PaulB

Mine is a switchless MPX3 SE. I've been using the 6bl7gta's but recently got a pair of 6bx7gt's and love them combined with a cryo 396a as driver. The bass impact alone is stunning.

Yes, too much gain can be a small problem when using MPX3 as preamp, especially with small room, high voltage output source, relatively higher power amp, and more sensitive speakers. A step attenuator would be a good idea to make sure it sounds good even at lower marks. With advice from SP masters I enjoy the preamp sound with 396A (on 2c51 adaptor) as driver, either 6BL7's or 5687's (with adaptors) as output tubes. 6BX7's are coming soon. Beside and despite the gain small issue, the MPX3 sounds damn good as preamp IMHO.

Iceman94 and tkam, Turned out I did use the cryo 396A correctly as 2c51 equivalence, and it sounds damn pretty good as that. However, what alarms me quite a bit is that the Raytheon 5687s give out a smell that I have never noticed before with other 5687s (Tung Sol for one). Is it normal?

Thanks tkam. I will try to ask Brendan, but wherere else do you think the tubes are available?

One more question: 12BH7 and 12AT7 - do I need adaptors to use them on MPX3 SE? I do have adaptors for 7n7, 5687, 2c51, and ecc1. Thanks.

Thanks so much guys. I do have 2c51 and ECC1 adaptors to play with. Now I can go find some good 6BX7's to put in the output sockets. On a side note, I'm trying a PS Audio Premier to power the MPX3 SE as preamp driving Audiosector Patek SE amp. Sounding great! Happy holidays!

I recently purchased a pair of 396A's as output tube equivalences to 5687's on my MPX3 SE. Can I use the same 5687 adapters, or should I get a different set of adapters for the 396A's?