I find the KT88 a bit warm and lush for my ears. A nice euphonic sound as either power or driver tubes (I've not tried a quad) but ultimately have not used them much. Maybe they would suit treble strong headphones or an overbright recording. I should try them with my old K701's if I can find...

I imagine only Feliks Audio could give you a definite answer but for what it's worth I've been using T-S KT150's as power tubes with a variety of drivers for several months without any problem. At present I'm finding Brimar 6L6G drivers pair very well. I've also had good results with Valvo EL11...

I didn't need the high gain of 12AX7 tubes much and hiss was sometimes problematic with lower impedance cans, but I did like Mullards and Tung-Sol 'long Plates', something like this...

HD650 is a 'forgiving' headphone in that it can match, electrically and sonically, many types of amps, including Garage1217 amps. Which amp will give you the best sound for your money will depend on how you like to hear your music. I'm afraid there is no substitute for auditioning, though these...

I would be concerned, especially if your other headphones are in balance. I had the same problem with a new T1g2 and received a replacement, which is fine.

Here's the adapter: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1pc-Dual-6C8P-2C22-7193-CV6-CV3601-TO-6SN7GT-B65-CV1988-tube-converter-adapter/191551519526?hash=item2c995c3b26:g:LdUAAOSwyQtVlRuP The type of tube is 7193, which is a single triode. That's why you need two to be the equivalent of a dual triode...

These K-R and Hytron were humming/buzzing real loud so I wouldn't recommend even purchasing them for DV, unless you are prepared to take the risk. Interestingly they worked fine in other amps I've used, The RCA's for some reason are very quiet in DV., Maybe better grounded. I have never...

Just thought I would post that I'm hearing some sublime music using a Tung-Sol 6080 power tube and dual RCA 7193 drivers. This combo has very open soundstaging, with very natural and well focused mids, sweet but not overly bright treble and deep, solid bass. Piano and female vocals are...

Mains hum problems are documented with Ember-just Google 'Project Ember Hum' and you will get a flavour of the problems. It's very position, equipment and tube dependent. Mostly it's trial and error when finding a solution. I managed to remove a hum by connecting an earth wire between one of...

Thought it might be worth recording that at present I'm enjoying excellent sound from my DV using 5998 and Tungsram E80CC, with suitable 12/6V adapter of course.

I use a Sennheiser HZR 62 which I find doesn't intrude on the sound and allows channel balance control too. The lead is too long for me and I've reduced the size and reconnected with a 6.3mm plug.

A few weeks ago I had tubes purchased on eBay seized by US customs. I was informed it was because electronic vacuum tubes contain mercury and the tubes were therefore classed as hazardous.

Totally agree with you about ECC804. It's a very good, under-appreciated tube.

You can use a 12AU7 without a separate 12V heater power supply using this compact and inexpensive adapter: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1pc-Gold-plated-12AU7-12AT7-ECC82-TO-ECC88-6922-6DJ8-Tube-converter-adapter/192035120609?epid=166880670&hash=item2cb62f65e1:g:QRMAAOSwA3dYNUfL Here's a photo of...

You may be able to use the 12AU7 with an adapter but the EL84 is a pentode with a heater current of 750mA and that won't be suitable.

Thanks @ThermalAlchemy. Sorry, I wasn't clear in my post as I was referring to the heater current but it doesn't matter as all the tubes I like are equal or less than the heater current of the stock tubes anyway. Those measurements you made are fascinating- 450V-well no wonder we are warned not...

What's with this hum with the Russian made Tung-Sol 6SN7? I've used this tube in several amps and it's as quiet as any tube I possess then, after reading this thread, I tried two in DV and both hummed loudly in both channels. There must be some bad synergy or something else going on, and then it...

Does anyone know what are the maximum safe current draw of tubes, both in the power and driver sockets, for DV?

HD800 and Vali2 are both very versatile and most tubes I have tried sound good with them. I would read about the characteristics of the various tubes in the Vali2 Forums and then try one or two which have the characteristics you seek as you are the only person who can answer your question.

My advice would be for you to try your new Vali 2 with the provided stock tube and let us know how it sounds to you. We will then have a familiar reference point. I don't think as many will have heard the 5670 and that would make comparisons difficult. I presume your HD800 is well burned in as...

All I can tell you is the volume from the RCA outputs is controlled by the volume knob and if you take out the tube there is no sound at all from the RCA outputs. Sorry if this doesn't help.

ECC88/E88CC Mullard, Tesla, Tungsram, or a Bugle Boy might suit.

You can't really fully appreciate the tube rolling capabilities and chameleon nature of Ember without listening to Octals (such as 6SN7) as well as Noval 9 pins. In general I find Octals more euphonic than most Novals but that's just my ears with my equipment.

My Vali2 has always hummed on high gain with many tubes and headphones, but not all. I'm sure it's in the nature of the amp. Fortunately, I can usually manage on low gain, when there is no audible hum. If you have an intrusive audible hum on low gain I would think there is a fault with the amp...

@starence. I personally find the 627 is livelier and more engaging than the 797, which is a bit smoother and warmer. Both are good-depends on your preference. Mine is for the 627, using T1g2 and HD 600/650.