70.
The four types of tubes:
(3) JJ 12AT7 (came with the ST70)
(2) Telefunken ECC801C
(3) Mullard 12AT7 (cyro treated)
(2) Radiotechnique 12AT7 (came with the Dared)
It took about two days to try every conceivable combination.
I found the Mullards lacked a certain sparkle (too dull) to put in the ST-70.
My preferred combination with these options:
(2) Mullards in the Dared pre amp
(1) Telefunken in the middle of the ST-70
(2) JJs on the sides of the ST-70
To my ears this gives me the right balance of definition, clarity and sparkle with out a mid-range honk or harshness. I was actually surprised that I preferred the JJ's in that position. I wanted to like any of the other ones more, but my ears told me different! I am curious what else give the same JJ sound but "better", they seem to provide that last little bit of high end shimmer without pushing it over the edge.
If you don't know about the Dared pre and are in the market for something, I can highly recommend one of these for a kick ass budget tube pre. I do have one of the 2005 versions w/the Auricaps. I love that it has 2 sets of outputs so I can drive powered subs and has a remote control for volume. Pretty much all I need in a pre. And sounds damn good too with some NOS tubes. I put an RCA 5V4G in for the rectifier.
My next change will be a Weber SS rectifier for the ST70. Then I will look into rolling in some different output tubes, replacing the EH EL-34's that came with my ST-70. I just have to wait until after Christmas to see what Santa brings.