Tube swapping

[Canetoad]

I bought one of these on ebay for a bit of fun Here (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Valve-Class-Tube-Headphone-Amplifier-pre-Bravo-V2-e-/250965020538?_trksid=p4340.m444&_trkparms=algo%3DCRX%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DSI%25 2BUA%252BLM%252BLA%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5 330321199687144451). One of the easiest mods would be to replace the tube with something a bit better. Any advice on a good sounding replacement for not too much outlay? :scratch:

It's my first piece of "valve" equipment! :)

[selfaddict]

Tubeworld is always a good source of info. Then just start hunting 'bargains' on e-bay.

Link below you can see all the different types of valves you could try:

https://www.tubeworld.com/12au7.htm

[jostber]

Another nice overview of alternatives:

http://www.vacuumtubes.com/12au7.html

[Canetoad]

Oooh! So many choices, so little time... :wah:

[jostber]

Since you have just one tube there you might try to locate a 7730 or a 7316 for a good price. You might also try to call or email the Vacuumtube.com fella to get some recommendations.

Here is an article on tube rolling with different 12AU7s:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/tuberolling/tuberolling.html

[jandl100]

Ah - a 12AU7 / ecc82.

I can send you a few nice ones to play with, if you'd like, Bernie. :)

Amperex, RCA, GE & JJ.

... only I've deleted your address! :doh: Let me know again.

[Canetoad]

You're too kind Jerry. I'm still waiting for it to arrive. I want to have a good listen to it as delivered before starting any tube rolling. I'll be using it to listen to music at work playing Flac files mostly, which is why I wanted something cheap and cheerful. With a nice tube it might even sound pretty good. :)

How about I get back to you at that point and take you up on your most generous offer?

I'll PM you my address details again.

[worrasf]

Recently installed a pair of 1960's RCA black plate 5814A's in my SOHA II headphone amp and I'm very very pleased. Much more refined than current production ECC82's/12AU7's and even nicer than my previous 12AU7 alternative JAN GE 5963's. The 5814's have a wonderful silky smooth but not overly warm (like Mullard) presentation - really nice on cello and solo piano - a snip price wise as well.

Steve