WiredState Audio Community

Post your favorite Input - Driver - Rectifier(if not SS rectified) - Power tube combos here

It would be nice if you said what amp you use and describe how combining the different types turned out.

Favorite but not yet implemented (still in imagination stage for almost 2 years now ) :

Pentode driving a Triode like el34 and 300B or 310 and 2A3, 6c6 and 45.

My readings on this subject make me drool (read: Thorsten et al). Hope this reponse qualifies somehow, otherwise, chastise me .

Pre-amplifier - Telefunken 12au7

SET - RCA 5U4G rectifier - Valvo (or Amperex) 12au7 driver - EH 2A3 triode
SET - RCA 5U4G Rectifier - RCA Black Plate 12au7 driver - RCA 2A3 triode

The reason why I have two combinations on the SET is because of the RCA 2A3s..... these sounder better when I use the RCA blackplates. For everyday use, it's the EH combo

On my vintage Harman Kardon A224 Trio - Mullard 5AR4 - RCA 12au7 Cleartops (pre-driver) Sylvanna 5751 (driver/phase splitter) Sylvanna EL-84.

Sun Audio 2A3:

RCA 5U4
RCA 2A3
GE (Zenith) Side Getter 6SN7

SED KT88s power amp tubes, with SED 6N1Ps as input tubes for the ARC VS110 amp.

For the Jadis JPL line stage:
2 pcs. Mullard ECC83 Military version CV 492 for inputs.
1 pc. Mullard ECC83 Long Plate O-rod getter as cathode follower.
1 pc. Mullard Long Plate ECC82 Square Getter for special CD input stage but actually affects the overall sound when brand rolled.

For the ARC PH3 Phono Stage:
3 pcs. Mullard 6922 Military Version CV 2492 for gain stage

On my cayin A50T integrated amp

EH 6CA7 power tubes
Brimar 12AX7 preamp
Raytheon 12AU7 or Valvo 12AU7 driver

More Bass than the standard EL34 yet still sweet
Very detailed presentation and lively --- very good combo with my VR1

on my wavelength amps, this combo sounded best (to my ears):

Bendix 6754
WE 417a
Cunningham globe 345

2 watts of bliss.