Sp16 What tube to try next

[erniejade]

I have a sp 16 that I have owned for a bit now. I have tried RCA 3mica 5751, EH 12ax7, ( did not like at all ) and currently using Tung-Sol vintage from 1959 for about 2 years. I keep getting the upgrade itch so I am going to swap tubes. Any suggestions on what to try next? I keep reading good things about the gold lion's so i was starting to lean towards that but, I am not dead set on anything. What do you suggest to try next? I like a bit warmer sound but, I like a faster top end. The RCA 3mica had a nice bloom but, I did not care for the top on this preamp. Just was not a good match. Im not sure if the pre just likes the higher output of the 12ax7 or what but, from what a lot of people raved about that tube, I did not hear on my preamp

[erniejade]

I should add the gold lion i was considering is the B759

[MPS]

Hi, 12AX7 is not being used in current production pre-amplifiers. You might get better answers from DIY forums etc.

[JPrest]

I know it's a boring answer but nos Telefunkens do sound best in my SP3 and my SP6, believe me I own and have tried every tube out there with few exceptions. Hell I'd be willing to loan you a few pair to try. PM me
John

[MPS]

I liked Telefunkens in LS15 but it's with 6922 / ECC88 so not really good reference to 12AX7 .

[erniejade]

Jprest, not a boring answer. As I have found out, the sp16 is sensitive on tubes. A lot of other forums in the past pointed me to the RCA 3 mica 5751 and it did not do well in the sp16 at all so I figured i would ask in a AR forum.