[Wes S]

Oh no.........Wes is posting tube porn AGAIN!

LOL! There is more where that came from, so stay tuned.

Next up and on deck are one of Tubemonger's amazing creations with some "Flying Leads" tubes, the Brimar CV4034.

 

[Wes S]

I know others have already talked these babies up, but I just wanted to give a shout out for the Tubemonger 12au7 to 6922 adapter! This adapter seems to have been made for the LP, as in the perfect size and height, and makes tube rolling an absolute breeze. I am having a blast using my 12au7/5814's, and the ease of removing the tubes really adds to the positive experience. Bravo to Tubemonger!

 

[ksorota]

I know others have already talked these babies up, but I just wanted to give a shout out for the Tubemonger 12au7 to 6922 adapter! This adapter seems to have been made for the LP, as in the perfect size and height, and makes tube rolling an absolute breeze. I am having a blast using my 12au7/5814's, and the ease of removing the tubes really adds to the positive experience. Bravo to Tubemonger!

But the real fun is getting those suckers out!

 

[Wes S]

But the real fun is getting those suckers out!

LOL! I bet they are a serious PITA and I was aware of that going into it and was prepared to have to possibly break them to remove them. However, thankfully I am loving the 12au7's so much, that I have no plans to remove them. 12au7's and their variants (5814, 7316, & 7730) are all that will be going into this amp, from now on.

 

[nwavesailor]

For a guy who was resistant to using anything but the approved 6DJ8 / 6922 / 7308 in the LP to 'all 12AU7 all the time'!
You already have some nice 12AU7's so at least you don't need to buy lots more...........or do you?
Welcome aboard the TM 12AU7 adapter bus, Wes S

BTW, the TM flying lead CV3986 (AKA Mini Mullard) need no adapter (NOT easy to use w/o a Socket saver in the LP) is simply stunning!

 

[skor]

But the real fun is getting those suckers out!

LOL! I bet they are a serious PITA and I was aware of that going into it and was prepared to have to possibly break them to remove them. However, thankfully I am loving the 12au7's so much, that I have no plans to remove them. 12au7's and their variants (5814, 7316, & 7730) are all that will be going into this amp, from now on.

That's what the TM SS's are for . @Wes S What are you going to do with your 6DJ8 / 6922 / 7308 stash? I'm sure you have quite the collection.... @Wes S recommended some Sylvania 5814's which I grabbed along w/ the TM adapters; this will by my jump into the 12AU7 pond. Looking forward to comparing them to '63 Sylvania D-getter 6922s. Hopefully modded LP coming from @ksorota sometime next week so I can test vs stock...fun times ahead!
This hobby has kept me sane amidst all the CV madness. Happy listening all

 

[LCMusicLover]

That's what the TM SS's are for . @Wes S What are you going to do with your 6DJ8 / 6922 / 7308 stash? I'm sure you have quite the collection.... @Wes S recommended some Sylvania 5814's which I grabbed along w/ the TM adapters; this will by my jump into the 12AU7 pond. Looking forward to comparing them to '63 Sylvania D-getter 6922s. Hopefully modded LP coming from @ksorota sometime next week so I can test vs stock...fun times ahead!
This hobby has kept me sane amidst all the CV madness. Happy listening all

I’m jumping in as well. Ordered some custom (taller) adapters from @Deyan which should arrive in another week or so.

Can anyone talk about Sylvania 5814 vs 5814A or 5814WA?

 

[nwavesailor]

First there was Corona and now Wes S and LCMusicLover are jumping into the deep end where the 12AU7 swim!

 

[TK16]

First there was Corona and now Wes S and LCMusicLover are jumping into the deep end where the 12AU7 swim!

We should of kept our mouths shut on the ECC82, everything will be much harder to come by.

 

[Wes S]

We should of kept our mouths shut on the ECC82, everything will be much harder to come by.

Watch out here I come! Just kidding, as I pretty much already have as good as you can get when it comes 12au7's so I won't be in the hunt. There is one more tube that I am so anxious to try, I am loosing my mind. However, it should not be much longer until I get to hear it. Also, I think I might already have the "one" in my amp at the moment, but will shall see. More to come on how these 2 super tubes compare, and what they are. . .

 

[nwavesailor]

There is one more tube that I am so anxious to try, I am loosing my mind. However, it should not be much longer until I get to hear it. Also, I think I might already have the "one" in my amp at the moment, but will shall see.

Would this 'mystery' tube be from Germany staring with a V and the #6--- ? (actually these would NOT work in the TP)

That is what my crystal "What tubes could Wes possibly be hunting for now?" ball!

 

[Wes S]

Would this 'mystery' tube be from Germany staring with a V and the #6--- ?

That is what my crystal "What tubes could Wes possibly be hunting for now?" ball!

Not really a mystery, as it's already been talked about in this thread, but it was made in the good old USA. The tube I am so excited to try is the 7730, and it should not be much longer. Now, the tube I think is going to give the 7730 a run for it's money is still a secret, as I first need to find a backup pair (they are that good!), before I let the cat out of the bag.

 

[Wes S]

Just popping in to say, the Hamburg ECC82 Long Plate Foil D Getters 56' are legit. Compared to the 7316 LP Foil D 58', the Hamburg Foil D has stronger bass, clearer mids, and better balance overall, while still having that organic warmth. The big thing that jumps out at me, is the PRAT. The PRAT is unreal with the Hamburg tube, and within seconds of a song playing, some part of my body is moving, whether it be my head, hands or feet. The Hamburg Foil D has just as big of a 3D sound stage, with even more depth and height. The highs are detailed yet delicate, and have this amazingly lifelike decay, where the notes seem to float away effortlessly. The vocals are a bit more forward, bigger and clearer, which as a fan of vocals is great, and the notes have more weight, snap and impact compared to the 7316 as well. The Hamburg Foil D is an amazing tube that has this magical combination of being detailed & dynamic, yet warm & delicate at the same time. This tube puts you there with the musicians and I can clearly see why it has been hunted to nearly extinction.

So far my 12au7 tube rankings in the LP are:

1. Hamburg ECC82 Long Plate Foil D Getters 56' - (Really in a league of it's own)

2. Sylvania 5814a Triple Mica, Short Grey Plate, Square Getter & 7316 Long Plate Foil D Getter 58' (These 2 are about equal in performance, with totally different sound signatures)

Next tubes to be rolled:

Brimar CV4034
Raytheon 7730 - O Getter & D Getter
Amperex Holland Long Plate Foil D Getter 57'

Happy hunting and rolling!

 

[Wes S]

Hey folks!

I have a special tube with me today, and I can confirm it sounds outstanding, and is a "Top Tier" tube no doubt.

Raytheon 7730 O Getter Short Plate

This tube sounds like my Sylvania 5814a Triple Mica Short Grey Plate Square Getter and Valvo Hamburg ECC82 LP Foil D Getter had a baby, and the baby got the best traits of both. The bass impact, and overall PRAT of the Hamburg and clarity and balance of the Sylvania. This tube is a top tier tube no doubt man! The bass impact/texture and vocals are what really stand out, as well as the overall balance and the 3D stage. A killer tube no doubt!

Happy rolling and hunting,

Wes

 

[Zachik]

@Wes S - how did you remove the Tube Monger socket savers before shipping your LP to @ksorota ? or did you used them for the first time AFTER you got your LP back?
My Tube Mongers look even more flush with the top than yours - see my photo below. I have asked Tube Mongers and they have no advice on how to remove the socket savers without damaging them...
Advice anyone?? VERY little grip, and VERY TINY gap around them, so using ANY tool would be a big problem!
Cannot open the case when they're in, and cannot figure out how to remove without destroying them. Anyone done so already?