New tubes for Noble?

[Matty V PDX]

Hi all. I've been using a Noble DI for 5 or 6 years. Never changed the tubes. There doesn't seem to be any problem with the existing ones. What 12ax7 tubes do you like?

 

[agedhorse]

If there's no problem, I encourage you to leave it alone. Those tubes can last a lot longer than 5 or 6 years with no loss of performance.

If it's not broke, don't break it

 

[Wasnex]

Not a bad idea to have a spare. However, if it's working properly and you like the way it sounds, leave alone. I have read comments that suggest the Noble is not very responsive to tube rolling.

From: Extras : Noble Amplifier Company

 

[blr2]

If they work, no need to change. My N-Audio tube pre/DI came stock with a pair of gold pins JJ ECC803. I've had the preamp for about 10 years now and still use the stock tubes.

 

[Whisper]

Hi all. I've been using a Noble DI for 5 or 6 years. Never changed the tubes. There doesn't seem to be any problem with the existing ones. What 12ax7 tubes do you like?

Please note that the Noble uses 12AU7 and not 12AX7. The stock JJ tubes are good and there is no reason to change them if you aren't having any problems. I like using vintage NOS tubes in my Noble; different tubes do colour the sound in different ways. I currently am running vintage GE tubes from the late 1950s, but all of the usual suspects such as Mullard, RCA clear tops, etc. can bring a different flavor.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Please note that the Noble uses 12AU7 and not 12AX7. The stock JJ tubes are good and there is no reason to change them if you aren't having any problems. I like using vintage NOS tubes in my Noble; different tubes do colour the sound in different ways. I currently am running vintage GE tubes from the late 1950s, but all of the usual suspects such as Mullard, RCA clear tops, etc. can bring a different flavor.

Did anyone create a matrix of what various "flavors" popular tubes bring to Noble? DI-based recordings would be better. The stock tubes sound great, and the idea of tube rolling doesn't seem like it would bring earth-changing benefits. What am I missing from not diving down this rabbit hole?

 

[blr2]

Did anyone create a matrix of what various "flavors" popular tubes bring to Noble? DI-based recordings would be better. The stock tubes sound great, and the idea of tube rolling doesn't seem like it would bring earth-changing benefits. What am I missing from not diving down this rabbit hole?

In some circuits, tubes make much more difference than in others. People also roll different tubes in different positions. Given that the prices of NOS tubes have skyrocketed in recent years, it could be an expensive exercise. For something like the Noble, that is often used live on a board, I'd rather chose tubes based on microphonics (as low as possible) than on anything else.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

In some circuits, tubes make much more difference than in others. People also roll different tubes in different positions. Given that the prices of NOS tubes have skyrocketed in recent years, it could be an expensive exercise. For something like the Noble, that is often used live on a board, I'd rather chose tubes based on microphonics (as low as possible) than on anything else.

Several years ago I had to replace a tube in my Noble due to one with microphonic issues. Jack suggested I replace both tubes with the stock model, which I did. That's the extent of my tube rolling experience with Noble.

 

[blr2]

I tried tube rolling in my N-Audio tube DI/Pre (similat to the Noble, but uses a pair of 12AX7). The unit came stock with JJ gold pins. Changing tubes didn't make much sonic difference, if any to my ears. Put the stock tubes back and forgot all about it. If I ever have to change tubes due to some issues with with them, I most probably go with the same tubes, or with the non gold-plated versions if I want to save a few bucks.