[lukeap69]

Hi Matt

Thanks for this comparison, really helpful. So what the 5998 has compared to the GEC 6AS7 is dynamics. I would love to own a pair of 5998 if only Glenn had not bought all of them!

Really appreciate your post Matt as I am reading this whilst in LAX waiting to be boarded. Can't wait to be back at home and listen to my Darna again. It's been almost two weeks since I left her alone.

 

[rnros]

Alright Arnold, this is for you but I'm done writing formal impressions. So bear with me as I spin it with a different twist.

Gec 6080, Bendix 6080wb, Gec 6as7g and Tung Sol 5998 comparison. Telefunken c3g as drivers and headphone is HD800. I'll be brief and to the point.

When I started listening to Gec 6080, I thought to myself that this is it. So clear, airy and well served in the lower registers. There's nothing lacking. I could stop the comparison then and there and be happy. Then the Bendix rolled in and my eye balls came together. It's like going from seafood to a choice cut rib-eye juicy steak. Open up a bottle of red and you're feasting like a king. The Bendix can pump and move your bowels. This is some meatballs.

Next it's Gec 6as7g and I had a lump in my throat. This is going for the jugular. Surely this is the best sounding power tube on the planet..... and it is. From here on if this is the only powers that be, I'll live happily for the rest of my life. This is linear, it's velvet and satin, it's power and punchy when the music calls for it. I can't fault it.

Reluctantly I have to swap tubes and try out the 5998. More dynamic, less romantic than the Gec 6as7g, this will turn you into a rock and roll star. Is it worth getting the 5998 when you have the Gec 6as7g? Well you ain't a tube connoisseur if you didn't get all 4 of these power tubes.

Finally, it's the 6 x 6BX7's turn at glory. Now I'm on fire and I look in amazement at my OTL amp and wonder how it can sound so wonderful with these budget tubes. So do yourself a favour, get all these tubes and be a tube connoisseur because life is not complete without it.

Thanks! I was also waiting for that.

 

[rnros]

I got my Glenn OTL amp in 2 months 12 days delivered to me from order date. It really depends on how many is in the queue at the time you order. It's worth the wait though.

Similar for me, two months plus shipping.
And kept well informed every step of the way.
Much faster than I expected.

 

[whirlwind]

Hi @whirlwind, Mind if I ask what are some of your favorite rectifiers for the EL3N?

Of the ones that i have tried so far.
United Electric 596
GEC U18/20
Philco 80 Globe
Loewe Radio AZ12
Telefunken AZ12
GE 3DG4

The above are my favorites so far, everything else i have tried are a notch or two below any of these tubes.
The differences seem subtle, but are there the more you listen.

This amp has never lost its magnificent warmness, no matter what the rectifier tube.

 

[exdmd]

I got my Glenn OTL amp in 2 months 12 days delivered to me from order date. It really depends on how many is in the queue at the time you order. It's worth the wait though.

Thanks two to three months for a custom build is not unreasonable. Not in the market now but will put Glenn on the short list with EC, DNA and ampsandsound.

 

[lukeap69]

Thanks two to three months for a custom build is not unreasonable. Not in the market now but will put Glenn on the short list with EC, DNA and ampsandsound.

Please note that Glenn did not ask for any payment until he started building my amp. So it is not like MD where you have to pay then receive your amp after 6mos or so.

 

[UntilThen]

Please note that Glenn did not ask for any payment until he started building my amp. So it is not like MD where you have to pay then receive your amp after 6mos or so.

Except where Lundahl transformers and Gold Point attenuator are selected then payments for those needs to be made up front because they cost quite a few quid. I do love the Swedish Lundahl transformers.

This morning, the OTL amp sounds incredibly vibrant. It's either the addition of the vinyl rig, the tubes, the burn in or all of it I believe. The sheer scale and weight of the tone is massive. This amp feels powerful driving Eikon. I'm going to JB HiFi soon to get new copies of Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here.

 

[UntilThen]

Thanks two to three months for a custom build is not unreasonable. Not in the market now but will put Glenn on the short list with EC, DNA and ampsandsound.

You're welcome and good luck with your choices when the time comes. Don't think you will need it because they are all good choices. Glenn's OTL amp far exceeded my expectations. In build and sound, it's right up there with the best.

 

[gibosi]

It's time for another rectifier pic.



RFT (Rundfunk-und Fernmelde-Technik) manufactured this AZ12 in Röhrenwerk Mühlhausen, a state-owned factory in East Germany in 1952, during the Cold War. After the WWII, RFT took possession of a number of vacuum tube manufacturing facilities previously operated by Telefunken, Loewe Radio and others. This tube was manufactured with old Loewe Radio assembly line equipment installed in an old Lorenz factory building located at Mühlhausen. And thus, the construction strongly resembles a Loewe Radio AZ12 and the sound is also very similar.

 

[jelt2359]

It’s New Year’s Eve, an important decision surely but I’ve decided that I will ring in 2018 with my Glenn OTL amp playing my favourite tunes at midnight in a couple of hours. Hopefully next year I’ll do the same thing but with the GEL3N.

Hope everyone has a great new year ahead!

 

[jelt2359]

5998,6080,7236 or 6as7, that is the question.

Also have 6sn7 vs c3g to decide, need to be productive before the clock strikes midnight!

 

[UntilThen]

I'm decided now. This is the 4th change of tubes today.

When the clock strikes midnight, these will be the tubes in my OTL amp. Sylvania 6sn7w metal base and 6 x 6BX7gt. Next year who knows. Maybe GEL3N. Will see.

Happy New Year everyone in advance before I start drinking jungle juice.

 

[jekjek]

Happy new year too!
This is Glenn's recommended setup

Brimar 25SN7
U18/20
Powered by GE(without "C") 6AS7GA
Sounds awesome and will accompany me tonight

 

[Rossliew]

No Glenn amp for me just the Elise. Cheers and happy new year everyone!

 

[jelt2359]

No Glenn amp for me just the Elise. Cheers and happy new year everyone!

Booo