You’ll want to replace the stock tubes in the Tuba, you don’t have to spend a ton, but the new production Mullards really do not do the amp justice.
There are several suggestions in this thread, I like the Tungsram, they can be expensive unless you roll the dice in EBay, the Ei’s are close and usually reasonable priced from reputable dealers.
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Thanks man, will add that to the list…
I went all out and purchased a pair of Tungsram EL84 tubes. I also have RCA 7189 tubes, ei EL84 tubes, Soviet 6P14P-EV tubes, Sylvania 6BQ5 tubes, and Genalex N709/EL84 reissue tubes.
I can confidently recommend the RCA 7189, Tungsram EL84, ei EL84 and the Soviet 6P14P-EV tubes without reservation…all depends on what you’re willing to spend.
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Those rca are really nice tubes but more of a pain to find, but if you can find them they are pretty great
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right on thank you, my feeling is to maximize the experience, so ill def add these to the list
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Now that you have your Bottlehead back up and running, any chance of a comparo with the Tuba?
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I actually sold my Tuba to @j.fopps. But the quick takeaway is that the Tuba is a cleaner, less tubey sounding tube amp. The BHC is more traditional tubey sounding OTL. The Tuba is definitely more versatile having a low and high z output. The thing is, the only headphones I own that are not well driven on the BHC are the Elegia (which I currently am trying to sell) and the LCD-2 pre fazor. My DT880, HD650, Atticus and Aeolus all sound better on the BHC to my ears. Keep in mind that I prefer fun over neutral though.
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I think I might be happier with a BHC than the MAD amp also. I don’t find it overly tubey. Soft, airy and clear and are not really what I look for.
I think the Vio has cemented my likes and has given me a framework going forward.
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Sounds to me like we both have a similar sound signature preference. The nice thing about the BHC is that if for some reason you wanted a cleaner and airier sound, you can pop in a different tube. I personally do that when using my Atticus on the BHC. I have a Siemens E80CC (also referred to as a 6085 tube) that is detailed and more solid state sounding than the 12AU7 tubes.
I have collected quite a few tubes for my Bottlehead Crack. If you and others would like a write up on each tube I have, I was actually thinking of doing that as @M0N actually suggested it, which I agree is a cool idea. There is a lot of information one should learn before jumping into buying vintage or new old stock tubes, so sharing the knowledge I’ve acquired over the past few months sounds like a great idea.
It will have to wait just a bit as I have a 12AU7 to 6CG7 adapter slowly making it’s way to me from China. My buddy gifted me a Raytheon 6CG7 and a Tung Sol 6CG7, so I’m really looking forward to that adapter arriving.
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Yes please.
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I just posted my impressions in the Bottlehead Crack thread regarding power tubes (Since I have no more inbound and had enough time with them to form my opinions).
The Preamp tube impressions post will have to wait until my 12AU7 to 6CG7 adapter arrives.
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Sure, the more knowledge the better. I was already buying tubes for my eventual delivery of my DarkVoice. Since that fell through I am selling the 6SN7 tubes as a batch.
I am going to hang on to the power tube in case I do go for a BHC down the road.
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Looks beautiful! 
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How do you like your Tuba? I think it’s a great amp for the price. The wood looks great.
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I love it. It’s a real fun amp to experiment with since it can drive low impedance headphones.
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What tubes are you running? It took my awhile to find the “right ones” lol.
With the HD800S, I primarily use EI El84 tubes which can be purchased for $60; it’s a smooth warm leaning tube. At the moment I have stock tubes back in it because I found they paired better with some of my other headphones. You can find other recommendations up the thread.
What tubes did you end up settling on?
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Nice job!! Its a really a very special amp!!
I tried several tubes the EI’s were my favorites.
Alex
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