I love my new PS Audio M1200 power amp mono’s, driving my modified Klipsch La Scalas. I’m a dub producer and like to play dub music and dubtronica. Favourite label is ON-U Sound (British). My own music has many layers of sound, lots of dynamics and bass; plus a very wide soundstage (horizontal as well as vertical).
As the M1200 have a 12au7 in the signal path, I wonder which tubes I could use to optimize performance. Maybe anybody can help?
There’s no “best” tube, depends on what characteristics you want to enhance. If you could tell us what you’d like to improve you’ll get a more meaningful response. More or less treble emphasis, soundstage enhancement, etc. I wanted a more “meaty” and harmonically rich sound and have found CBS/Hytron 12au7s to be just what I like. Black plate d-getter Raytheons also sound great to my ears. New production Gold Lion 12au7s aren’t too shabby either and are much easier to source. I’ve had good luck ordering those from Upscale Audio.
In my M1200s I tried vintage Brimars and new Gold Lions. But when I switched to PSVANE Horizons I was hooked. They are not very expensive and some members on this forum have also experienced good results with them.
I also tried the stock, Gold Lions, and Brimars, and couple other NOS. I end up getting the Apos Ray Select tubes and I really like them best in my M1200s. A little pricey but think they were worth it. You can find some reviews online.
Interesting results and very similar to mine. BTW, it seems that the APOS Ray Select are visually similar to the PSVANE Horizon aside from gold plated pins (and price). If they are indeed the same architecture, then you and I arrived at the same conclusion.
Apos Ray 12au7 was what I used for M1200and Telefunken “Mazda” 12au7 NOS was another good one if you like sweeter midrange. However, the cost is probably much higher now that Jesse has retired.
My understanding is Ray tubes are all new production with Select and Reserve being higher level picks of the litter.
Andy at Vintage Tube Services can also be very helpful for NOS tubes especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.
Upon further research I found a small consensus that Apos Ray tubes are widely regarded as premium-selected, high-performance versions of Psvane-made tubes, offering slightly better detail and a refined soundstage. Psvane tubes, particularly the Horizon series, provide excellent, open, and transparent modern sound at a better value, while Apos Ray specializes in quality selection.
So both brands are manufactured by the same company. The difference is in price and higher measurement standards.
that tipped the scale for me.