Which valves?

[Mike G]

Hi one and all,

Having followed the events at WAD and WD over the last couple of month's I finally decided it's time I placed a posting on this new board!

I'm after some advice regarding replacement valves.

Basically I have a PreII (converted to CF) and a KAT6550, both about two years old, so i'm now thinking about purchasing a replacement set of valves for each. At the moment both amps are fitted with the stock valves supplied by WAD. The KAT6550 had a set of 4 Russian Tung-Sol 6550's fitted about 8 months ago, and to my ears theses sound great. Can I make any other improvements by upgrading the rest of the valves too?

Thanks in advance!

Mike.

[Global]

My own favourites for the small signal valves are:

Tesla ECC802s
Sylvania 6AU6

I like the 'Tung-Sol' replicas too!

mark

[Mike G]

Hi Mark,

Yes the Tung-Sols are great and not too expensive, I bought mine from "Chinaarts" on Ebay after reading several complimentary reviews on the old WAD BB- just proves how useful this resource is!

Mike.

[Black Stuart]

I would like to hear a set of 6550 Tung Sols' but would have to warn that with the Tung Sol 12AX7 - there is something wrong. There appears to be loads of detail but it's all wrong. I often use Joni Mitchell's voice to test various things and with the Tung Sol - it is'nt Joni.Also they have no bass, I've never found that with any valve before.

I know a lot of people like KT88s but I've always found the 6550 to be a much better all round valve - but like always, it nice to be surprised.

Black Stuart

[John T]

Stuart,

It just goes to show how different we all are! I've been using Tung Sol 12AX7's for some time and my findings are the exact opposite of yours!!

John.

[Rob042]

Have been using 7543's instead of the 6au6's in a kit88 - seems to be less 'noise' ,cleaner sonics esp with box plate mullards in the ecc82 slot.

Rob

[Mike G]

Hi guys,

So any more ideas? I'm sure there were alot more posts regarding valve upgrades on the old WAD site, I don't really have to go back there and trawl through all the old posts! Only really interested in vaves for WAD KAT6550, and PreII.

Many thanks.

Mike.

[andrew ivimey]

whatever the Mullard gold pinned equivalent of 6922 is the zenith of valves for WAD pre2. I can't remember what is in there at the moment; RCA black plate probably, but nothing is better than the Mullard.

Much is enthused about Tung Sol modern 6550s and I believe they are cheap on ebay. Do it!

'el34s are actually better valves.' he asserted in a realtively strident manner expecting boisterous argument and contention.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by andrew ivimey

whatever the Mullard gold pinned equivalent of 6922 is the zenith of valves for WAD pre2.

That would be the....

E88CC

-- Andrew

[Mike G]

Thanks guys - that's given me a clue for the PreII. As I only need a single valve for that, I was hoping to pick up a few at the Tonbbridge Audio Jumble, in just over a weeks time! Thought I might do a little tube rolling then!

The modern Tung - Sols in my opinion are good, £65 I paid on Ebay for 4 matched valves!

Mike.