I can't keep up with the version numbers but I'm sure you can find it earlier in this thread. To see it you'll need a USB connection from a Mac or PC and it is in the device info. See the end of the firmware update guide: https://www.vinshine.audio/denafrips-fpga-firmware-update or there is...

I he literally wants the metal 6J5s a good source might be: https://vacuumtubesinc.com/ https://www.tubesandmore.com/ I've bought from them in the past, but not in the last few years.

You can also get them from Langrex in the UK, but they are generally pretty high end.

I bought my first CD player in 1985, and this has been the history of digital for 40 years: you're buying a depreciating asset. JMO, but I'm glad Denafrips keeps improving the quality of sound available at real world prices, buy YMMV.

I haven't studied the issue either, but I know that RCA was the _________ (fill in the blank with your favorite evil tech monopoly) of the vacuum tube era and made a heck of a lot of tubes. And many of them were relabeled as other brands. So there are certainly a lot of RCA 5U4Gs out there...

Short answer is yes. The only difference between the Hermes and the Gaia is the case, and Alvin has said the Hermes is the best value. I'm sure the Iris would be an upgrade as well, but in addition to needing multiple inputs, I feel like a Terminator class DAC would benefit from the added...

I added a Gaia DDC to my T2 and it was a very nice upgrade. Since you have the original Terminator you won't be able to sync the clocks so that is a bit of a limitation, but the DDC (via I2S) was a noticeable improvement even before I got the cables to do the clock sync. I would have bought the...

As you said, they have even lower gain than the 76. But once I compensate for that I find the sound a little bigger and more dynamic than my 76. FYI/FTR my 76s are RCA "silver meat balls" and my 37s WWII Sylvania JANs.

Can't help with "C6M" but I did want to mention that if you like the 76 you ought to give the 37 a try. I like them even better.

I really like 76s in general. My experience is they are on the warm, tubey side of neutral, plenty of bass but low gain if that matters to you.

What DAC do you have? Not all XLR outputs are actually balanced, they are just the same single ended signal that is on the RCA outputs.

Seriously. Keep it away from Sarah Conner.

Me to. I wanted to consolidate my system so the WA22 replaced an Audio Research preamp and Luxman headphone amp and was a big upgrade to both.

JMO but there isn't a "5U4G sound." I've had lots of different 5U4G and 5Z3s and the sound is all over the map: from soft and dreamy to tight and dynamic. My 5R4GY sounds a lot like a tight and dynamic 5U4G. So what is better really depends on which exact tube you have, the other details of your...

I have not used Cryotone tubes myself, but several online friends have. A lot of folks really like them, one liked the 5AR4 as much as his metal base GZ34. But that is FWIW/YMMV and all that.

Almost nothing, except maybe saving some money. 5Z3 and 5U4G are the same tube, only difference is the base.

Are you saying they compare well with G.E.C 6080/6AS7G? I've been using A2293s for years (I have a lifetime supply, so go ahead and buy all the rest :L3000:) but the G.E.C 6080/6AS7G have been a little too rich for my blood. So I've wondered how they compare.

IMO at this level it isn’t about “better” it is about which one you like, and then the specific tube you receive. If I were to pick I’d take the hanging filament, but that doesn’t make it best for you. YMMV and all that.

That's good to hear. I was going to post that if a socket feels extra tight I'll work it with a socket saver rather than risk breaking a tube.

Sorry for your loss. FWIW I've been using those adapters for years without issues, it is possible the issue was with the tube. Also, I always use a pin straightener with 9 pin tubes before putting them into anything (including the box). Agree the sound is awesome, esp. for the money.

I don't claim any special authority in "tube noise taxonomy" but what you describe is what I'd call microphonics. To me, microphonics means turning any kind of vibration into audible sound, whether that is produced externally (e.g. by tapping) or just from playing music thru the amp. Or put...

I use mine as a preamp, probably more than for headphones. The volume knob works the same in pre mode as it does for ‘phones.

Guilty as charged :L3000:. I grew up LAish but moved up here 30+ years ago (after a brief stop in Santa Barbara). I have a bunch of family and friends in SLO/Cayucos/Cambria. It is a slice of heaven for sure.

IMO yes, the fat-base smooth-plate (no-notch) are the best. Also the most expensive.

Fuses are a controversial topic. I'm using Synergistic Research Orange fuses and think they made a noticeable improvement but FWIW/YMMV and all that. If you are #fusecurious my suggestion is to try a cheap ceramic fuse and see if you can hear any difference. If you can't then you are done. But...