[attmci]

Recent discussion with @HOLLOWCOW.
 

Hi there

Conversation between HOLLOWCOW and me
[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/e/ec/38x38px-ZC-ec832a9a_avatar-120-1.jpg[/img]
HOLLOWCOW
Nov 20, 2016 at 9:08 pm

Hi there,
In looking for a ts 5998 clear top or a good we 421a for my crack speedball and Beyer dynamic t90.
As I understand these are the best tubes for them. I am looking for a great overall Sq with warmth and lush sound but great details too. Will paire them with the mullard ECC82 from the 60s. And maybe a future telefunken ecc82.

The thing is I really can't find a good and legit 5998 clear top or 421a. I found some on eBay but they all look shady and fake. Too risky for a 200$ single tube.

I hope you could guide me out where to look at, or even better Know a forum user who sell his

 

[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/3/35/38x38px-ZC-3581259e_file.jpeg[/img]
attmci
Nov 20, 2016 at 9:30 pm

Check this: http://www.head-fi.org/t/813488/feliks-audio-elise-impressions-thread-a-new-start-please-read-first-post-for-summary/3420
 
Stavros @rosgr63 could have the tubes you want.
 
Ebay is not risky if the seller has over 99.7% reputations. But you have to be patient.
 
For your needs, you best bet are GEC 6AS7G/7316
 
Tube rolling is fun. BTW, if you are brave enough, you can try 2 X 6BL7 as output tubes. Just amazing.


[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/e/ec/38x38px-ZC-ec832a9a_avatar-120-1.jpg[/img]
HOLLOWCOW
Nov 21, 2016 at 2:22 am

also, What do you say about this tube as a driver tube? does it seem legit?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1x-ECC802S-Telefunken-Balanced-Long-plates-tube-valvo-Rohre-/182282441215?hash=item2a70e151ff:g:7q4AAOSw8w1X2qlV
I heard it suppose to be the best.
 
and also this simense ec82 at half the cost (but maybe less sq)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321862437476?ul_noapp=true
 
or maybe this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ECC82-Telefunken-NOS-COIN-BOTTOM-12-3-12-4mA-10-5mA-100-9600-/322282768049?hash=item4b098cc6b1:g:gSAAAOSwYIxX8876
 
hope you can help me out with the decision
 

 

[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/3/35/38x38px-ZC-3581259e_file.jpeg[/img]
attmci
Nov 21, 2016 at 4:57 am

None of those can compete with a 7316.  


[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/e/ec/38x38px-ZC-ec832a9a_avatar-120-1.jpg[/img]
HOLLOWCOW
Nov 21, 2016 at 5:24 am

7316 I searched for them on eBay but couldn't find anything.
Does it fit into the crack?
No mods needed?
 

[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/e/ec/38x38px-ZC-ec832a9a_avatar-120-1.jpg[/img]
HOLLOWCOW
Nov 21, 2016 at 8:22 am

attmci you are my hero!
I'm ordering a pair of WE 421A from Stavros. looking great and legit.
I was so lost but now i'm found!
He's the man! so glad I found him.
they are NIB Double D getters at the bottom, clear tops.
tested 97% both section (I believe that is a good result.)
on a calibrated Jackson 648 No shorts or leakages.
 
now for the driver tube, do you know if the 7316 are the best match? I tried looking for them on eBay but couldn't find anything.
 
anyway, Thank you so much for the reference!
 
 
 

 

[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/3/35/38x38px-ZC-3581259e_file.jpeg[/img]
attmci
Nov 21, 2016 at 6:21 pm

Nice. How much did he ask for one tube? Should give you a discount without those ebay fees.

[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/e/ec/38x38px-ZC-ec832a9a_avatar-120-1.jpg[/img]
HOLLOWCOW
Nov 22, 2016 at 2:29 am

He asked for xxx for one Unit.
Including shipping
 

[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/3/35/38x38px-ZC-3581259e_file.jpeg[/img]
attmci
Nov 22, 2016 at 11:36 am

Better than the market price .  Hope you will like them. 


[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/e/ec/38x38px-ZC-ec832a9a_avatar-120-1.jpg[/img]
HOLLOWCOW
Nov 22, 2016 at 3:50 pm

I hope so too!
How much do you think they are worth if I don't like the sound (I have a doubt it will happen)
The pair Is matched NIB. Rare cleartop from the 50s with double d Getter.
Also the test were 97% for both sections.( I don't know what it means).

It seems better then the ones I found on eBay for 250+.
 
 

[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/3/35/38x38px-ZC-3581259e_file.jpeg[/img]
attmci
Nov 22, 2016 at 10:47 pm

To be honest, as soon as you open the box, it's a used tube. Lost $80 in value......... LOL


[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/e/ec/38x38px-ZC-ec832a9a_avatar-120-1.jpg[/img]
HOLLOWCOW
Dec 6, 2016 at 5:49 pm

where do you get your HIREZ audio files?
I hear a noticeable difference between mp3 and 16/96 FLAC.
I wonder id a DSD/FLAC 24/192 will give me better results.

 

[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/3/35/38x38px-ZC-3581259e_file.jpeg[/img]
attmci
Dec 6, 2016 at 10:10 pm

https://www.oppodigital.com/hra/dsd-by-davidelias.aspx


[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/3/35/38x38px-ZC-3581259e_file.jpeg[/img]
attmci
Dec 6, 2016 at 10:17 pm

You DAC has to support the DSD. The next to mod is the after market headphone cable. LOL


[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/e/ec/38x38px-ZC-ec832a9a_avatar-120-1.jpg[/img]
HOLLOWCOW
Yesterday at 12:04 pm

does the modi mb support it?
I know it support  24/192

 

[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/3/35/38x38px-ZC-3581259e_file.jpeg[/img]
attmci
Yesterday at 9:54 pm

I don't know about modi. The price of the DAC should close to the cost of your headphone.


[img]http://cdn.head-fi.org/3/35/38x38px-ZC-3581259e_file.jpeg[/img]
attmci
Today at 10:54 am

I am totally agree with this guy: http://www.audiostream.com/content/dsd-v-pcm-file-comparison-16441-2496-24192-64x-dsd-128x-dsd#UTMTpVt4IHBQkOpv.97

 

[larcenasb]

  Interesting to read you found such a great effect with those 2 bypass caps in the PS.
 
My powersupply is schottky diode rectified like yours but with CLCLC and with a 120uf film cap as last PS capacitor. 
Fitting 730uf caps for the others only made a very minor change, if any at all.
 
Nice padding on your 240's! DIY"?

Hi!
 
Yeah, the 470uF caps didn't make a clear-cut difference to me. Although the choke and schottky diodes were already installed and alone made improvements to dynamics and a space-black background, so I wonder how the 470uFs would fare w/o the choke and diodes (I may try someday!).
 
Those pads are the Brainwavz pleather earpads and they're super comfy! My ears no longer touch the edge of the pad causing discomfort after 30 mins of listening. Bass solidity is also improved as the seal the earpads make is very good.
 
So you haven't bypassed all the PS caps? If not, the ClarityCap PX don't cost much if you want to experiment. Sometime down the line I'll even try cheapo orange drops to see if they make as much of a difference. Cheers and happy listening!

 

[larcenasb]

I've really enjoyed reading through these threads. I have the crack+speedball and have been happy enough with the stock tubes, but I'm curious to dip my toe in the waters of tube rolling. Can anyone suggest a pretty affordable option that would appeal to me? I like warm and a big soundstage, detail is welcomed as long as its not hard or bright sounding. Thanks!

Compared to most 12AU7 tubes, I found the 'RCA 1950s black-plates square-getter' to be the epitome of what you're asking for. Very lush and warm and doesn't sound as closed-in or constricted as many other 12AU7 tubes. They can be found on auction sites for 20 bucks a pair or less if you're patient. Hope you find the sound you're hoping for!

 

[attmci]

I've really enjoyed reading through these threads. I have the crack+speedball and have been happy enough with the stock tubes, but I'm curious to dip my toe in the waters of tube rolling. Can anyone suggest a pretty affordable option that would appeal to me? I like warm and a big soundstage, detail is welcomed as long as its not hard or bright sounding. Thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quad-5814-CBS-BLACK-PLATE-D-getters-tested-strong-matched-/132024648195?hash=item1ebd484203:g8oAAOSw2xRYRPX2

 

[cddc]

Just completed my Crack assembly couple of days ago.
 
Really like its appearance...but above all it sounds fabulous in its stock form...crystal clear with dead silent background on my HD650
 
will do the Speedball upgrade shortly...but not sure if the Speedball upgrade will reduce the fun of tube rolling?

 
Here are some pics of my Crack:
 

 

 

 

[i luvmusic 2]

  Just completed my Crack assembly couple of days ago.
 
Really like its appearance...but above all it sounds fabulous in its stock form...crystal clear with dead silent background on my HD650
 
will do the Speedball upgrade shortly...but not sure if the Speedball upgrade will reduce the fun of tube rolling?

 
Here are some pics of my Crack:
 

 

 

I hope that 100uf cap wouldn't touch the headphone jack terminals.

 

[DukeOfYork]

looks good

 

[dede4metal]

Hi guys! With my Bottlehead when the volume is low I can hear a stron hiss. When the volume is medium the hiss goes away but then it comes back. This happens to the Crack connected to it's own main and no input at all... any suggestion?

 

[ScottFW]

  Hi guys! With my Bottlehead when the volume is low I can hear a stron hiss. When the volume is medium the hiss goes away but then it comes back. This happens to the Crack connected to it's own main and no input at all... any suggestion?

 
Could be a wonky tube.
 
I've also gotten significant audible hiss from other tubed gear (not my Crack) due to sub-optimal impedance matching between source and load. What headphones are you using?

 

[dede4metal]

  What headphones are you using?

I have a pair of Beyerdinamic T1 2nd, the thing is it was not doing it in my old house, now I have moved to this new one and it just sounds strange with this hiss and, funny enough, if the volume is very low i can hear the local radio! I know there is a local antenna and I think I am picking up that... strange!

 

[Krit]

Do you have the speedball install?? I remember reading from the Speedball installation instruction that the Speedball will act like an antenna and will pick up RF interference if you are close to radio tower and there is a strong RF tower near by.

 

[Krit]

  I have a pair of Beyerdinamic T1 2nd, the thing is it was not doing it in my old house, now I have moved to this new one and it just sounds strange with this hiss and, funny enough, if the volume is very low i can hear the local radio! I know there is a local antenna and I think I am picking up that... strange!

Do you have the speedball install?? I remember reading from the Speedball installation instruction that the Speedball will act like an antenna and will pick up RF interference if you are close to radio tower and there is a strong RF tower near by.

 

[Doc B.]

  Do you have the speedball install?? I remember reading from the Speedball installation instruction that the Speedball will act like an antenna and will pick up RF interference if you are close to radio tower and there is a strong RF tower near by.

Nope. ANY tube circuit can be susceptible to RFI. The Speedball, by virtue of its high impedance, actually improves the situation by isolating the circuit from any RFI coming in through the power supply. 

 

[Krit]

  Nope. ANY tube circuit can be susceptible to RFI. The Speedball, by virtue of its high impedance, actually improves the situation by isolating the circuit from any RFI coming in through the power supply. 

My bad Doc, just went and re-read the Speedball Manual and its just what you said. I mis-read it. BTW just finish installing my Crack w/ Speed Ball. All I have to say is wow!!! The Crack got me up almost to 3:00AM eveyday (Its 1:53AM now in Bangkok Thailand). I just can't and don't want to take my headphone off, ha!

 

[HOLLOWCOW]

Anyone heard of the MWT A1834 valve?
And can compare it to the gec 6as7g?