Aune T1 USB Tube DAC+ SS Amp Discussion Thread ***See first post for FAQ--Updated on 02/14/15***

[joeq70]

Hey, if any of you out there have Voskhod Rocket Logo tubes you are willing to part with, hit me up with a PM. I'd possibly be down to trade you a tube for it or purchase it from you.

 

[SirMarc]

Hey, if any of you out there have Voskhod Rocket Logo tubes you are willing to part with, hit me up with a PM. I'd possibly be down to trade you a tube for it or purchase it from you.

I think you are going to love the gold lion with the Asgard 2 going by the sound signature you seem to enjoy

 

[joeq70]

I think you are going to love the gold lion with the Asgard 2 going by the sound signature you seem to enjoy

I'm eager to try this combination. I've slowly begun to realize that I simply hunger and thirst for forward mids. My only concern with the Gold Lion is that it is a bit bass shy but maybe the Asgard will fill that in a bit.

 

[SirMarc]

Keep in mind that I have 300 ohm phones, but the midrange and bass really came to life when I hooked up the Asgard 2. The best way to explain it is I got alot more oomph to the music. You may even be able to use a more warm tube now, like an amperex 7308. Guess you'll find out...

 

[SirMarc]

Just re-read your post. You're not getting alot of bass from your gold lion? I find my gold lion to have very solid bass. Let us know what you think when you get the amp. Curious now...

 

[joeq70]

Just re-read your post. You're not getting alot of bass from your gold lion? I find my gold lion to have very solid bass. Let us know what you think when you get the amp. Curious now...

I would consider it bass-shy compared to a couple of my other tubes. The subtleties between tubes regarding bass stand out to me a lot because my headphones are already bass-lite so even little changes I notice. It is also possible that the Gold Lion is light in the lower-midrange rather than the bass or sub-bass because it can be tough to discern the precise line between the two on my headphones as they don't have deep bass like I said. It sounds like I'm complaining but my headphones are the best I've heard for my tastes. Better than all Beyers, Grados, and Audezes. The only headphone that I'd consider parting with them for is the HD800. 

 

[SirMarc]

Hmm, weird. My headphones are pretty neutral and the bass hits pretty hard with the gold lion. My 7308 has warmer bass, and goes a bit deeper, but the gold lion is more punchy.

 

[joeq70]

Hmm, weird. My headphones are pretty neutral and the bass hits pretty hard with the gold lion. My 7308 has warmer bass, and goes a bit deeper, but the gold lion is more punchy.

I do think variation between the "same" tube is possible. I'll be sure to update my impressions on this matter when I get the Asgard 2.

 

[SirMarc]

Cool, I almost feel like I'm waiting for a new piece lol

 

[Chs177]

  I noticed you are running Garage1217 Project Sunrise, I considered building that, but decided to go with the Magni 2 for the portability.
 
What do you think of Sunrise?  How does it mesh with the Aune T1?  Eventually I'll get a higher end amp and I am looking closely at Garage1217's products, especially Project Ember.  I may go with something that is fully DIY (not a kit), but I am curious how Sunrise does with the T1.

Short answer is: it really depend on your headphones.
Most of my headphones are low impedance. That is why I choose Sunrise because it is hybrid and works with low impedance headphones and have no op-amps as Ember. Reality is slightly different because Sunrise work better with high impedance headphones. On low impedance and sensible headphones you could hear a noise floor.
My Fostex TH600 sound better with Sunrise then Aune T1 alone  but Denon/Fostex are special headphones and have a pretty good synergy with SS amps. So I prefer Aune T1 with dedicated SS amp for my Fostex.
Another part of story is my AKG K550. It really shine with Aune T1 and Sunrise. I red on forums that AKG likes tube/hybrid amplifiers and it is true.
Best sound for AKG K550 that I hear was on Aune T1 and Sunrise. (I also have a Sabre DAC and  SS amp).
I hope I answered your question.
 
P.S.: I will go to Cavalli Audio EHHA. I already have a kit from GlassJar Audio but I have no time to solder it. I'm waiting for free time window for soldering. I also have a pair of Telefunkens ECC86 for it.

 

[joeq70]

Hmm, weird. My headphones are pretty neutral and the bass hits pretty hard with the gold lion. My 7308 has warmer bass, and goes a bit deeper, but the gold lion is more punchy.

I tinkered with the gain switches on the T1 amp and flipped position 1 to on and now the sound of the Gold Lion is more punchy at the same volume as before. Nice!

 

[SirMarc]

Cool

 

[NCSUZoSo]

Alright look at what I just bought and it is from a seller I have dealt with many times (greengirl613) that offers a 30 day return:
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400859053858
 
That is an Amperex 7308 Holland Bugle Boy with a big ass ugly sticker on it, haha, for $68.99.
 
Tests 10,600/11,400, which isn't knock your socks off, but for the price it is awesome. (12.5k/12.5k is NOS Standard)
 

 
For the Amperex guys out there (because I am more of a Siemens guy):
 
Is this a rare find?  I can't find any info on a 7308 Bugle Boy, although I can find info on Amperex 7308 Holland tubes.  Holland 7308s are supposed to be expensive and rare, although not as rare as a CCa or Miniwatt.  Has anyone seen a 7308 Holland Bugle Boy? 
 
I knew it was an Amperex right off the bat by the construction and the fact that most 6922 (gold pins/grey shields) tubes coming out of Holland were Amperex.

 

[joeq70]

.

 

[NCSUZoSo]

lol, yea the post changed a lot when I realized what it was.
 
 
Oh, since I am not going to buy this other tube now, you guys should take a look if you are looking for a good value.
 
 
This is January 1964 6922 Siemens RCA Labeled tube made in Munchen, Germany.  (I did my homework on it)
 
It's currently sitting at $10.50 ($5 SH) with 8 hours and 42 minutes left.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111597102938
 

Tested very strong in my TV-7......80 and 89