Nm
Last edited:
Crack;Bottlehead OTL
- Thread starter ironbut
- Start date
dstarr3
1000+ Head-Fier
Aw heck yeah. Just pulled the trigger on a BHC, non-SB.
I intend to primarily pair this amp with my 6XX, secondarily with my MP Sextett, and down the line I may get a Beyer DT880 600ohm that would likely be exclusively driven by my BHC.
That being said, BHC, no Speedball, 6XX/Sextett/DT880, what are some easy-to-acquire tubes that would synergize well? I would like to stay under $100 total, but if there are some tubes north of that that are positively mindblowing in ways you can't get for less, I can be convinced to spend more.
I intend to primarily pair this amp with my 6XX, secondarily with my MP Sextett, and down the line I may get a Beyer DT880 600ohm that would likely be exclusively driven by my BHC.
That being said, BHC, no Speedball, 6XX/Sextett/DT880, what are some easy-to-acquire tubes that would synergize well? I would like to stay under $100 total, but if there are some tubes north of that that are positively mindblowing in ways you can't get for less, I can be convinced to spend more.
Congrats! My favorite combination for the BHC with and without SB (have both) is the Chatham 6SA7 power tube and CBS 5814 for driver tube. I actually prefer the Chatham 6SA7 to the more expensive Tung Sol Domino Plate 5998 (a little bright for my tastes). RCA Black Plate 6SA7s are a reasonable alternative and sound great! Mullard, Brimar, Amperex, Telefunken, RCA, CBS, Raytheon, etc. all make excellent sounding 12AU7s (and variants). The RCA Clear Top 12AU7 can usually be found for pretty reasonable prices.
Last edited:
dstarr3
1000+ Head-Fier
I checked eBay after reading this and I found an auction on a pair of RCA Clear Top 12AU7s that was ending in 45 seconds. I had to act fast and the pair was only $25 shipped, so I bid and won. I'm still new to tubes, so I don't know if these particular examples are better or worse than average. How'd I do?
Description says they measure at 95% and 98% of NOS spec.
skhan007
1000+ Head-Fier
The RCA clear top 12au7 is an EXCELLENT choice! Well done.I checked eBay after reading this and I found an auction on a pair of RCA Clear Top 12AU7s that was ending in 45 seconds. I had to act fast and the pair was only $25 shipped, so I bid and won. I'm still new to tubes, so I don't know if these particular examples are better or worse than average. How'd I do?
Description says they measure at 95% and 98% of NOS spec.
skhan007
1000+ Head-Fier
Technical question: How much input voltage does the BHC need to “see” coming from one’s source (DAC)? I’m curious if I’m using too much or not enough output from my RME ADI2 DAC into the BHC.
Beefy
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2008
- Posts
- 2,697
- Likes
- 260
It doesn't matter. You control how much the input tube sees through the volume control.
That said, the Crack's gain is very high. Cooler sources give a wider range in the volume knob.
Like @skhan007 said above, you done good! One of the really great things about the BHC is it only uses one driver and one power tube. This makes it relatively less expensive to roll tubes than other designs that use more tubes.I checked eBay after reading this and I found an auction on a pair of RCA Clear Top 12AU7s that was ending in 45 seconds. I had to act fast and the pair was only $25 shipped, so I bid and won. I'm still new to tubes, so I don't know if these particular examples are better or worse than average. How'd I do?
Description says they measure at 95% and 98% of NOS spec.
As time and budget allows try more tubes until you find the combination you like best for your tastes and equipment. If you read through this thread you will find many great recommendations.
skhan007
1000+ Head-Fier
Correct! I've been happy with the RCA clear top 12au7 for about 1.5 years and this past month, per the recommendation of others on this thread, decided to try a 6sn7 w/adapter (very inexpensive, like the RCA clear top option). I really like it a lot.
Great recommendation! Thanks! I'm eventually going to get around to trying one of the 6SN7s or other similar octal tubes with the BHC. I see many, many reputable posters such as yourself using them so there definitely has to be something to them.
I know I keep saying this but your BHC and Verite are beautiful! Stunning combination!
I know I keep saying this but your BHC and Verite are beautiful! Stunning combination!
Last edited:
skhan007
1000+ Head-Fier
Thanks, much appreciated. Honestly, the guys on this thread have been so incredibly helpful. Many of them have tried everything under the sun and simply recommend their top choices, based on experience. None of the recommendations have been wrong. For example, I loved the GEC 6080 and enough people stated I'd love the 5998 even more. They were right! The RCA clear top was a recommendation and then it was suggested that I try the chrome top Sylvania and Raytheon 6sn7(really inexpensive, by the way) with a recommended adapter- Right again!!
dstarr3
1000+ Head-Fier
I also picked up a black-plate RCA 6AS7G just now. Measures 77/74 where 80/80 is NOS.
So between this and the clear-top RCA 12AU7A that I bought earlier, I think I should be all set, yeah?
So between this and the clear-top RCA 12AU7A that I bought earlier, I think I should be all set, yeah?
Wow! That was fast! I certainly found the RCA 6SA7 Black Plate and RCA Clear Top 12AU7 combo to be a good one. Hopefully it will be to your ears also. Lets us know what you think when everything comes in and you've had a chance to listen for a bit.I also picked up a black-plate RCA 6AS7G just now. Measures 77/74 where 80/80 is NOS.
So between this and the clear-top RCA 12AU7A that I bought earlier, I think I should be all set, yeah?
GreenNeedle
100+ Head-Fier
Thought I'd just add my up to date aesthetic for my BH crack:
Oh, and remember I said I was gonna re-do my old turntable to match.......................Came out quite well I think:
Oh, and remember I said I was gonna re-do my old turntable to match.......................Came out quite well I think:
Quite well indeed! Both are beautiful. Is that a laminate finish and if so what kind? I really like it!Thought I'd just add my up to date aesthetic for my BH crack:
Oh, and remember I said I was gonna re-do my old turntable to match.......................Came out quite well I think:
Users who are viewing this thread
