|   What tubes to use in Audio Research SP-9 MkIII preamp? | mitch4t
Apr 13, 2002 11:22 AM | | I have never opened the case on my AR SP-9 MkIII preamp. I called the guy who sold it to me and he says that it has Sovet6922 or called 6DJ8. A pair of Simens old new stock tubes 6922 made in Germany are for sale for $130 bucks...is the price of the Siemens tubes a good deal? Will the change in tubes make a significant improvement? I've never opened the case...how many tubes will I need? The AR users manual suggests leaving the preamp on all the time....how long will tubes last if the unit is always left on? Thanks,...Mitch |
| Amprex Bugle Boys | BryanE
May 2, 2002 4:50 PM | | I also own a SP9 MKIII.I am using Amprex Bugle Boys.
You will need two tubes.One for the line stage,one for the phono.Ya don't spin vinyl?Then you only need one NOS tube and a sovtek in the other socket.
I just bought a pair of Sieman/Halsk tubes for 105.00 from Fletch at Audiogon.Just to have on hand.
The tube of choice with 6922s seems to be Amprex 7308 gold pins.If you have deep pockets.Go to www.tubeworld.com and check the prices.
Now the million dollar question is this.Is it worth the money to put NOS tubes in the 9??Hmmmmm.Depends.The increase in sound quality is minimal.A little less grain in the highs.Maybe a mellower sound,not much though.This preamp is not the tubiest sounding one in the ARC line up to begin with.Nice detail and slam in the bass region, but lacks that tubey sound.The revered pre in the ARC line up for tubeyness,I believe,goes to the SP10.Read the reviews on that puppy and be prepared to pay about 2500.00 when they rarely come up for sale.And then really get ready to say OUCH when it comes time to retube it.The SP8 and 6 also are known for there tube sound.
And it does help the sound quality to leave the beast on all the time.Lifespan of that tube is supposed to be 5000 hours.I have taken to leaving mine on 24/7.I'll let ya know when they pop.
Use he search engine at Audio Asylum to research the SP11.If I were you I would trade up to the 11.But I like beer enemas so what do I know.
YECH |
| re: What tubes to use in Audio Research SP-9 MkIII preamp? | Choobs
Jul 1, 2002 1:47 AM | | I use an SP-6. It uses 2 x 12AX7, and 1 x 6922 for the line stage. Same for the phono stage.
It has a reputation for being tube sounding as a preamp, but I don't mind, because as I like tubes, that is the musicality that I am after.
I tried Telefunkens, TESLA, Audio Research original tubes, Philips, Sovtek, Amperex, Siemens, RAM, National, GE, RCA - on a grand tube rolling A-B kind of session. The poweramp I used was an Audio Research Classic 60. Speakers are Sonus Fabers, CD player was an AH! Tjoeb with 2 x 6922 Amperex 7308 white label tubes.
Yes, the sound changes as I change tubes. That is an observation for us here. Some are better than others,and that would be more of a listener's preference. I find the Telefunkens and Siemens bright and detailed. The Sovteks were pleasant and acceptable, normal. Commendable were TESLA gold pinned, the Amperex Bugle Boys, the 7308s, AR original WGerman tubes were just as excellent.
You can never tell you heard the best of them until you try. And try you must. You will spot the differences in speed, tonal balance, soundstaging quality, warmth, bass, detail, etc... Then, you trust your ears. I just change everytime I get bored, and it feels like a different system everytime.
These peanut tubes last a long time, don't worry. Be careful of cracking the glass by the pins, though. Rock them carefully, and wipe the glass clean always, before using. |
| Thanks Choobs (nt) | mitch4t
Jul 3, 2002 12:03 AM | | Thanks Choobs |
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