Looking for strong, neutral sounding tubes for driver use. I don't need any added lushness. I'm actually looking for a bit more linearity and clarity. Both new production and NOS/NIB would be much appreciated. Currently using JJ ecc99s which are aging quickly.
Looking for strong, neutral sounding tubes for driver use. I don't need any added lushness. I'm actually looking for a bit more linearity and clarity. Both new production and NOS/NIB would be much appreciated. Currently using JJ ecc99s which are aging quickly.
So am I. I usually roll only input tubes. In the case of the LL2 I couldn't honestly say I heard much difference (if any) swapping the driver tubes (6922/6dj8) while there were very obvious differences rolling the 12au7s. True to my mantra, I saved my money there and stayed stock. In this other preamp I'm using 802s with the stock JJ but as I said these are going south. What I'm pretty sure I'll get is a slight reduction in gain since BHs aren't exact drop in replacements for 99s. The designer says it will work though so I will experiment.
Looking for strong, neutral sounding tubes for driver use. I don't need any added lushness. I'm actually looking for a bit more linearity and clarity. Both new production and NOS/NIB would be much appreciated. Currently using JJ ecc99s which are aging quickly.
I just received my VTL Siegfried Series 2 amps from VTL and they use 12BH7 tubes as driver tubes (2 per mono block). VTL uses the Electro Harmonix 12BH7 tubes and for an input tube they use the JJ12AT7 tube. The JJ 12AT7 tube is awful sounding as I have been experimenting with several different NOS tubes that are far away better sounding. But, perhaps the EH 12BH7 might be worth a try for you.
Thanks! I'll give them a shot. As it turns out, my brother who has VTL Sig IIs has a stash of 12BH7s. I should have known he would except I didn't know the tube complement until today
Thanks! I'll give them a shot. As it turns out, my brother who has VTL Sig IIs has a stash of 12BH7s. I should have known he would except I didn't know the tube complement until today
Thanks! I'll give them a shot. As it turns out, my brother who has VTL Sig IIs has a stash of 12BH7s. I should have known he would except I didn't know the tube complement until today
I just received my VTL Siegfried Series 2 amps from VTL and they use 12BH7 tubes as driver tubes (2 per mono block). VTL uses the Electro Harmonix 12BH7 tubes and for an input tube they use the JJ12AT7 tube. The JJ 12AT7 tube is awful sounding as I have been experimenting with several different NOS tubes that are far away better sounding. But, perhaps the EH 12BH7 might be worth a try for you.
I just received my VTL Siegfried Series 2 amps from VTL and they use 12BH7 tubes as driver tubes (2 per mono block). VTL uses the Electro Harmonix 12BH7 tubes and for an input tube they use the JJ12AT7 tube. The JJ 12AT7 tube is awful sounding as I have been experimenting with several different NOS tubes that are far away better sounding. But, perhaps the EH 12BH7 might be worth a try for you.
I agree that the few JJ tubes that I have heard sound terrible. I have been listening to a Valvo 6201 Gold Pin replacing the JJ 12At7. This is a major step up in sonics.
Whilst this thread was started by 'arnies' to evaluate 12BH7 tubes, may I take this slightly more off thread? (in view of the fact that nothing has been added since 2013 I can't believe this should prove a problem?)
Recent posts have discussed the possible upgrade of tubes for VTL Amps-not just in respect of the 12BH7 tube.
Now, interestingly I bought a VTL Amp just over a year ago. At the time I contacted VTL ( and the UK Distributor -Kog Audio) with regard to possible tube upgrades.Both were dismissive of the idea !!
I didn't take it any further at the time but I'm now having to consider replacement tubes. ( which is how I can to this thread)
So,you lads who have VTL amps, what's the recommendation ??
That is, for the 12BH7,12AT7 and the KT88?