Members Strange Posted November 12, 2005 Members Share Posted November 12, 2005 I know that the ultimate solution to getting a good signal is to buy a high end pre. But, for those of us that either cannot afford a high end pre or have some low end models kicking around... How much difference, if any, will swaping tubes make? For instance, I have a few ART TPS II at my disposal and I was wondering if swapping tubes would be worth while? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 We discussed that topic recently. You might want to check out this thread. Then go ahead and swap out the tube with something better and see what YOU think. Also, remember that different tubes in the 12A family have different gain factors... so replacing a 12AX7 (gain factor of 100) tube with something like a 12AY7 (gain factor of 44) or a 12AT7 (gain factor of 60) will change the gain and distortion characteristics of the device. IMO, you will see a far greater change in a true high plate voltage devices that use the tubes in a traditional manner than you will in a low voltage, starved plate design that uses the "toob" as a "distortion generating device" in an otherwise solid-state preamp circuit (with some of the low end "toob" preamps, you can take the tube completely out of the device and the preamp will still function!), but if you have some different tubes sitting around, try it anyway, and let your own ears be your guide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members offramp Posted November 12, 2005 Members Share Posted November 12, 2005 Strange...do yourself a favor: delete your thread.You don't need the headache that's about to follow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Strange Posted November 13, 2005 Author Members Share Posted November 13, 2005 The thread Phil pointed to was all the info I needed... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Zooey Posted November 13, 2005 Members Share Posted November 13, 2005 Different tubes will have more or less noise, and more or less gain. This may easily fool you into thinking something significant is happening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Strange Posted November 13, 2005 Author Members Share Posted November 13, 2005 Yeah, I figured as much. The old saying "you get what you pay for" rings true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members UstadKhanAli Posted November 13, 2005 Members Share Posted November 13, 2005 Originally posted by Strange Yeah, I figured as much. The old saying "you get what you pay for" rings true. That's often true, although there's some high-priced "vintage" (read: OLD ) stuff that's selling for more than it's really worth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Strange Posted November 13, 2005 Author Members Share Posted November 13, 2005 I think I am just going to go with a new Focusrite ISA 428. Four channels and I have never heard any complaints about this unit...yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.