SilverEars
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2013
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What have you noticed with ECC35 that sets it apart from another or other tubes for HD650?I'm a big fan of the HD650 from the ZDS with the Mullard ECC35
What have you noticed with ECC35 that sets it apart from another or other tubes for HD650?I'm a big fan of the HD650 from the ZDS with the Mullard ECC35
Didn't know the driver tube would make such a difference to warm up the sound. I personally appreciate that ZDS isn't really warm. 5691 would likely be the tube that would jive with me, but curious if the ECC35 is able to present a more realistic timbre with a longer decay.I have a Mullard ECC35 as well as an RCA 5691 red base. Listen with the ZMF Verite not the HD650, but to my ear, the Mullard is a very rich and warm tube, treble is slightly rolled off, bass is a bit more present, a bit more of that “tube” sound. Whereas the RCA is drier, more clinical, and with a bit more treble.
Didn't know the driver tube would make such a difference to warm up the sound. I personally appreciate that ZDS isn't really warm. 5691 would likely be the tube that would jive with me, but curious if the ECC35 is able to present a more realistic timbre with a longer decay.
In general does timbre change much at all? Particularly with the Utopia? Is there a tube that sounds to be most realistic timbre out of the Utopia?
Luv me HD800S with it as well! I bet the biggest sound stage you can get of the HD800S with large ear slapping bass area. Mids sounds lush so vocals sound fuller as well, because generally HD800S shows a upper-mids recessed response.ZDS has been out of production for a while, likely why there have been no new posts here. Have you read though this thread on Zana Deux tube rolling:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ec-zana-deux-tube-rolling-pls-share.297795/
I absolutely enjoy HD800 on ZDS. I've no experience with the Grado, however ZDS does do well with low-impedance "sharp" headphones like Utopia in the low impedance output mode. Most people prefer high impedance headphones like Sennheiser or ZMF.
I’m a new owner of a ZDS and I’m very interested in trying a low impedance “sharp” headphone, but Utopia is out of my price range currently. I’m wondering if anyone has tried Elex instead?however ZDS does do well with low-impedance "sharp" headphones like Utopia in the low impedance output mode
I'm not the biggest fan of HD800 or S in general, and it might have been due to when I was younger is when I first tried the HD800 out of a typical solid-state. After many years, perhaps my ears are more rolled off in the highs.I previously owned HD800 but I’m not interested in going back to it.
I do have ZMF Blackwood Auteur and it is an excellent match especially on high impedance output.
I ran into another headphone that ZDS brings out the best of. Fostex TH900, the peak edginess is slight reduced as well. The amp pushes for strong push in the bottom end. I find that TH900 needs an amp to push out the bass potential it has.
I recently replaced my rectifier tubes with new ones, and the sound is fresher. I notice when tubes are brand new, initially the tubes sound a veiled, and then sounds harder edged after a bit, which I believe is meant by tubes 'opening up?'
I use red base 5691 as driver. I find it to bring out the best of the amp.