NAD: Randall RD1H

[Rex_Rocker]

So a few people from the forum seem to dig these amps. I used to have an RVC (basically, a stripped-down combo version of the RD5) which I had a love-hate thing with. It sounded great (albeit a bit fizzy), but it really liked being driven relatively loud. Not really LOUD like 100W-loud, but louder than I liked for quiet bedroom practice. So I sold it and got myself an RD1H. I already knew I was gonna like it because I did like the RVC (when I was able to crank it), and I have a friend with one which I've tried several times.

So far, I love it! It's much less ice-picky than the RVC. I used to set the tone knob at around 12-12:30 on that one. Now I run the tone on like 2-3:00 and it's bite-y, but not nearly as fizzy/ice-picky as the RVC. It is also much quieter and sounds better at lower volumes.

I really want to order a few 12AU7's to try in its poweramp. I already have a JJ ECC83S in the first position, and I left the rest of the stock tubes for now.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: NAD: Randall RD1H

Did you get yours used? What tubes came in it?

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: NAD: Randall RD1H

Nope. New. It came with Ruby HG's. Honestly, I like those, personally, but I prefer a JJ in the Krank's first position, and I want the Randall to sound as close to the Krank as possible.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: NAD: Randall RD1H

I bought mine used. It had Ruby tubes — 12AX7AC5 HG preamp, and 12AU7C HG power. I bought the same thing for backup, except the 12AX7’s are HG+. I also ordered a Mullard reissue power tube.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: NAD: Randall RD1H

Those HG+ tubes are awesome. I am also a big fan of the Mullard reissue 12AX7s.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: NAD: Randall RD1H

I bought mine used. It had Ruby tubes — 12AX7AC5 HG preamp, and 12AU7C HG power. I bought the same thing for backup, except the 12AX7’s are HG+. I also ordered a Mullard reissue power tube.

Let me know how you like the Mullard 12AU7. I wonder if the difference between 12AU7's is kinda like the difference between 12AX7's. If it is, I'd probably like the Tung Sol 12AU7 for the poweramp.