[longbowbbs]

Changed up the tube set for my S6. I swapped out the USAF-596 as rectifier for the Sovtek 5U4G. I also swapped the RCA VT231 Green Girl for an Electro Harmonix 6SN7 Gold Pin. We'll see how this moves the dial.

 

[TomSix]

Thank you indeed everyone, for all of your many kind words and comments received in response to Jim’s passing —both those shared within this forum and the numerous regards expressed outside of this forum.

—Thomas

 

[TomSix]

Changed up the tube set for my S6. I swapped out the USAF-596 as rectifier for the Sovtek 5U4G. I also swapped the RCA VT231 Green Girl for an Electro Harmonix 6SN7 Gold Pin. We'll see how this moves the dial.

Looking forward to hearing of your observations

 

[longbowbbs]

Well, that tube switch was not an improvement. So I went back to the USAF-596 and RCA-VT231. However, I just swapped out the USAF-596 again with a Sovtek 5AR4. So far a very nice improvement. There is a stronger foundation and as they say MOAR There, um, there. the Sovtek is not as showy physically as the 596 but it has a nice foundational impact on the presentation.

 

[TomSix]

Well, that tube switch was not an improvement. So I went back to the USAF-596 and RCA-VT231. However, I just swapped out the USAF-596 again with a Sovtek 5AR4. So far a very nice improvement. There is a stronger foundation and as they say MOAR There, um, there. the Sovtek is not as showy physically as the 596 but it has a nice foundational impact on the presentation.

A 5AR4 produces less voltage drop than a 5U4.

For example: at 225mA current, a 5U4 will drop the supply 44 Volts, whereas a 5AR4 will only drop only 17 Volts.

*** EDITS Below ***

Also: a 5AR4 draws 1.9 Amps of 5-Volt filament current, but a 5U4 draws 3 Amps, and 3 amps *could be* a somewhat excess amount of current to demand from the Studio-Six 5V filament winding —just FYI.

The above factors almost certainly contribute to the noted audible differences found between the 5U4 and 5AR4 types.

 

[longbowbbs]

Makes sense. Not as pretty but a better performer.

 

[TomSix]

Makes sense. Not as pretty but a better performer.

On the 6SN7 family tubes:

I find it’s quite difficult to best a good-quality NOS type. There are no currently manufactured 6SN7 among the many I’ve tried that I have found subjectively equal in performance to the better NOS variants.

The caveat is, I have not yet tried any of the small number of currently-manufactured uber-expensive exotic-grade 6SN7 tubes, and so for now I will have to await future listening to form any opinions regarding the merits of those.

 

[longbowbbs]

I have several older 6SN7's so I am good probably for my lifetime without having to purchase anything else.

 

[TomSix]

I have several older 6SN7's so I am good probably for my lifetime without having to purchase anything else.

Indeed!

Many (most?) of these old NOS 6SN7 tubes are probably going to be around longer than most of us —particularly given the way things have generally been going in the world lately

 

[longbowbbs]

Indeed!

Many (most?) of these old NOS 6SN7 tubes are probably going to be around longer than most of us —particularly given the way things have generally been going in the world lately

Haha! My VT231 is way older than me already. it will likely outlast me as well.

 

[frason]

Hi there! I had a chance to get a used Studio Six and now I’m so happy!!!

 

[longbowbbs]

Welcome to the club!

 

[TomSix]

Hi there! I had a chance to get a used Studio Six and now I’m so happy!!!

Cool gear pic --and congratulations!

 

[fzman]

Here's to the hub-bub you've in the club!

 

[TomSix]

IMO, the black Chord Dac/amp looks quite nice paired with the Studio-Six.