Decware Appreciation Thread (MT review up on first page 2-10-12) - Page 43

596 > 5U4G

 

Woo audio makes them.

Thanks!

2359glenn makes the adapters as well. great guy to deal with.

 

Weird, i tried both 596 tubes in both the CSP2 and Taboo but thought the depth was way too much. everything sounded too distant. I like the configuration of Sophia on the CSP2 and 596 on Taboo better. More intimate.

Which Sophia? Does it also require an adapter?  (&^#^&@%&&.....tube rolling.....&*^&^&&)  

The only compatible Sophia tube is their mesh-plate 274B which would not require an adaptor.

http://www.sophiaelectric.com/

I've got an Emission Labs 5U4G, Mullard 5U4G, and a pair of Bendix 6106 that I've been using. I can't decide. The EML is probably my favorite.

I also have the GE 5R4GY and the Jan Sylvania 5Y3G. I am enjoying each of them, but so far I keep coming back to the Jan Sylvania 5U4G.

I contacted EML when I was ready to buy a tube and they suggested 5U4G over the 274B for the Taboo.  Was it mainly because of the Taboo design and/or life expectancy of the 274B?  I have the Bendix as well but haven't gotten around to using it now that the EML is in place.

 

I recently added a SS preamp to the Taboo.  A used Holfi Pre 8.  My first non-integrated preamp.  A CSP would be ideal but not many of those show up.  A preamp does bring out better dynamics out of the Taboo.  Now I know why people use a preamp.     

 

 

Having talked to Steve briefly about this, the EML 274B seems to have some sort of issue with the way the Taboo has been designed (heater current maybe?) but the EML 5U4G is fine. The EML274B will sound fine, but may arc a bit on start up and will have a seriously reduced lifespan (not an issue with their 5U4G). Coincidentally, Steve seems to believe that the Sophia 274B is actually fine and won't experience the same issues. I think it's quite possible that the Sophia mesh plate 274B would have the same issues as the EML, but Sophia also makes a rigid plate 274B that can handle an extra 70mA of current.

One thing to be aware of: the EML 5U4G is a giant tube. If you're putting your Taboo/CSP2+/whatever in an area where there will be a shelf above it, I'd reconsider the EML - it'll need a good 9-10" just to fit.

The mesh Sophia looks interesting, but I would hate to drop $150+ on something that would have short lifespan...

The mesh plate Emission Labs 5U4G is even pricier, but it's been stable in my rig. It's really well made too.

What would everyone consider the best Tube eye candy when the lights are out that does not sacrifice sound quality?

 

(BTW, I am just enjoying the HELL out of the CSP2+ right now with Chris Cornell's latest solo album...The soundstage with the Jan Sylvania 5U4G, Stock 6N1P's and Golden Lion in the driver slot is Phenomenal!)

I actually found the 596 to be too forward with certain input/driver tubes.  In my CSP2+ (in my system) I found the best combination to be the 596 with cryoset super-cryod 6n1p's and a telefunken ecc85. In the Taboo I like the 596 with a pair of sylvania black plate el84's and a sylvania 12bh7 up front. 

Ordered another 596.  Hope to get the EML 5U4G for Christmas or my birthday.  There was an instrument playing to the left of my left speaker, odd and illusionaryily delightful.  This arc up of tubes on start up, is this a bad thing?  Not normal?  Do I need to have tubes that don't do this?  Happens with my TABOO.

 STOP ME NOW!!!   I have an old DUAL CS5000 TT coming in to experiment with LPs.  I think I may need a soundstage from decware to up the signal from the TT, but we'll see.  Cartridge is a Shure V15vxmr.  May have the stylii upgraded by Soundsmith.  HEP ME PLEEEZE!!

Oh, you thought we are here to hold you back...I am sorry, we are enablers....You need more....

True. It probably depends on what other tubes you're using it with. Right now I've got Sylvania EL84 black plates too and Sylvania TMBP Gold on Taboo. 3 JAN 6N1P'S on the CSP2.  I've been liking this configuration so much I haven't felt the need to tube roll. I still haven't bought the Genelex 6N1P? yet for the CSP2. 

 

*note: be careful especially if you have Taboo and CSP2 setup together not to mix up the tubes. I did that once and it freaked me out because no sound was coming out.  luckily the amps are still working fine.