TUBES(pre, power, rectifier) share your list of tubes

I’m ready to put in an order with Brent Jessee for my Nautilus tubes, based on a conversation with Justin yesterday:

  • Sylvania 5751 blackplate, as a replacement for the 12AX7. Justin raved about the sound quality of these, and said that they have lower gain than a 12AX7.

  • Mazda 12AU7. Justin didn’t recommend this but I’m curious about how a European tube will sound, and I have 2 amps that will take this tube, so why not.

  • Tung Sol 6550 made for other companies. These are a lot cheaper than the Tung Sol labeled “holy grail” 6550.

I’m still trying to choose between an Amperex/Miniwatt 5AR4/GZ34 or a much cheaper Tung Sol 5U4G and I had a question about the difference in sound between a 5AR4 and a 5U4G. I saw this post just now by @bpcarb but I don’t understand what “sag” is.

If I want speed and rhythm, do I want less sag?

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