[JazzVinyl]

Another evening, another revelation....this time it is:



And album I know well...heard stuff I never knew were in, them there ones and zeros'....

6x 6BL7's and Mazda ECC804....

Fantastic combo in this amp.

 

[mordy]

Well, I know only a little about the 6JD5, but if I understand correctly, this power beam triode can provide up to 35 watts, transformer-coupled, and virtually any small double triode, for example, a 6SN7 can drive it. So instead of using very expensive and rare pairs of 300B, 2A3 or 45, a pair of these are much cheaper, and likely will sound just as good, if not better.

Here is a long article about the 6JD5 tube, but it is too technical for me. However, it appears to me that this could be a good audio tube.
https://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_6jd5.html

 

[2359glenn]

Here is a long article about the 6JD5 tube, but it is too technical for me. However, it appears to me that this could be a good audio tube.
https://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_6jd5.html

If I get some time I will build a amp that uses these tubes for outputs.
I already have all the parts the Lundahl output transformers I use in the EL3N amp will be perfect only I will have to get the air gap set for a higher current.
These tubes are plentiful and cheep.

 

[smodtactical]

I bought these. =) The guy actually took a VERY reasonable best offer price. Just you know...prepping for my OTL!!!!

In the meantime:



Been loving my time with the Gel3n. After sending Glenn the auteur he really brought out the most from it with the Gel3n. The impact, space and timbre is just a ton of fun and so life-like. As you can sorta see in the pic, I am running an old Brimar 5U4G that was made by GEC with the rounded base. I also have a skinny Mullard GZ37 that sounds wonderful per Glenn's suggestion! I have used a few rectifier's so far but to be honest they all sound so good in the amp that I'm just going to let this one sit for a bit before I really try to pick apart the differences. I'll probably go to the metal base GZ34 soon.

Also I am running it from a vintage Sonic Frontiers SFD-2 MK II which is just awesome. The combo is incredibly musical and lush without losing any air or space. I have a bit of a vintage DAC problem as well as the tubes too. My favorites are the EAD dac's and Sonic Frontiers SFD stuff.

I'll try to chime in more as I get more time with it!

How does it compare to ampsandsound stuff like Pendant?

 

[Monsterzero]

How does it compare to ampsandsound stuff like Pendant?

You might want to drop Zach a PM and ask him. I have found Zach to give unbiased opinions on gear,regardless of whether he sells them or not.

 

[zach915m]

How does it compare to ampsandsound stuff like Pendant?

They're both great but very very different. The Gel3n is more alike the Mogwai SE than Pendant - I have only directly compared those two as the Pendant is a bit different in design (they all are really). When you're looking at the absolute best of the best tube amps there's no right answer. The Gel3n and Mogwai SE are two of the top tube amps I've ever heard, it's going to come down to personal preference.

A big part of the answer also comes down to how much tube rolling you want to do.

What is absolutely true is that Glenn and Justin (ampsandsound) are in their prime and we are witnessing master's at work!

 

[smodtactical]

They're both great but very very different. The Gel3n is more alike the Mogwai SE than Pendant - I have only directly compared those two as the Pendant is a bit different in design (they all are really). When you're looking at the absolute best of the best tube amps there's no right answer. The Gel3n and Mogwai SE are two of the top tube amps I've ever heard, it's going to come down to personal preference.

A big part of the answer also comes down to how much tube rolling you want to do.

What is absolutely true is that Glenn and Justin (ampsandsound) are in their prime and we are witnessing master's at work!

How much does the Gel3N cost?

 

[gibosi]

A new (to me) rectifier arrived in today's mail:

Shown next to a GE 3DG4 for scale.


It was listed as a Klangfilm 76303, which is equivalent to a Telefunken RGN2504. That is, a full-wave rectifier, with a 4 volt / 2.5 amp heater, capable of providing 180ma. I have some doubt that it really is a Klangfilm, but it was so cool looking, with those shiny plates, and the price was right, so I couldn't resist lol. Judging from construction, I would guess this was manufactured in a factory located in Germany or Austria in the late 1930's.

Again, this rectifier is fine in the GOTL with four 6BL7 and of course, it is more than adequate in the GEL3N. However, it is not powerful enough to handle six 6BL7 or two 6AS7/6080/5998.

Hope to pop it in later today....

 

[zach915m]

How much does the Gel3N cost?

I actually have no idea - probably worth sending @2359glenn a PM. I got mine second hand.

 

[2359glenn]

How much does the Gel3N cost?

The EL3N amp costs $2000 the 3 Lundahl transformers cost me $1000 by themselves.
The OTL starts at $700 and goes up to $1600 with upgrades.

 

[zach915m]

the 3 Lundahl transformers cost me $1000 by themselves.

There is some serious copper in those transformers!!!! By far the largest/heaviest on any amp that I have.

 

[2359glenn]

There is some serious copper in those transformers!!!! By far the largest/heaviest on any amp that I have.

The output transformers are a little overkill but they sound great.

 

[mordy]

Trudging down tube rolling lane. Assembling the next platoon of 6BL7 with military precision.
Today is Sylvania flat parallel plate day - the recruits were born between 1951 and 1953. Now have to check if there are any duds...
1) Amp off, speakers off, no headphones, driver in place. Insert two tubes.
2) Turn on amp.
3) Wait a couple of minutes.
4) Plug in sacrificial headphones. (Koss Porta Pro with a lifetime warranty, just in case.)
5) Put on headphones and turn up the volume, listening for noise and any untoward pops etc.
6) Listening to music via headphones
7) Turn on speakers
Surprised at the volume and sound with just a driver and two 6BL7 tubes. Sounds fine.
8) Repeat procedure with an additional two tubes.
9) Everything OK.
10) Repeat procedure with another two tubes.
Putting on the analytical hat and listening to the system. I think that Sylvania tubes in general have a wide sound stage; it is certainly evident here.
First impression: Very vivid and engaging presentation. Sounds better to me than the GE and Tung Sol 6BL7 combinations that I tried. The GE and TS sounded similar but with more bass extension from the TS.

Tried several drivers - so far the best one with the 6BL7 to my ears is the RCA 1633.
I also have Sylvania 6BL7 with X plates but I am reluctant to change anything now since it sounds so nice.

 

[2359glenn]

Trudging down tube rolling lane. Assembling the next platoon of 6BL7 with military precision.
Today is Sylvania flat parallel plate day - the recruits were born between 1951 and 1953. Now have to check if there are any duds...
1) Amp off, speakers off, no headphones, driver in place. Insert two tubes.
2) Turn on amp.
3) Wait a couple of minutes.
4) Plug in sacrificial headphones. (Koss Porta Pro with a lifetime warranty, just in case.)
5) Put on headphones and turn up the volume, listening for noise and any untoward pops etc.
6) Listening to music via headphones
7) Turn on speakers
Surprised at the volume and sound with just a driver and two 6BL7 tubes. Sounds fine.
8) Repeat procedure with an additional two tubes.
9) Everything OK.
10) Repeat procedure with another two tubes.
Putting on the analytical hat and listening to the system. I think that Sylvania tubes in general have a wide sound stage; it is certainly evident here.
First impression: Very vivid and engaging presentation. Sounds better to me than the GE and Tung Sol 6BL7 combinations that I tried. The GE and TS sounded similar but with more bass extension from the TS.

Tried several drivers - so far the best one with the 6BL7 to my ears is the RCA 1633.
I also have Sylvania 6BL7 with X plates but I am reluctant to change anything now since it sounds so nice.

The Sylvania flat plate are the best sounding of the 6BL7s
I use one for the output cathode follower in my #26 tube preamp the only 6BL7 I will use.

 

[mordy]

The Sylvania flat plate are the best sounding of the 6BL7s
I use one for the output cathode follower in my #26 tube preamp the only 6BL7 I will use.

Thanks - good to hear. And you saved me from rolling the X-plate Syl 6BL7 lol.....
A few years ago I was rolling these tubes in the Little Dot MKIII amp. At that time you could buy small lots of tubes very cheap, and I altogether bought some 25 or more of 6BL7/6BX7 tubes.
Today things have changed, and it seems that many more tubes are sold individually and small inexpensive lots are not so common.
Another 6BL7 tube that I liked is a Raytheon labeled tube made in Japan (Hitachi?) , but I only have one.