VTA ST - 120 Driver tube choices

I've been doing a little tube rolling with the driver tubes and I think I found the perfect combination if you are into full range music.
In the center, try a N.O.S. JAN 5814A and on the sides try JJ ECC 802S.
This is the most musical full range combo I have found. Music chosen was Jethro Tull's Thick as a brick.
What have you all found with your experimentation?
I would really appreciate any ones input on this. I know this is subjective and personal preferences differ.
I am playing through my Cerwin Vega VE - 15 speakers. I will soon try my Polk Audio Rti - 12's.

Bob Latino wrote:Check out this forum post by Andy from New Jersey on his experiments with tube rolling in a VTA ST-120 ..

Rolling driver tubes in the VTA ST-120

Bob

Thanks again for your wealth of knowledge. I did not see the combo I have tried. Maybe some of you out there will try? I am still listening to Jethro Tull's Thick as a brick and I am in sonic ecstasy!
Almost as good as sex. A little wine helps as well.

The ST-120 have proven to be a very revealing amp and like said it responds tube exchanges.  In the end it comes down to personal preference.  I like some top end air and sparkle but can be too much with the right mix of tubes.  Others like a more classic tube sound with tubby bass and rolled off highs.  So some recommendations may not work out for your setup so trust your ears.

Put some hours on the amp before you do some serious tube rolling.  Also let those new tubes run for a while as the sound can change in the first 50 - 100 hours.   The center tube has the most dramatic affect but I find the phase inverters and output tubes make a sonic difference as well.  So the perfect center tube has to be complimented by the phase inverters and power tubes.  Tube rolling has though been a fun but expensive hobby!  

arledgsc wrote:The ST-120 have proven to be a very revealing amp and like said it responds tube exchanges.  In the end it comes down to personal preference.  I like some top end air and sparkle but can be too much with the right mix of tubes.  Others like a more classic tube sound with tubby bass and rolled off highs.  So some recommendations may not work out for your setup so trust your ears.

Put some hours on the amp before you do some serious tube rolling.  Also let those new tubes run for a while as the sound can change in the first 50 - 100 hours.   The center tube has the most dramatic affect but I find the phase inverters and output tubes make a sonic difference as well.  So the perfect center tube has to be complimented by the phase inverters and power tubes.  Tube rolling has though been a fun but expensive hobby!  

$$$ Yes I know! Check these baby's out.
http://www.tubedepot.com/eat-kt88-quad.html

$450.00 a tube when not on sale Ouch!
Those better be some nice tubes........

I'm running some vintage RCA clear tops with good results

I currently have two NOS Tung Sol 12BH7As and a NOS Sylvania 12AU7A in the center in my ST120. I'm very pleased with this sound. My speakers are B&W CM10s.

Switching gears - I'm curious how much difference the tubes in the preamp (the VTA SP-12 in my case) vs. the amp makes??? Also - how important it is, or not, to match pairs in the preamp???

Regards,

John