Tír Na HiFi

I want to try this shortly with my headphone amp. Cayin HA-1A.
Done a bit of research but as I have no experience on this I wouldn't mind some guidance.
Suggestions seem to be that changing the input tubes bring best results(whatever that means)
They are currently chinese 12AX7 and 12AU7. The types suggested are mullard cv4003 and 4004, nos mullard ecc83 and amperex orange globe 12ax7 and finally genalex goldlion b759/ecc83(12ax7) and genalex goldlion 3749 ecc821(12au7) The genalex are available I think from Jim mcshanes site and seem to be the most expensive. Has anybody got some advice or ideas?

you can find both 12ax7 and 12au7 in 2 of the pro audio shops in Wicklow Street dont remember the names of the shops...Music Maker and guitar something... they do some have some electro-harmonix and svetlana valves....while they wouldn't be the best they sound really good.i got some e-h for my preamp and am happy with them,also they are @10e...

I have a couple of Siemens NOS 12au7's surplus to requirements and you're welcome to have them. A good source is http://www.triplemaudioshop.nl/

KM

Thanks guys, I will certainly try the shops on wicklow street as they are worth a try at those prices. Are you sure about that Ken? Are they not spares for your own kit.

X music out at the red cow have electro harmonix ones too....

Jj are meant to be good too..... as are the ei gold pin ones but I think these are hard to find.

Only thing I'd say to you is that you're entering the dragons lair to practice the black arts!

Tony, I have a couple of pairs of 12au7's from previous upgrades ( and a couple of pairs of KT-88's if anyone needs them ) so you're welcome to a pair. Fran is right, there are wonderful ways to squander money on tubes. Take a look at audiotubes.com for some background. I'm using a pair of old Telefunken 12au7's and a pair of Shuguang black KT-88's and I don't think I can go much better but you never know.
KM

Thanks a lot Ken I will take you up on your genourous offer. I will be hoping not to break the bank on tubes.I think your main amp is valve if memory serves me right while my amp is solid state and I think will remain that way for a long time to come.

Fran I was expecting you to suggest a couple of diy methods using old disused waterford glass or cavan crystal furnaces to create a unique tube master piece.

I like RCA Clear Top 12au7s. JJs are good if buying new. Anything non-Chinese will be better in my experience of the tubes I got in Chinese amps to date.

Richard

Well I got my first tube in music maker(I think) on wicklow st. €12 Paul must be a bit of recessionary inflation. They only had a 12AX7 (EH). Seems they have no call for AU7's for guitars. I popped it in this evening. I had being playing down by the river by Mr Yung the last couple of nights. It had sounded very crackly/distorted on some of the guitar parts. EH seems to have given it an immediate softer/warmer improvement at least to my waxy ears. I am using AKG701's which are probably regarded as bright phones. I think I have caught the bug Fran. Trick is to convince myself that the EH are musical nirvana and then I should be alright.

on the opposite side of wicklow street close to dunnes store on the corner there is another shop ,guitar something, they had one EH12au7 left...also some 12ax7 svetlana and some gold version EH haven't even asked the price.i am doing the same thing...dont want to try rarer more expensive ones because after you start something like this where do you stop?