Does one size fit all

[Alrainbow]

when it comes to our hobby can one amp or chain reallly for all genre or sound levels of play back
I have two devices that can roll many types of tubes in combinations in the hundreds or more. Now this may seem crazy or overwhelming it's not. Once you play a song or general genre you know Ina second of its right
Ina short time the blur gets clear and you know what tube for what.
Mad some hear have tubes does anyone roll any for there sound type. Some may spend thousands on interconnects
tubes are cheap in comparison. Any thoughts on this welcome

[defdum&blind]

I accept that one chain be used for all genres. Any system or component should be thought out before assembly or purchase and this should include room treatment as well. Component synergy is also a factor. A preferred tube may bring out the best in one's component or system but used in another component or system may not have the same affect.

[MylesBAstor]

Conversely, do we choose music based upon our systems?

Amplifiers perhaps more than any anything else in the electronics chain come with tradeoffs. That's why I don't buy the all amplifier's sound the same within their power rating. Tubes no matter the level and speaker, sound very different than solid-state amplifiers. You want that lowest octave, you choose ss amplifiers; you go the tube route, when it comes to midrange magic, bounce and delicacy. I also think that ss amplifiers that I've heard have just a little lower noise floor or transparency than tube amplifiers. But were are talking really infinitesimal here. Of course, the choice of speakers will also greatly determine the choice of amplifier. Or for that matter, season.

[MylesBAstor]

I accept that one chain be used for all genres. Any system or component should be thought out before assembly or purchase and this should include room treatment as well. Component synergy is also a factor. A preferred tube may bring out the best in one's component or system but used in another component or system may not have the same affect.

While I agree in principle too, I still find components that favor one type of music over another. To wit, the Shelter Harmony vs. 9000. The former with its midrange is better for classical music while the latter with its dynamics and low end better lends itself better to jazz and rock.

[defdum&blind]

I see your point in regards to a stylus tracing a dynamic groove. What if a classical piece has similar dynamics in regards to your example? And in the case of a classical piece with vocals, let's say a soloist and the same soloist in a "pop or jazz" crossover recording with an identical recording chain? Should the cartridge not serve each genre equally?

[MylesBAstor]

Twas more in regards to generalizing about one genre relative to the other. Of course there's exceptions to the rule. For instance, the Harmony just sounded boring on jazz and rock while classical was better served. Plus tracing the groove is just one part of a cartridge's ability to reproduce dynamics. How resonances are transmitted up and reflected back down the cantilever affects dynamics and "noise." One reason that strain gauges cartridges can sound digital quiet-like compared to MC cartridge.

A better example might have been the older Koetsus like the Rosewood Signature that definitely favored classical music.

[Alrainbow]

Yes I feel we do if we are looking for best sound
also best sound is all about us too right. I posted this a few times you got it right in hiw I think. Rolling tubes finds the sweet spot for each of us I think.

[Alrainbow]

This is why I roll maybe it's my system but some just sound better until I roll in what makes that best. Making things better is part of of it. Like classical may sound good with tube x then play rock and it's painful until
i roll tube set y. Having an msb stack I feel it's one of the top type of digital dac made and it somehow sounds the same on all music making some I love and some I don't.
Now roll tubes and it all can be great. My point is so anyone of us roll to what we like by type or genre ?

[defdum&blind]

The electronic components in my system; phono stage, pre-amp and power amp are tube components. When I have changed tubes and found improvements I felt that all genres of music were affected by the change in a similar way. It may have to do what I listen for where others may perceive something I don't. I used reviews of tubes to narrow done my options as I though it would be as you said overwhelming with all the tube choices.
Dou you feel that your MSB stack reproduces all genres of music and each recording the same way?

[astrotoy]

I wrote this before reading #6 and #7, which partially answer my question. However, comments are still appreciated.

Al, I have tube equipment but haven't done any serious tube rolling. On the phono side, I have a tube phono pre pro, a tube preamp and tube amps (mono blocks). On the R2R side, I have a tube tape pre pro, the same tube preamp and amps. How do you decide which tubes to roll? Are there specific synergies - i.e. if I use this tube with my phono pre pro, then I should use that tube with my preamp and that tube with my amp? Also if I am playing chamber music do I use a different combination of tubes than if I am playing a symphony, or a solo piano or solo violin, or a jazz saxophone vs. an electric organ, or Fleetwood Mac.

My major experience is with my multichannel preamp which is also tube. It uses the same six tubes in all its channels (CJ MET-1). I change tubes when I can hear extraneous noise in one of the channels. Otherwise, I just stick with the tubes that CJ provides. Also on my amps (Cary 2A3 Sig) I did compare a pair of Sovtek 2A3 with the KR tubes that came with the units. The KR was much better. However, they are getting pretty expensive and I switched to not inexpensive Chinese tubes (currently Psvane Treasures IIRC) which also sound better than the Sovteks. I keep the Sovteks for spares.

Thanks, Larry

[Alrainbow]

Now what if you could have ven better sound in a certain type and rolling tubes to achieve this in others . It sounds complex at first but it's not. This first happen to me in choosing drivers , 6sn7 or 6sl7. Eachbcatagory sounds very different as does each style or brand. Once you hear it your hooked . Ps audio came out with a new amp it only holds 2 tubes one for each channel they. Roll each having its sound type. The one thing about nos tubes is the vast majority of them and how they interact with the rest.

[Alrainbow]

Al, I have tube equipment but haven't done any serious tube rolling. On the phono side, I have a tube phono pre pro, a tube preamp and tube amps (mono blocks). On the R2R side, I have a tube tape pre pro, the same tube preamp and amps. How do you decide which tubes to roll? Are there specific synergies - i.e. if I use this tube with my phono pre pro, then I should use that tube with my preamp and that tube with my amp? Also if I am playing chamber music do I use a different combination of tubes than if I am playing a symphony, or a solo piano or solo violin, or a jazz saxophone vs. an electric organ, or Fleetwood Mac.

My major experience is with my multichannel preamp which is also tube. It uses the same six tubes in all its channels (CJ MET-1). I change tubes when I can hear extraneous noise in one of the channels. Otherwise, I just stick with the tubes that CJ provides.

Thanks, Larry

Pick same tubes but other brands or try tubes that are the same in specs but may need a socket adaptor . One of the best driver tube I have found so far is a vt99 its a milatery nos that can be bought new in nos it needs a socket . While a friend is loaning me more that may be better that ones is tops. They are only 85 each. Trial and error or google the tube there is plenty of info on tubes but hiw it sounds in your device may. Vary. I read some info on say a recti now knowing I have found better and post . In this very complex hobby trial and error is a must . Nos tubes can always be resold too. Dr ears on this forums is a marvel at this. He can suggest . But pick a device that uses just a pAir not 6/8. I read up on what others post warmer. , briter , hyper detailed ther is plenty out there instead of spending big bucks on wires a simple cheap tube rolls does wonders.