Bellari V129 tubed phono stage.

[jdandy]

phil er up.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado.

[phil_er_up]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I am sure that a tube upgrade is worthwhile on it. Mine seems to have an ElectroHarmonix tube, I'll take a closer look. I didn't notice any hum yet but I am listening through headphones so far.

From Soundstage about bellari:
SoundStage! "Vinyl Word" - Bellari VP129 Phono Stage (6/2008)

"The company boasts that the unit utilizes all-tube circuitry and the output stage features one dual-triode 12AX7. This is a common tube, so its use allows for the owner to experiment with other tube brands, opening up a sonic playground where the owner experiences the sonic qualities of different tubes. The claimed signal-to-noise ratio is fairly high at greater than 80dB unweighted, while equalization is RIAA +/- 1.5dB, 20Hz-20kHz."

I ordered from needle Doctor and here is the web page:
Search Results

My tube says "tung - 12AX7" and its the gold one.
I think it was this one:
Tung-Sol 12AX7 Tube Gold Pins

This is what they say about that tube: "The Ultimate 12AX7. Big, warm, and musical."

[phil_er_up]

Originally Posted by jdandy

phil er up.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado.

Hi Dan.

Thanks for the nice welcome.

-p

[ehoove]

I have used the Bellari VP129 for 2 years now, and have rolled several tubes in it. The Mullard Reissue has been the go back to tube in my system, and the headphone output has kept the Bellari in my system for longer than I had expected. It is a giant killer in my opinion.
Regards,
Jim

[PHC1]

Yes, there is a little bit of hum from the Bellari in my main system. Not too bad, once the music starts, it is irrelevant and I can't hear it during the quiet passages either. My Lamm tubed preamp also hummed a bit but once the music starts, oh man, gorgeous sound.

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Yes, there is a little bit of hum from the Bellari in my main system. Not too bad, once the music starts, it is irrelevant and I can't hear it during the quiet passages either. My Lamm tubed preamp also hummed a bit but once the music starts, oh man, gorgeous sound.

I am sure you've taken care of this already, but with the phono cables, dressing and keeping them really far from other cables and components is very important. I get no discernible hum from my phono stages (including the Bellari) but I route the cables very carefully. If I move it even an inch closer to, say, the turntable motor or a transformer I get hum as well. Right now, the tube rush becomes noticeable way before I can hear any hum.

Alberto

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Alberto

I am sure you've taken care of this already, but with the phono cables, dressing and keeping them really far from other cables and components is very important. I get no discernible hum from my phono stages (including the Bellari) but I route the cables very carefully. If I move it even an inch closer to, say, the turntable motor or a transformer I get hum as well. Right now, the tube rush becomes noticeable way before I can hear any hum.

Alberto

I'll play around a bit with the cables. Thanks Alberto.

[US Blues]

Originally Posted by phil_er_up

My tube says "tung - 12AX7" and its the gold one.
I think it was this one:
Tung-Sol 12AX7 Tube Gold Pins

This is what they say about that tube: "The Ultimate 12AX7. Big, warm, and musical."

I've had the pleasure of hearing phil-er-up's system before and after the new tube and I can say it made a very noticeable and welcome improvement. "Big, warm and musical" is an accurate description of the sound.