12AX7-Gold Lion vs Psvane

[thebeatles67]

Hello everyone,

With the help of Dan (Jdandy) I just completed my first tube roll yesterday within my McIntosh C2300--I had purchased 4 Gold Lions 2-3 months ago and will begin listening to them today.

Have also been reading several positive comments and reviews on the Psvane---if you had your choice which would you choose and why? Thanks.

Mike

[Removed]

When I had my C2300 I tried GL, Psvane and many others.....between the two your asking about the GL were better IMO, the Psvane were a bit crispy on top.....doesn't mean your results will be the same.......out of the reissues I ended up liking the Tung-Sol the best.....however I typically run older stuff, some of my favorites are the late 50s RCA triple mica black plates, late 50s to early 60s Amperex US made PQ white label, 50s Buggle Boy holland, early tung-Sol......early telefunkens were also good but my least favorite out of the early stuff but way better than the reissues......

The reissues are a good place to start and as you get comfy with each of the reissue sonic differences then explore some early stuff....have fun!

[thebeatles67]

Thanks Jeff--now that Ive gotten one "roll" under my belt....lots to explore for sure. Thanks.

Mike

[rnrmf1971]

I have the C500T... I had the direct opposite result of Jeff- the Psvanes (after a day or two of burn-in) dug the deepest, had more body through the mids, and the highs sounded right and not overemphasized.
Gold Lions were less full, didn't go as deep, and were bright and artificially airy by comparison.

I had first replaced the stock tubes with Gold Lions and thought they were much better than the stock tubes, but too bright and lean after a couple of months of listening. That's why I tried the Psvanes. Pre-break-in, the Psvanes were a too slow sounding by comparison to the burned in Gold Lion's.

The Tung Sol's were too full and couldn't nearly resolve the separation of instruments in the high end as well as either the Gold Lion's or Psvanes. They weren't even an option. Tung Sol's remain in my top 3 for guitar amps due to their high gain, however. I wouldn't rule out trying them, though.

[jdandy]

Mike.......How's the C2300 sounding with the new Gold Lion 12AX7 tubes installed?

[Puma Cat]

I haven't tried the Gold Lions yet, but I have NOS Telefunkens and Psvane 12AX7s for use in my EAR834P phono stage, and I like Psvanes quite a bit better. Sweeter and more musical.

I've said it before and I'll say it again...I think which manufacturer (Tele, Amperex, RCA, Mullard, etc) of any particular tube specification (12AX7, 12AU7, 6922, etc, etc.) sounds best is entirely dependent on what circuit they are going into. I've found that some tubes that are less than desirable in one circuit are exemplary in another, so, IMHO, there are NO hard and fast rules as to which tube mfr. of a particular specification sounds best; you have to try in in the circuit in question, and roll until you find what you like best.

[Removed]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

I haven't tried the Gold Lions yet, but I have NOS Telefunkens and Psvane 12AX7s for use in my EAR834P phono stage, and I like Psvanes quite a bit better. Sweeter and more musical.

I've said it before and I'll say it again...I think which manufacturer (Tele, Amperex, RCA, Mullard, etc) of any particular tube specification (12AX7, 12AU7, 6922, etc, etc.) sounds best is entirely dependent on what circuit they are going into. I've found that some tubes that are less than desirable in one circuit are exemplary in another, so, IMHO, there are NO hard and fast rules as to which tube mfr. of a particular specification sounds best; you have to try in in the circuit in question, and roll until you find what you like best.

+1

[thebeatles67]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Mike.......How's the C2300 sounding with the new Gold Lion 12AX7 tubes installed?

Gonna try and fire them up today (Thursday)--Ill send you a note later today--thanks again for the help.


Mike

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by thebeatles67

Gonna try and fire them up today (Thursday)--Ill send you a note later today--thanks again for the help.

Mike.......Always my pleasure. I enjoyed talking with you.

[miner]

GL in my line stage; Psvane Treasures in my MC stage. Heavenly bliss. So smooth Barry White would envy them.