Little Dot MKIII Tube Rolling - Page 55

So I got my Mullard ef92s on today. The soundstage is splendid....10folds better. However I have a dumb question (two really). For starters, how long does it really take for tubes to burn-in? I am finding people that say 10 hours, and some that say 100 hours. There isn't as much bass as the stock 5654s, is that just something that goes along with the 92s generally? They weren't NOS, but rather from military equipment. I'm thinking they just might not be burned in yet.

Ooooweeee! I can't wait to get mine! I just bought these:
PAIR MULLARD CV4015 EF92 6CQ6 UNUSED BOXED
I thought I'd read that they have a bit more bass and lows extension - so maybe yours aren't yet burned in? Let us know for sure, I won't get mine for about 10 days yet...

I have to lower the gain on my MKII when I use EF92 or EF91 tubes. Has anyone else experienced this. In EF92 mode on 10+ gain I can't turn the volume up past 35 and thats with my hard to drive 501s. In EF95 mode I usually listen at 50 but can bear 60-70 at short intervals all of course depending on the inherent volume of the recording.

Does the EF92 mode have more output power or something?

Ok, here is what I know. EF92's, like the 6CQ6's, usually take 40-50 hours to mature. Many things will change for the better, as the maturing is happening. You usually end up with a lower bass extension, those nice mids, and plenty of high end detail, all wrapped up in an excellent sound stage. The "Mullard" flavor is a favorite with many tube freaks. I have also experienced the need for less gain on the MKII with them, and I'm using the HD-650s. I would recommend setting the gain to 5 (for the MKII) for both EF92 and EF95 families (if you are still tube rolling) to keep things easy.

My introduction to tube headphone amps, years ago, was with EF92 driver tubes and I learned that they grow on you. If at first, they seem too odd, give them some time. Try all kinds of music in your collection. Some, will really blow you away! Others, you may prefer to drive with the EF95 family and that is OK too.

Thanks Penchum.

Another quick question if you don't mind.

Can I use the Electro-Harmonix 6H30Pi Gold or the Sovtek 6H30PI in my MKII? I read somewhere that you "should" be able you use them but I haven't seen any verification.

If I can use them are there any issues to look out for most notably heat?

Nevermind I just read here on the Little Tube website that the 6h30 tubes are compatible but they will evidently run too hot.

It's true. You can do a resistor mod, so you can use the 6H30PI's, but it is a one way street. Do the mod, never go back to 6H6NPI's again. It also kills your warranty, so it might be something to try later on.

First post in the thread I think, came to say how amazed I was earlier.

Received my LD about a week ago and have been listening to the stock tubes. I also bought some D880's to go with it and was very happy with the sound when I got it and pretty impressed.

However if I had to pick fault the bass was overpowering and bloated, not tight at all. Never really improved much as the phones or amp got a lot of hours through them. To get a balanced sound I had to set the eq like this:



The vocals were also very recessed and again not particularly clear.

I received some Mullard M8161 EF92’s in the post today and didn’t expect too much at all, especially as they were not burnt in and were inexpensive. I couldn’t be more wrong. After turning it on I was amazed at the clarity added across all the frequencies. Tight accurate bass but not overpowering (I now have a flat eq) and the vocals were spot on, not overwhelmed at all.

Its impossible to put into numbers but if I had to I would say the base had improved about 7 or 8 times it was that impressive, I was amazed. Vocals were 2 or 3 times as good as were the low mids. The highs had more extension and a slight touch more clarity but not day and night like the rest of the spectrum. This has helped the stage no end and I think I will struggle to find a much better tube than these.

I also got some cheap Z77/EF91 sent through and these are also great little tubes. Immediately it was obvious they were not nearly as clear as the Mullards but what they lost in that they made up in body and character, a really, really good tube for jazz.

Obviously this semi review has no real relevance as not all the tubes are fully burnt in and neither are the phones to be honest, but its more to say how surprised I was and that everyone must try new tubes if they haven’t already.

I’m sorry to say to the failed bidders but I won ethebull’s auction and looking forward to receiving the tubes and trying some other EF95’s I was hoping I would like one or two sets and sell the rest on again. But having listened to a couple of pairs it seems I might just find different qualities in each tube rather than ones I like and dislike L either way I’m sure there will be some tubes up for sale from me soon.

accidental post

Nice, I have the Mullard M8161's sitting in my closet as I'm waiting for my stock tubes to burn in. I have high expectations for the 8161's now.

ricco: What kind of headphones are you using? We've had mixed results with the EF91s not working in some cases.

I got my 6028/408As today and I can confirm they don't work. Anyone with a MKIV want some 6028s?