Tube vs Solid State Amps - Page 4

It is quite interesting this echoes the core of my sentiments toward Tube Amps in general. I recently sold my big one, a highly ranked (by Skylab) ELEKIT TU-882AS Single Ended affair with dual triode tubes that sounded marvelous with the Western Electric WE396A tubes installed, thourougly musical. I needed to divert some assets for the time being and I'm not sure If I want to stay Single Ended, so... I'm Pondering... but am crutching on a Bravo Audio tube amp. There's nothing like tubes... I've had an iBasso D10 that I just moved to save up for a D12 to pair with my iRiver H140, and... no comparison there is Romance in the tubes and MOAR BASS.

 

Oh, and furthermore, most educational and intriguing thread on Head-Fi in over a year!!!

Edited by FLACvest - 12/8/10 at 4:28pm

Quote:

Great Advice!!! But to 2ND what (Frank I), said about "finding the right tube and sticking with it" is also great advice for the new dudes in tube town....Also Try to find out in the area you live, or around, if there are ever any "Ham Fest" swap meets....they are a great place to find Tubes, old amps, Power supplies,etc.etc.   Dayton, Area Ham Fest each yr. brings in the gear/ tube stuff by the truck loads...so check your area out???JMO.. 
 

 

Let me know when that show is. I'd like to go.

Yes, agree totally - the first step in tube rolling should absolutely be just 100% direct replacements - like replacing one 6SN7 for another 6SN7. That's it, until and unless pen wants to really learn what can and can't safely be done.

I speak from experience. I pushed the envelope of tube rolling when I was still learning - and blew up the coupling caps in the amp I was experimenting with. Fortunately there were no headphones connected, and there was no actual fire, just a lot of smoke. I knew I was pushing the envelope, but still didn't think it would result in dead amp.

After that I bought a book, and taught myself the basics of tube electronics, so I could actually read and understand tube data sheets, and could then judge what would and would not be an acceptable substitute, most of the time. And the fact is, I hear of people using tubes they shouldn't be all the time. Maybe not in such a way that they will have an "incident" like I did, but in a way that they will shorten either tube or amp life.

There are plenty of tube rolling options where you take zero risks. That's the way to go.

You Bet Happy Camper, Next Year! I want to say It's in March......and It's out at the old Hara Arena........They fill the inside with new Gadgets and Cb's and ham radio stuff,  BUT The whole frickin outside parking and lot area is full of tents with Guys from all over....... Like I said Tubes out the Ying-Yang, Tube transformers,ETC.ETC. even a dude who comes each yr and sets up a tent for Just Rare LP's (I got some great Chet Adkins Lp's)  so you bet, David, we'll get, Tom(Bubu1) to go with Chris, You and me along with anyone else next year..... Just remember to bring rain gear (every yr I've gone It's rained or has been kinda cool) and a good pair of walking shoes.............................................NOW, Skylab.........Do you think we need to advise some of the "Tube Newbies" about Capacitors (CAPS) and how many can and DO HOLD their CHARGE (ELECTRIC) for sometime.......I know of more then one Tube guy to get knocked off his chair reaching into an Amp right after the "Thing" has been turned off and unplugged.........so Watch where you stick your fingers Kids!

Quote:Originally Posted by Frank I 

"X2 on Rob advice. Use on the tube types the manufacture recommends which will be in the manual. Also there is guides on what can be swapped on some dealers sites. I always ask the manufacture when i am not sure or my dealer. build a relationship with a reputable tube dealer. the tow I use most are Jim McShane and Tube Depot. I have been using those two for the last 15 years with zero problems. I had a friend who wanted to put little dot tubes into a Millett starving student. he asked me and I told him no way. But for newbies read and learn as much as a you can about tube technology. The audio asylum has a great tube thread and Joe's tube lore is a must read on that site. I like swapping but once I find the right combo I live with them for a long while. Ask questions here between Skylab and many others you will always get the best answers."


Yep that was me. I'm still a tube nube. Frank always discusses tubes with me and I learn much from his experience. He even helped me with some great Mullards for the Little Dot I had. I highly suggest not messing with tube rolling unless you know what you're doing or know someone that does. Even reading through the informative threads. Isn't always reassuring. Just take caution.


Even though I'm ultimately a SS guy, I've learned much, and still have much to learn, from other's experience. Only you can prevent amp meltdown. LoL

H.C.(David) just looked this up..... sorry guy's for going off topic for a minute...... duke, d

Dayton Hamvention® 2011
May 20-22 2011

Global Friendship,duke

I find that all 600 ohm beyers pair ideally with tube amps. I did own the D7000s, and preferred them with SS amps (by a good margin). Sorry, no one size fits all here IMO.

DT990's tend to overly bright, so a tube amp with rolled of highs would naturally smooth things out for these headphones.  I think it's a good pairing.

 

Jack