[ken6217]

They do look different than the HP tube I have here. I have no idea how they are in comparison. I do know that Abyss was selling the HP when they were selling the Woo WA5.

 

[Yggy]

I traded in my Diana Phi, HE1000SE and a cash top up for an ex demo 1266 Phi TC today. It’s unbeatable with the right hi res bass heavy music but not as versatile or forgiving as the Susvara or HE-6.

One of the stretch rings on the 1266 Phi TC headband snapped within 2 hours of listening. Annoyingly, it’s not the latest version with user replaceable rings.

I’ve sold / traded in Utopias, HD-800, Diana Phi, and HE1000SE headphones in recent months. The only one I miss with the HA-300 is the Diana Phi. They have a really lovely synergy together.

AndyKong said the Phi TC wasn’t the best TOTL headphone match with the HA-300 and I think that’s true. It can still do things Susvaras and HE-6 can’t do and it’s got a unique sound.

The HE1000SE is an excellent headphone, I thought it edged out the Utopias, but it was always a slightly different, slightly lesser, version of the Susvara so I had to consciously choose to listen to it.

The HE1000SE was the best over-the-ears listen with my FiiO M17 digital music player because it did 90% of what the Susvara could do whilst being much easier to drive.

Based on what I’ve read, I’m wondering if the Takatsuki and Elrog 300b tubes might be a good match with the HA-300 and 1266 Phi TC? Has anybody compared the KR Audio 300b HP or similar to Takatsuki and Elrog with a HA-300 and 1266 combination? I’m using new production Western Electric WE300b tubes with the HA-300 at the moment.

 

[ken6217]

I think a 300B amp wouldn’t be a bad match for the 1266 TC. It needs an amp to fill in the midrange.

Don’t limit yourself to thr 300B tubes. The driver tubes make as big a difference, or even more of a difference. Take a look at the Ken Rad VT-231 tubes.

 

[Yggy]

I’m using NOS Sylvania 6SN7W metal bases. They cost me 950 Euros. Ken Rad VT-231 would cost less than half that. Would they be that much better for the Phi TC?

 

[wazzupi]

I’m using NOS Sylvania 6SN7W metal bases. They cost me 950 Euros. Ken Rad VT-231 would cost less than half that. Would they be that much better for the Phi TC?

Whatttt I should of kept my metal bases I paid like 250 dollars for a pair only 4 years ago

Ps those were my favorite tubes

 

[ARCXENOS]

Whatttt I should of kept my metal bases I paid like 250 dollars for a pair only 4 years ago

Ps those were my favorite tubes

I have been shopping around, vintage 6SN7's prices have gotten pretty out of hand indeed.

Got a pair of ken-rad vt-231 that should be coming in next week, hopefully I will enjoy them like many others. I am also looking at RCA vt-231 and melz 1578, and after that I will take a break from 6SN7 pairs, it has been a fun journey for me.

 

[wazzupi]

I have been shopping around, vintage 6SN7's prices have gotten pretty out of hand indeed.

Got a pair of ken-rad vt-231 that should be coming in next week, hopefully I will enjoy them like many others. I am also looking at RCA vt-231 and melz 1578, and after that I will take a break from 6SN7 pairs, it has been a fun journey for me.

I own the melz 1578 but I just sold my Cayin 300b with those tubes included

 

[ARCXENOS]

I own the melz 1578 but I just sold my Cayin 300b with those tubes included

Same feeling when I sold off my preamp with a bunch of tubes I reckon I probably should had kept some indeed!

 

[ken6217]

I’m using NOS Sylvania 6SN7W metal bases. They cost me 950 Euros. Ken Rad VT-231 would cost less than half that. Would they be that much better for the Phi TC?

For $800 you can buy arguably the best 6SN6GT tubes. Tung Sol Round Plate Black Glass.I’m selling my new NOS with only a couple of hours in them just to hear them. Selling because I’m also going to sell my replacement (new) HA-300 MK2 that’s arriving today. I’m enjoying my SS amp and I basically lost interest after sending back the original amp.

 

[Sampajanna]

800 is a bit steep, even if only slightly used. Have you measured them since you used them. I could be interested in getting them for my dac. Those are indeed the best. I use the VT99 on my HA300 Mk1 to very great effect (with woo adaptors)

 

[ken6217]

800 is a bit steep, even if only slightly used. Have you measured them since you used them. I could be interested in getting them for my dac. Those are indeed the best. I use the VT99 on my HA300 Mk1 to very great effect (with woo adaptors)

I agree they are steep, but thats what I paid for them. Unfortunately thats what a good pair go for these days. I've seen some for more, but of course that doesn't mean they will sell.

No need to test them as I haven't used them yet as I sent my amp back too the dealer, and am waiting for there new one in return. I'm selling the amp and so no need for the tubes.

 

[Yggy]

Whatttt I should of kept my metal bases I paid like 250 dollars for a pair only 4 years ago

Ps those were my favorite tubes

Do you remember how yours measured? I did a lot of research at the time I bought my Sylvania 6SN7W metal bases and couldn’t find anything better for the price.

 

[Sampajanna]

Metal base sylvania are also great. I have some. They are wonderful. The black TS are better though, IMO. I have seen the TS recently for 650$ You never know. One pair on ebay now is indeed 850 from Vietnam… Good luck!

 

[ken6217]

Metal base sylvania are also great. I have some. They are wonderful. The black TS are better though, IMO. I have seen the TS recently for 650$ You never know. One pair on ebay now is indeed 850 from Vietnam… Good luck!

I wouldn't trust the guy from Vietnam. I bought a pair of Mullard 12AU7 from him and it was less than good experience.

 

[Yggy]

Somebody is selling 5 matched 6SN7W metal base tubes on eBay for USD 2,700 and helpfully will take and record measurements before shipping!