I wasn't aware Jack sold EML tubes. I'd rather buy one from him than anywhere else because I know if something goes wrong with it he'll help me out.

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I didn't aware of this either.

Well it's been a full two weeks since I've had the EML 5U4G solid plate and it has started to open up a bit. The sound is more balanced across the spectrum with a smoother presentation.

I'll do a final listen next Saturday (3/20), and then I'll drop in my mesh plate and write up my impressions/comparison of both. I'll ship the solid plate to Clayton next Monday (3/22).

It seems like only yesterday I received the solid glowing golden baby... but all good things must come to an end. I'll have to resume burning in my mesh plate once this one is out of my hands.

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Me too...

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I am glad you enjoyed.

Well I just started my final listening session (it's just past 7 P.M.) of the EML 5U4G solid plate. This tube has changed over the time I've had it. The soundstage has remained wider than what I remember with the mesh plate with a good separation of instruments/sounds.

Upon my first listen way back when, the solid plate made me notice more detail than the mesh, and that also came with the mid-high to higher frequencies being more accentuated. I guess some people may like this but some won't, depending on the headphones you're using, and your setup. It was a slight step backwards for me, in terms of sibilance in certain songs. As I'm listening now, the sound has become smoother, much like the mesh plate. I'm not a huge believer in burn-in, but the solid plate did settle a noticeable amount during the time I've had it.

One analogy I thought of while listening to these tubes is CD vs. vinyl. The solid plate is more on the digital side of sound, with more detail and less of an 'emotional' quality to music. The mesh plate has a mellower sound with more of that magic that draws you in. Honestly though, it really isn't a dramatic difference. You won't swap out your mesh plate for a solid and say, "WOW, I've never heard such detail!" These tubes sound very much alike, with minute differences in sound that tend to lean more towards a detailed or mellow presentation.

In my case, I love a smooth sound with that good emotional quality. My holy grail of audio is something that is very smooth and mellow, not too large of a soundstage (I don't want the music to sound so far away that I become detached from it), but enough detail so that I can pin point each individual nuance and instrument, and bass that extends as low as possible without muddying anything up.


Enter the mesh plate (a little over an hour later) and my comparison begins...

The sound is more dynamic with more punch to the low end. I'm not really noticing any 'lost' details, compared to the solid plate. Like I said in one of my previous posts; the solid plate doesn't magically bring out every single detail, rather it just gives you that little push to take more notice of the smaller details.

My favorite thing about the mesh plate is that it brings out the midrange and has a more forward sound. There is a very nice balance between detail and lushness, whereas the solid plate tends to focus more on detail and has a brighter sound.

Swapping out the solid plate for the mesh brought a few immediate changes. The most immediate (for me, at least) is how well sibilance is tamed. I'm sure a few people here have heard me complain about sibilance time and time again, but I've managed to bring it down to a manageable level with my setup. The Eagles - Hotel California (DTS version from Hell Freezes Over), has a lot of sibilance. With the solid plate, it's listenable but I usually try to avoid listening at higher volumes. With the mesh plate, I can listen at a higher volume; the sibilance isn't drawn out.

The next change is a more forward midrange which makes me take notice of the third change, a slightly smaller soundstage. I think that the mesh plate has a more 3D type of feel to everything, like I can grasp the music (if that makes any sense?). The sound is just a bit out and around my head with the mesh, but the solid places the music a little farther outwards with more of a 2D feel. One song I've really been listening to lately is Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over. The change in soundstage is pretty apparent with this song.

Now, all of what you've just read is pure opinion and completely subjective, which makes all of this complete BS. No, just kidding. But expect differences with whatever headphones/amp/tubes/ears you are using. I feel that the mesh is a great match for the D7000s, since it really puts some muscle behind their low-end without distorting or muddying the sound. In my opinion, the D7000s can be bright at times and the solid plate will bring out that quality. I like that the mesh puts more of an emphasis on the midrange rather than the highs.

To be honest, I really wish there was a hybrid. I love the tamed sibilance of the mesh plate and the more forward midrange, but I really miss the slightly larger soundstage of the solid plate. The 'extra' detail of the solid plate really has no weight here, since it's really more of a 'listen closer and you'll hear more' sort of thing. Although, I must say that the glow of the mesh plate is quite beautiful.

Anyways, I think that's all I have to say about that. The glowing golden baby is nestled comfortably in its little foam packaging material and awaiting transport to wherever the wind (or USPS truck) may take it. Farewell, solid plate. It's been quite a trip. Now I get to put some more hours on my mesh and live happily ever after.

nice impressions, TheAudioDude. What do you think about Sophia Princess VS EML Mesh ? Which one do you guys like more and why

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Now try the new redesigned EML 5U4G Mesh plate.

ss

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Thanks. Unfortunately I have never heard the Sophia Princess. I'd like to give it a listen one day but I've decided not to spend any more money on rectifier tubes until my mesh plate dies.

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I actually think I have the redesigned EML 5U4G mesh. It is a slightly smaller tube, right? I got mine in early-mid February. I wanted to order one in January, but George from TubesUSA said he was waiting on a new shipment of 5U4Gs...

If your mesh looks smaller than my soild, then it is the new version.

Thanks for the review, that is very nice. Just like some people prefer Sophia 274B mesh, some like me prefer EML mesh, same happen to the fight between T1 and HD800. Everyone got their own tast.

What do you think about Sophia Princess VS EML Mesh ?
Well, for one thing, Sophia does not work with 6F8G, that is really throw me off. My Sophia has been sitting on the shlef after 50 hours of use. She has been there for about 3 month now, I am thinking about to divorce her.

Sorry to dig up an old entry and diverge a moment but this completely reminded me of my facial encounter with a half pipe wall XD

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pic of my poor face all battered and bruised http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v9...t=AUT_4030.jpg

Excellent writeup, TheAudioDude. Your post has been the most informative on this subject so far IMO. Your sonic preferences seem to be very close to mine overall, except I personally believe there is no such thing as too big a soundstage except for a small number of types of music.

Do you have any opinion on 5U4G Mesh vs. 274B Mesh (both EML)? What I have heard of 5U4G tubes has not impressed me in general, especially their uncontrolled bottom end, but I imagine the EML Meshplate is a different animal and can't really be compared to run of the mill 5U4 types. I had settled on a 274B but all the hype around this new 5U4G has me wondering.

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My old style EML 5U4G was returned so I can't compare it to the new 5U4G, however I do have my EML 274B Solid and Mesh.
The new redesigned EML 5U4G Mesh has a clear top not a silver top, like my EML 274B Solid and Mesh and the Picture on Georges web site of the old EML 5U4G Mesh.

ss

Nice write-up, AudioDude.

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My ankle before my feet swollen up like eggplane. It was Jan 1st of this year.

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Ahh, my 5U4G mesh has a silver top! I'm still very happy with it though.

Seamaster, are you a hobbit?