[WALL-E]

   
Please do, please do!!! We are all ears!
 
About your incoming OTL amp, what is your aim? Particular set of headphones in mind?

Is almost done, currently testing with newly arrived HD800 it needs small adjustment and that's it, but chronically lack of time and other duties slow down it a bit,
be patient please

 

[Xenophon]

  Is almost done, currently testing with newly arrived HD800 it needs small adjustment and that's it, but chronically lack of time and other duties slow down it a bit,
be patient please

I hear you, my KT88-based  project is also in the doldrums for the same reasons, I've got the specs on my OPT's done but have to get them made now , designing specifically for optimum performance with my HE-6.  Seems like I can't bring out my soldering station without something coming up that requires my attention elsewhere.

 

[White Lotus]

RCA 6080 + NOS 6J4P random cheapies 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
That's not where the amp usually lives.. Just a temporary setup.
 
Er.. Also, ignore the volume knob positions. Not sure why I left them like that.

 

[MJS242]

Selling a perfect condition 339 if anyone is interested:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/728229/la-figaro-339

 

[White Lotus]

Can someone please explain the voodoo magic behind the volume knobs/pots?
 
They seem to turn very easily once the amp has been on for a good amount of time. 
 
Are they heat sensitive or something? 

 

[Mambosenior]

Never any issues with volume knobs on mine. Same ease of turning whether amp is on or off.

 

[White Lotus]

Not sure if I'd call it an "issue" at this stage.. I actually really enjoy it.
 
They still turn well when the amp is off, but once it's on and warmed up, they turn a LOT more easily, they feel as light as a feather. Can easily turn them with one finger.
 
Any ideas? Is this abnormal? 

 

[Ultrainferno]

It seems to be normal on the 339. They become much easier and smoother to turn when heated up. I can confirm. That's how you know your amp is at good working temperature.
No idea what's causing it though. Tech guys to the rescue?

 

[Mambosenior]

I must confess that I have the 339 volume set to about 3/4 up and use a preamp to control gain. I use the amp rarely and only with T1 or DT880/600. My memory of the 339's knobs ease of turning is dated so Ultra's response appears to be on the mark. Thank you.

 

[Ultrainferno]

I think it's been months since I last fired on the 339. I've been way too busy lately.
My most used setup right now is portable with custom IEMS. That didn't stop me from ordering my 3rd Audeze though

 

[Mambosenior]

3rd Audeze? I envy your neck muscles. Wearing those babies should be an Olympic event.
(Just razzing!) Enjoy.

 

[White Lotus]

339 + HD800 is absolutely brilliant.
 
In my opinion, a match made in heaven. 

 

[Jewels]

Hello all and thank you for providing great information in this thread. Has been very helpful.
 
I just purchased La Figaro 339 from another Head-Fi'er and indeed, it is a great amplifier for HD 650 and HE-500, many others too I am sure.
 
Tubes in use at the moment are RCA 6AS7G and Mullard EF80, which I found to be quite warm sounding, with good mid-range and body, yet accurate. Suitable for my ears.
 
These Mullards are NOS, but they keep making some noises if idle when I am using HD 650. With HE-500 cannot hear anything. I first thought these tubes created distortion, but they seem to fine. I wonder if "first time use" for tubes can create anomalities more easily.
Telefunken EF800 were silent but had been used for some time before I got the amp.
 
La Figaro's power distribution seems to be very sturdy and well made. Has anyone tried upgraded power cables with this amp? I have one PS audio AC-5 and I could get another.
 
In some equipment by my experience the upgraded power cable can bring great benefits if the power supply isnt such top notch.

 

[Mambosenior]

339 + HD800 is absolutely brilliant.

It does sound terrific with HD-800! However, for me and in some bass-intensive tracks (ie.: "Flight of the Cosmic Hippo" by Bela Fleck) the bass is a bit too flabby relative to my speaker amp set ups (yes, I've tried almost every tube combination available to mankind!) Large orchestral works (Mahler, Bruckner, Richard Strauss, etc.), also challenge the 339 when it comes to visceral impact.

I keep the amp because it makes the finicky T1 and humble-and-honest DT-880 sound fabulous. Listening to well-recorded small ensembles (with/without singers) is a great pleasure.

Just my crusty $.02, please.

 

[snip3r77]

Sorry didn't want to flip back the hundred over pages.

What are the recommended tubes if one is using the HD800? Thanks