What tube to test?

[n_brio]

Today i have Golden lions in my C500t but i think it is a bit harsh in the top end and i get tired when listening for long periods.
So im looking for a smother tube and more "tube sounding" midrange.

What du you tube gurus suggest? teles, mullards, tung-sol, amperex bugle boy?

This is my first tube rolling. When i brought my c500t seller told me it had teles but when i looked today it was golden lions.

[miketuason]

Personally, I like Telefunken smooth plate specially for the MC phono. What stage do you need the tube for, line or phono?

[jdandy]

n brio.......I'm with Mike on the Telefunken 12AX7's in the moving coil phono stage. That is what I use in my C2300. Some other tubes I have enjoyed in the line stage of the C2300 besides Gold Lion are Tung-Sol and Mullard. Tung-Sol 12AX7's sounded very smooth. Might be worth a try.

[n_brio]

I only usa streamer so no phono sektion.

Only the tube in the front window

the tung sol is that nos och new production?

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by n_brio

I only usa streamer so no phono sektion.

Only the tube in the front window

the tung sol is that nos och new production?

n-brio.......The Tung-Sol 12AX7's I used in my C1000 C/T preamplifier were new production versions from New Sensor. I wasn't expecting them to be on the same level as the Gold Lions, or even the Teles, but they sounded quite good. They are priced quite reasonably, as well.

[n_brio]

I think my hights have a little to mutch ss when playing for long times. Does tung sol have more gentle top en then gold lions?

[jdandy]

n brio.......It is difficult to accurately describe the exact sound of tubes in different preamplifiers, and since sound is a subjective topic my satisfaction with a certain sound my not be yours. I suggest you purchase a couple different brand of tubes and try them for a period of time. It will help you determine what sounds best to you.

If memory serves me correctly, I found the Tung-Sol 12AX7's to be a little softer on the top end than the Gold Lion tubes.

[ptrck887]

The C500 is a great tube preamp. I have one and love it . Also an admitted tube junkie. I own or have owned about every 12ax7 & 5751 known to man. While the reissue GL get a lot a positive comments here, in my rig they are mediocre at best. I would think if you find them "harsh" my first question would be how many hours are on them? All tubes, new issue or NOS will sound quite harsh until they burn in. Typically 50 - 100 hours. Telefunkens have been mentioned and they are very nice
I personally prefer and run 1950's Sylvania Triple mica black plate Gold Brand 5751's. Very focused and balanced with a crazy 3D soundstage. I also really like Mullard 10M's but they are stupid expensive. A very musical yet "tubey" sound would be 1950's RCA long black plates. Very nice and highly regarded and quite readily available. Have fun!

[FreddieFerric]

If the OP is looking for something a bit more rolled of on the top end but with a liquid mid range try the RCA blackplates. They shouldn't be too hard to find, but if the price is too steep the grey plates are very good too. I've put both to very good use over the years.

[n_brio]

Some shops recomend Philips Holland NOS 1970-1971 and Amperex Bugle Boy 1960s, anyone tried this?

ptrck887-> The 1950's Sylvania Triple mica black plate Gold Brand 5751 where can i find this? i have googled but can not find them.


FreddieFerric -> i will look at this