2359glenn | studio

[TonyNewman]

It's not and hasn't ever been my intention to assert that anything is the "best" since, as you've eloquently pointed out, that's subjective and subject to multiple variables. I do however, as bold as it may seem, assert that the HEXFREDs are the most accurate sounding solution and I treat that as fact. Any and all tubes when compared exhibit overt colorations and biases in some area. Of course accurate doesn't automatically = the best. Some people enjoy a system that is deliberately not accurate much more and that's a perfectly okay preference to have.

I just want to clarify where I'm coming from in my previous comments on the subject.

Well said. That was how I should have put my preference as well - the HEXFREDS are the most transparent rectification option to my ears, and I find that particularly noticeable in the bass. For me, and my ears, the 300B output tube provides enough 'tubiness' to make me happy - I don't need any further tube coloration from the rectifier - but that's me. I perfectly get it if others like to have additional flavor from the rectification stage. More power to them.

 

[gibosi]

People with more experience than I point out that not all SS rectifiers sound the same. And therefore, I submit that they too add some coloration to the sound. That said, I am willing to concede that the hexfreds are likely more neutral than any tube. But then again, many hexfred enthusiasts state that its real appeal is that it sounds more "tube like" than other SS rectifiers.

In the end, what each of us perceives as "neutral" and "transparent" is extremely subjective. But when the dust settles, all that matters is that the music makes us smile and maybe even gets our toes tapping.

 

[rosgr63]

It's not and hasn't ever been my intention to assert that anything is the "best" since, as you've eloquently pointed out, that's subjective and subject to multiple variables. I do however, as bold as it may seem, assert that the HEXFREDs are the most accurate sounding solution and I treat that as fact. Any and all tubes when compared exhibit overt colorations and biases in some area. Of course accurate doesn't automatically = the best. Some people enjoy a system that is deliberately not accurate much more and that's a perfectly okay preference to have.

I just want to clarify where I'm coming from in my previous comments on the subject.

Well said, personal preferences are just than.
Under lab conditions it would be different.

We just love and enjoy music.

 

[leftside]

Plenty of debate on the internet regarding "accuracy". Here is one:
http://blog.thetubestore.com/tube-vs-solid-state-why-do-tubes-sound-better/
"The odd-order harmonics produced by solidstate amplifiers produce a edgy or cut-off sound. Often this is viewed as more “accurate” sounding, but the reality is it is also largely the cause of listener fatigue. It is not natural distortion or add to the original signal positively, and good ears with tire of it quickly."

Not sure there is a right or wrong answer here. The important thing is you are enjoying your current system. If you go through the posts of a bunch of us on here, you'll see there have been quite a few changes/upgrades to our respective systems. Just recently though, those same people (me included) seem to have more stable systems. We must be happier with our current choices

 

[whirlwind]

The 5AW4 is a interesting tube with a V in the plates for the filament/cathode to go trough.
How does it sound in the EL3N amp??

Hi Glenn.

It sounds very good in the EL3N amp. After having quite a few hours on the EL3N amp now, the rectifiers change the sound, but it is not big changes, and while I have my favorite rectifiers
these cheaper rectifiers are the way to go for the bang for the buck, and still have a very textured sound with layers and bass that is top notch with my planar cans.
The changes in sound to the rectifier seem much smaller, than say, changing power tubes or driver in the OTL amp.

These EL3N tubes sound fantastic, once you find four that match up well and are quiet. the bass sound is quite addicting as is the very big sound overall from two stage mode of the amp.
I have not listened to the HD800 with this amp for a few weeks now.

I am enjoying the planar's way too much, the make the HD800 bass sound like there is a lot missing.

I have been only listening to stage two mode of the amp lately and with ALL of the rectifiers that I have, I love the sound

I will be buying some more different cheaper 5 volt rectifiers for myself, I will just have to do some research on what ones to try that won;t break the bank.

On the SS/Tube rectifier front....the difference is not much noticeable to me...maybe my ears, who knows
I have never been much on measurements, and trying to chase down the perfect sound or more accurate sound, because I will be like a dog chasing his tail, and I just want to enjoy my music,
It is all subjective, so I just listen to what makes my head bob and my feet tap.
I love the sound with tubes and have had a fascination with them since I was a kid, when I followed my father around his T.V. repair shop, with "tubes in hand"
Tubes also give me fond memories of my father, and this is wonderful when listening to music.

 

[2359glenn]

The EL3N amp draws low current through the rectifier about 100ma so the voltage drop will be small.
So the difference in rectifiers will be small so try the low cost ones. And any 5 volt rectifier will work fine.
This is why there is little difference between the SS and tube rectifiers
Unlike the OTL at over 200ma and 300B at over 180ma.
So have fun with cheep rectifiers.

 

[whirlwind]

Thanks Glenn, I have a list of all 5 volt rectifiers...I need to sort through it a little and figure out what I would like
Definitely getting a Tung Sol 3DG4 also.

 

[2359glenn]

Of course you can use Ken's 4 volt rectifiers with a adapter. If you want to use the more powerful 4 volt
tubes you will have to send the adapter to me so I can wire it as a 3DG4 and not over heat
the adapter.

 

[gibosi]

A little tube porn

Arcturus No. 127.

Typically these go for as much as $100 a pair. You might think that that isn't such a bad price for a pair, but in my experience, there is at best a 50/50 chance that this tube will be quiet enough to use in my amp. I simply can't justify spending that much for only one good tube, or just as likely, two bad tubes. But recently, I got lucky and managed to find two of these, from two different vendors, for $10 each, and at that price, decided to give them a try.

I have yet to roll them in as it is necessary to thoroughly clean the pins of these old triodes beforehand. Also, to anyone thinking of rolling #27's, note that the heaters draw 1.75 Amps each at 2.5 Volts, so you will need a fairly hefty adjustable external power supply capable of providing 3.5 Amps for one pair.

Anyway, blue glass, shiny perforated plates, these are beautiful tubes

 

[TonyNewman]

I know EL3N are the current flavor of the month with Glenn amps, but there is something about the looks and sound of the 300B that floats my boat.

These are EML 300B meshies. Fresh out of the box. Build quality is exemplary - right up with the very best I have seen (Takatsuki).

 

[leftside]

Amp is looking great Tony. I like the "naked" c3g's.

 

[TonyNewman]

After a lot of arseing about and some misfortune, I am really enjoying my 300B amp now that everything is sorted, the sound and the looks of the thing.

Something about a big, stonking 300B tube aglow. Liking that.

 

[Rossliew]

A sight to behold. Tony, please give us some night shots of the glow

 

[TonyNewman]

I wish I had the equipment and skills to do that, but all I have is an old iPad Mk1 and my less than stellar photographic abilities.

Pity as the mesh tubes have a faintly visible blue hue to them, as well as the orange glow. I have seen long exposure pics from folks that know one of the camera from the other that were quite spectacular.

This is one I grabbed from the web with what looks like KT88s. The EML 300B mesh is the first tube I have used where the blue hue is visible to the naked eye (to my 49 year old eyeballs, at least).

 

[Rossliew]

Ahh how unfortunate we cannot share in the glow of your 300B but thanks for that pic. Do have an idea what it would look like at night