Aikido linestage tube choice? (again)

[Jolojl]

Hi!

I just received on loan from a friend an Aikido line-stage. I must say this is to my ears a superb pre: very clean, open and transparent with a great soundstage and presentation of individual instruments. It uses 6BX7 as both in- and output tubes.

I also have a 12b4a linestage (from a friend) that actually gets beaten in my set-up in all the above mentioned areas. However the 12b4a has somewhat better "drive" and also more mid-bass (which suits my set-up, don't know about neutrality).

I'm thinking of making my first DIY amp using the octal Aikido linestage kit from John Broskie and Glass-ware. I understand one can choose between all the following tubes "the 6AS7, 6BL7, 6BX7, 6SL7, 6SN7, 12SL7, 12SN7, 12SX7, 5691, 5692, 6080, B65, ECC32, ECC33…" but "Both tubes must share the same heater voltage". And if I understand it correctly you need to make your choice of tubes before starting to build and choosing other components.

Finally to the question, I know many things in Audio is about making compromises but which of the tubes above would you choose in an Aikido pre if only drive and mid-bass were the issues to address?

Thanks for reading!
Johan

[Original Burnedfingers]

I would suggest doing a search and you will find a number of good Aikido threads that will answer your questions. I would suggest printing them out and putting them into an Aikido notebook for future reference.

I also have a 12b4a linestage (from a friend) that actually gets beaten in my set-up in all the above mentioned areas. However the 12b4a has somewhat better "drive" and also more mid-bass (which suits my set-up, don't know about neutrality).

There could be a number of factors there. I also have a 12B4 and the Aikido clearly kicks it to the curb. I haven't used the 6BL6 or 6BX6 tubes in my Aikido but my 6sn7/5692, 6sn7 will clearly deliver better more refined midrange than my 12B4 does. Drive?
The 6SN7 has very good drive and probably more than enough for most equipment without a doubt.

[Jolojl]

Hi burnedfingers,

I did a search and found a couple of interesting threads on tube choice.

Actually I was offered to buy the Aikido yesterday and "modded" to use 6sn7. So this might not be my first DIY project after all...

Thanks!
Johan