Need Help, which tubes go where? Preamp w/phono

Given that your seller bailed on that piece after only four months, I think I would start with the "correct tubes". See where that takes you. Maybe write to Vlad and ask for a schematic, if the manual doesn't have one.
 
That's probably the right thing to do, install the correct tubes. :yes:

I did ask the original owner why he was selling it and he informed me that his 12 yr old daughter was in need of some major medical treatment and he needed to raise cash. I told him I was very sorry to hear that and even though I don't know her, I said a prayer for her.
 
SubWolfer said:
You're correct, I remember reading somewhere that the third tube is to provide some sort of voltage regulation. However, its marked 12AT7 on the board, where the 12AX7 tube was installed.



Well I don't know what to do about the power supply side. Should I start with the "correct tubes" or the tubes that the seller states were in it when he bought it new from the manufacturer?

Oh, and a keen eye indeed from the earlier posters, I just was wondering what they seen that made them comment that its a nice preamp. I paid quite a bit less (55% less) than the MSRP buying it used. From the original shipping label on the box it looks like it was shipped out to the original owner the end of June, which tells me its only a little over 4 months old. So I reckon it was a decent deal for that price, as long as the power supply hasn't been compromised from using a 12AX7 tube when it calls for a 12AT7. :sigh:
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Could be that it's not even fully broken in yet! Once you get the tube locations sorted out, let her burn before making judgements either way.
The sound should change before your eyes over time.

Keep in mind that the pre will sound best after it's been on for about an hour.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, maybe she still does need some breaking in! She obviously aint that old, looks pretty new inside and out.

I wrote the manufacturer and asked several questions about the tubes and schematics and even if warranty is transferable. So hopefully I'll know more about it in the next couple days.

Do any of you guys just leave your tube gear on all the time? I have a SS amp, so would it be OK to leave the preamp and power amp powered on?
 
Sorry for mixing up the 12AT7 and 12AU7 in my earlier post. In the power supply I would suggest using the tubes marked on the board which would mean the 12AT7 (if I'm not mixing things up again.:stupid:) Once the power supply is set up correctly you can actually use any of the 3 types (AX, AU, AT) in the rest of the positions without any damage to the preamp. Pair them up and decide what combinations sound best. Back when tubes were common it was a common practice to substitute one for another to effect a repair and get the unit working. (I am actually old enough to remember that!:tears:).

Get the power supply right then play with the others till you get the sound you really want:thmbsp:.
To keep the combinations within the realm of sanity do them in pairs. That way you don't go :screwy:.

Its a nice looking piece. Enjoy it.


Shelly_D
 
SubWolfer said:
Thanks for all the suggestions, maybe she still does need some breaking in! She obviously aint that old, looks pretty new inside and out.

I wrote the manufacturer and asked several questions about the tubes and schematics and even if warranty is transferable. So hopefully I'll know more about it in the next couple days.

Do any of you guys just leave your tube gear on all the time? I have a SS amp, so would it be OK to leave the preamp and power amp powered on?
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I would not. Not only are you doing a dis-service to your electric bill (and the planet) but the tubes will produce heat. It is quite possible that the elevated temperatures inside the unit left on 24x7 could cause premature aging of some of the other parts.

Shelly_D
 
I just joined this board.

I also just purchased a used PP1, although an older version than the one discussed here. Very similar looking inside, and probably gives close to the same performance.

Mine also has a 12ax7 in the power supply, so I believe that is what is meant to be there.

I didn't get a manual with mine and am having trouble figuring out how to set the phono stage cartridge settings up. I have sent a PM to Subwolfer to see if his manual has any info on this.

Right now I am just running the MM stage and I am using some NOS 5751's which sound fantastic and much better than the stock tubes. Looking to get a nice pair of 12ax7's to provide more gain.

I'm curious to try the MC stage once I can sort out the phono stage settings.
 
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