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EC Zana Deux tube rolling pls share
May 19, 2009 at 6:26 AM Post #346 of 651
Quote:

Random question for you lucky Zana owners in what seems to be the most active related thread: what are the approximate case dimensions, please? Trying to determine whether I could possibly squeeze one into my office setup.

Many thanks.


Don't forget to make room for your soldering iron.
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5-Piece Basic Soldering Set - RadioShack.com
 
May 27, 2009 at 9:17 AM Post #348 of 651






It felt like I lost a-lot of dimension with this tube, then I listened into it a little more. The drums felt light, but by the end of Hendrix' Ladyland I was pretty much blown away. I'm always reminded of nor_spoon , or one of the Oslo guys, who said he felt like he was listening into "the corners of the recordings".
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This is a good one for a special occasion.



I got a little delayed in rolling when the rectifier blew ..... so I must roll on.
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May 29, 2009 at 6:09 AM Post #350 of 651
Still hooked on the Brimars. Have acquired 5 NOS now and am trying to understand how they vary. Stocked up on a lifetime collection of 10 Tung-Sols and 6 National Union VT-229s just in case. Also have a few oddballs I haven't gotten around to trying yet. Vintage Sylvania 6DA4A (various getters), Philips ECG 5691, RCA 6DM4A/6DA4. Most of them have waited a few decades to get here, so they can wait a couple more until I burn up these Brimars!
 
Jun 4, 2009 at 1:02 PM Post #352 of 651
I have a Zana Deux SE on order in the current production run. I don't know which 6SL7 it will come with, but I intend to run the stock tube for a while before experimenting. Is there any specific burn-in time for the amp before I experiment with another tube or two? Also, what's a generally well-balanced recommended tube to try out? Brimar? Sylvania, RCA, other? Thanks!
 
Jun 4, 2009 at 2:33 PM Post #353 of 651
Quote:

Originally Posted by robinje /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I have a Zana Deux SE on order in the current production run. I don't know which 6SL7 it will come with, but I intend to run the stock tube for a while before experimenting. Is there any specific burn-in time for the amp before I experiment with another tube or two? Also, what's a generally well-balanced recommended tube to try out? Brimar? Sylvania, RCA, other? Thanks!


Hi robinje, you are in for a treat! It will probably come with the new production Russian-made Tung-Sol. I thought it was harsh, but as always, subtle differences. Craig recommended me 40 hours burn-in time for the Zana.

I would say the Valvo 6SL7GT is absolute one of the most balanced and musical tube. No emphazis anywhere, and natural sounding.
Most of the NOS tubes I have tried sounded less etchy than the stock though.
I am now using the Swedish Standard 33S29B, which I think is the clearest window into the music of them all. The Valvo is a close second, or I might say a sidestep. Maybe a tad bit more drive in the bass, beautiful so, but also a tad bit smaller stage than the 33S29B.

Brimars are excellent too.
 
Jun 4, 2009 at 3:17 PM Post #354 of 651
Quote:

Originally Posted by nor_spoon /img/forum/go_quote.gif
It will probably come with the new production Russian-made Tung-Sol. .


If that is indeed the case, I would highly recommend replacing it right away. The re-issue TS 6SL7 sounds pretty awful, IMHO.
 
Jun 4, 2009 at 5:14 PM Post #356 of 651
My personal favorite are the Tung-Sol black-glass, round-plate 6SN7GT, or the 6SU7GTY. The BGRP 6SL7GT is generally less expensive than the 6SU7GTY, and they are very, very good sounding.
 
Jun 4, 2009 at 11:56 PM Post #357 of 651
Quote:

Originally Posted by robinje /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I have a Zana Deux SE on order in the current production run. I don't know which 6SL7 it will come with, but I intend to run the stock tube for a while before experimenting. Is there any specific burn-in time for the amp before I experiment with another tube or two? Also, what's a generally well-balanced recommended tube to try out? Brimar? Sylvania, RCA, other? Thanks!


I bought my Zana Deux a few months ago from Varma and have wanted to post my tube rolling impressions but haven't had the time to do so yet. I will do that soon enough but for now i will say definitely buy the Valvo 6SL7GT.

I have tried 13 different brands so far and each has their strengths and weaknesses but the Valvo was the best of the bunch by a long shot. My favorite phones with the ZD are my HD 650's (Cardas recable) and I am using a Cambridge Audio azur 840C as my source. Another good synergy combo is the K701's and the Mullard ECC35 brown base. The Mullard is the king of bass.
 
Jun 5, 2009 at 2:27 AM Post #358 of 651
To Karo:
Regarding this tube, it is the most euphonic, bloated and warm of the 8 ones I've tried. For me the only use for such a tube is listening to awful mono material from the 40s.
If you want warm and a little added ambience then the TungSol black glass 6su7 is the one. Otherwise if you actually want to hear the music without distortion then the Valvo or Brimar are the best.
 
Jun 5, 2009 at 7:45 PM Post #359 of 651
I've got the Valvo and Brimar tubes, but never tried the Mullard ECC35. Can anyone who has tried all three compare them for me? The comment above about the Mullard being the king of bass has me thinking that I may enjoy it with my HD800's.
 
Jun 5, 2009 at 9:19 PM Post #360 of 651
Both the Valvo and the Brimar are very transparent, clear, and clean with no spatial distortion or "airiness". The difference between the Valvo and the Brimar 6SL7GT is that the Brimar has somewhat more treble extension. It's a judgement call as to which is best in your system and for your taste.
Other recommended tubes are quite different. The subtle airiness of the Mullard can be beguiling but it does reduce the natural sound stage of the rocording. The Mullard is somewhat warmer sounding than the other two. In some recordings this is an advantage is the sound stage of the recording was slight or non-existant. If this is the case then the greater airiness of a Tung-Sol black glass comes in handy.
All of these differences are a matter of personal choice.
 
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