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Need Input on Little Dot Mark IV Amp

post #1 of 9
9/13/11 at 7:24pm
Thread Starter 

Hi,

 

This is my first post on this forum. While I am new to this forum I am not new to audio. I am looking into purchasing a tube based headphone amp and came across the Little Dot Mark IV which seems to be a nice amp from what I've read. I am a long time "tube head" and like the many types of tubes than can be used with the Mark IV. I have an abundance of JAN 5687 tubes which I could use along with a number of 6AK5 derivatives. My question is how good is the sound quality? My current headphones are Audio Technica ATH-AD700,  ATH-A900 and Sennheiser HD-650's. I am also considering the HI-FI Man HE-500 planar headphones. I am currently using both a Tandberg 3012 integrated amp or a FIIO E7/E9 combo for headphone amps. My main sound system is mostly tubed based (highly modified) with Magneplanar speakers. I would like the "tube quality" of the Little Dot but will I be sacrificing the dynamic/control qualities of my Tandberg amp?  I would appreciate any inputs anyone might have . 

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post #2 of 9
9/13/11 at 7:33pm

I would say that the Little Dot IV will not have any issues with your headphones except possiblilty the HI-FI Man HE-500  which I beleive that the Little Dot VI+ would be better. I used to have Magneplanar speakers  in the past and have tube mono blocks.  

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post #3 of 9
9/13/11 at 8:02pm

Hello onegizmo and welcome...beerchug.gif

 

 

I can confirm that with the HD650s the MKIVSE really shines indeed....

 

However, the 5687 is not a drop-in for the 6AK5 though:

 

 

(5687: Vfil=12.6V @ 450ma, Vplate max=330V (from RCA manual 1959)
(Typical Class "A" Circuit: Vplate=180V, Vgrid=-7V, Iplate=23ma, Mu=17, Gm=8500, Rp=2000 ohms)
(Plate dissipation (both plates) = 7.5W max)
(6900, 7044, 7119 are all substitutes for a 5687)


6AK5- EF95 / 5654 / CV4010 / M8100 / 6096 / 403A/B / 6J1

 

 

 

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post #4 of 9
9/13/11 at 8:13pm
Thread Starter 

I thought that the 5687 would drop in for the 6H30PI from what I read. I hope I'm not wrong. 

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post #5 of 9
9/13/11 at 8:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Onegizmo View Post

I thought that the 5687 would drop in for the 6H30PI from what I read. I hope I'm not wrong. 


I have had my MKIVSE for a couple of years and the only power tubes I have seen that folks have replaced are with these "supertubes" and super expensive. 

 

http://thetubestore.com/russian6h30pdr.html

 

 

The 6AK5 family (EF95) as well as the EF91/92 family (jumper setting on the amp) have many great substitutes for drivers though...
 

 


Edited by HeatFan12 - 9/13/11 at 8:19pm
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post #6 of 9
9/13/11 at 8:22pm
Thread Starter 

By the way thank you for welcoming me and offering me your input. I should have mentioned that first. Sorry....

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post #7 of 9
9/13/11 at 8:35pm

You are welcome!!!   beerchug.gif

 

 

johnny57 also stated that for orthos/planars the MKVI+ might be an option as well.  I don't own any planars/orthos so can't comment on their power requirements.

 

I do love tubes and have a couple of amps that use the 5687 as power and trust me I would love to throw in a pair of Tung-Sols or Westinghouse 5687s in the MKIVSE...

 

Cheers

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post #8 of 9
9/13/11 at 8:40pm
Thread Starter 

From what I've read it appears I thought that you should be able to use the 5687. I had emailed David Zhezhe (EBAY seller) and he indicated that the tube substitutes for both the IV and IV SE versions of the amp were the same. I am not familiar with the 6H30PI tube but from what I've read it is a great tube (but expensive). I am familiar with the 5687 and it is also a great tube and much less expensive. Are you happy with the sound quality of the Little Dot?

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post #9 of 9
9/13/11 at 8:48pm

Yes I am...Very happy...I have also corresponded with David since 2006 (awesome guy)....I own the MKIVSE (OTL)(high-impedance phones) and two LD I+ (hybrid)(great with low impedance phones, three families of tubes (EF95, EF91/92 & 408A).  I have also purchased a nice balanced rig from him (LD DAC_I & MKVII).

 

The difference in the driver tubes are from 5654 to M8100...

 

If they have changed the power tube, please let me know.  I have many 5687s that I usually use with other amps...

 

beerchug.gif

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