[Doc B.]

There could be an amp design that would be better off with a load on the output at start up. One situation that comes to mind would be an amp with a fair amount of global negative feedback, that might need an output load to maintain stability. We don't make our amps that way and they all run fine without anything attached to the output, but naturally I can't speak about other manufacturer's designs.

 

[Ultrainferno]

My crack is finally finished! 3 months after ordering
 

 

[liamstrain]

Oh. That GEC is a good looking tube too... 
 
How does she sound?

 

[Ultrainferno]

I expected more to be honest, but it was NOS so I should give it some time. For the moment i'm using a pre burned in 6080 TS with excellent results together with a RCA clear top.

 

[telecaster]

Nice! So you finally get to hear it! You use it with your senns?
 
Quote:

My crack is finally finished! 3 months after ordering
 

 

[Ultrainferno]

Yes, only with the Sennsheiser HD650. It's quite nice, but overall I prefer the 339. The soundsignatures are different, the Crack is the clearer and quicker one but the 339 just is more pleasant to listen to, it's the better one. More later
 

 

[telecaster]

Now I wonder how HD800 will sound with 339!
 

 

[Armaegis]

Quote:

I just received a used Crack with the Speedball upgrade.  I have some background noise coming through the left channel even with the volume turned down and inputs disconnected. The right channel is silent.  Is this normal?  Thanks.

 
Check the LEDs (turn off the lights if you have to). Do all of them light up?

 

[Jidonsu]

I found the problem that caused the hiss.  I replaced the 6080 with a RCA 6AS7G, no luck.  Swapped the EH 12AU7 with another one (Mullard) and the hiss instantly went away.  Now I can't seem to take my headphones off. 

 

[liamstrain]

Hurrah!

 

[Jidonsu]

And I'm already ready to upgrade. Haha. 

 

[liamstrain]

Heh.
 
I've now got a mid 60's Dumont/Sylvania on the way to replace my EH 12AU7 (and bidding on some mullard long plates) - it never stops... what upgrade are you thinking of? Different tubes? different amp? Other?

 

[Jidonsu]

Quote:

Heh.
 
I've now got a mid 60's Dumont/Sylvania on the way to replace my EH 12AU7 (and bidding on some mullard long plates) - it never stops... what upgrade are you thinking of? Different tubes? different amp? Other?

 
I'm thinking of upgrading to the long plates too, but I don't really know the differences I should be expecting.  I picked up these short plates Mullards for $9.50 shipped on ebay since my only intention was to solve the hissing problem.  My HD650s are also fairly new, so I should probably listen to them for a while first.  I am tempted to upgrade to an even better set of headphones though.....that's just the way I am.

 

[liamstrain]

Decided the Mullards were getting too pricey. But the Dumont is here - quieted down the amp entirely - much blacker background than the EH provided. I'm very happy with this input tube so far. 
 
edit... 
Whoompf. HD600 and Listening to a recording of Liszt's transcription of Beethoven's 7th symphony - played by Csaba Kiraly. Holy crap. 
 
Just wow. The piano notes just dance out from black velvet, pirouette in my head, and float away. Really lovely and engaging. 

 

[.Sup]

Hey guys I would like to order the Crack today as my first DIY project. My question is is my solder iron good enough for the job. Especially the speedball upgrade seems to have really small parts and so I worry if the tip is too thick though I have made several cables and never had any issues with that. The iron I use is this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-Sp25L-Soldering-Iron-230V/dp/B0009VX232
thanks!