[UntilThen]

I'm still blown away by the Elekit TU-8200 driving my He1000se. There's a holographic ring to music. Will be back later with the Gold Lion KT77.

 

[UntilThen]

I built the TU-8200 last week with the 6L6GC + 12AU7 tubes, upgraded resistors + capacitors. I had the enclosure powder coated matte black. This was a first time build for me (and first single driver tube amp) and it took me the better part of a weekend. I could not be happier! Victor immediately answered a number of my questions while putting it together (all of which was very satisfying) and I absolutely love the sound! I'm currently running in Ultra Linear mode, listening through HiFi Man HE-400i and Audio Nirvana Super 8 Alnico full range drivers in custom built mini monitor cabinets. I have a Audio-GD NFB-28 Preamp/DAC/Balanced Headphone Amp but I much prefer the headphone section of the TU-8200. I look forward to trying different tubes at some point.

Wow a black version of Elekit TU-8200. It's beautiful !!! Elekit should offer a black version too.

 

[UntilThen]

With the help of the automatic bias adjustment feature, you can roll quite a few popular audiophile vacuum tubes in this amp, including the following:

1. Power Tubes:
   1. 6L6GC, KT88, 6550C, 6CA7, EL34, 5881, KT66, 807 (with adapter), KT77, KT99 as well as all of the usual direct equivalents of the 6L6GC. However, 6L6's and its variants are not recommended, only the GC.
2. Input/Signal Tubes:
   1. 12AU7, ECC82, CV4003, 13D5 as well as the usual direct equivalents/replacements of the all of these types

Ok now I know for sure KT77 can be use as well as those tubes up there - including 5881, 6550C and KT99 ? I think on the manual it says KT90 and not KT99. Can you confirm @Effusion ?

 

[urbanfox]

I agree, these tubes are in short supply and prices will continue to rise. The nice thing about the 8200 is that while you still have choices for NOS, if you are willing to pay, there are also options for new stock, which are getting better every day.

The best way to determine if an EL34 is a true Mullard, as well as additional info, is from the etched code on the tubes, usually to the side or behind the printed label on the tube. These etchings do not usually ware-off, so even if the label is gone, you can still usually tell.

There are many resources available online about these codes, including the one below:
https://mullard.org/blogs/news/mullard-valve-etched-codes-how-to-interpret-them

Mullards will also typically have a single or double halo getter at the top and welded plates. Below are a few pictures of both the halos as well as the codes:





Over the years I've been able to get really good prices on rebranded Mullards by knowing what to look for. Many believe the ones made at the Blackburn factory are the best, with slight differences between XF1s, XF2s, XF3s, etc.

great info. Thank you

 

[UntilThen]

I got it !

 

[Effusion]

@urbanfox, you're very welcome! The biggest deals to be had in NOS tubes are simply rebrands, so knowing what to look for is a real game changer. Several manufacturers have little things like this on their rebrands, such as GE and their dot pattern, in addition to Mullard.

@UntilThen, as far as KT77 and KT99, those were edits I made according to a previous owner @Mr Chance and the post below:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/elekit-tu-8200-dx-headphone-speaker-amp-review.722633/post-11429338

With that said, I haven't tried either the KT77 or KT99 in the 8200 myself, however I have been meaning to. Victor or Elekit would be able to verify the KT99 for certain, but looking back to 2015 when this was added, Mr Chance was using the Gold Lion KT77s in his 8200 successfully.

I agree, I'm more of a fan of black or darker equipment, as silver/white is just too flashy for me most of the time. I also painted my 8200 and modded it to dissipate heat years ago. While I wasn't sure if heat was really an issue, the amp does get warm, especially with certain types of tubes and in certain spots over time. Having the passive cooling system seems to help quite a bit and I can even feel the heat coming out of the filter on top. Definitely not required though, but I thought back then if I'm already going to paint it, might as well do something else cool while I'm at it!

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/elekit-tu-8200-dx-headphone-speaker-amp-review.722633/post-12377376

 

[UntilThen]

Quite a paint job there @Effusion Your TU-8200 is transformed.

This shows the size of KT77 alongside KT88 both are from Genalex Gold Lion. KT77 is slim. KT88 is like a Sumo wrestler. The glass on both tubes are very strong and thick. These Russian made tubes looks to be high quality physically.

Now listening to the KT77.... it's brand new so I'll give it some time before spilling the beans. Just want to say that it's very quiet....just like the KT88 quietness. Impressed. Oh the shop owner thought I was buying it for my guitar amp because it's an electric guitar shop. I told him I had Jimi Hendrix guitar.

Thought I will tag my friends so they know I'm rolling their tubes. @DecentLevi @OctavianH @connieflyer @leftside @whirlwind @UsoppNoKami @xtr4 @Sound Trooper @paramesh @Rossliew

 

[urbanfox]

Let those puppies break-in and enjoy. The Gold lion 12au7's are very good too.

 

[UntilThen]

Let those puppies break-in and enjoy. The Gold lion 12au7's are very good too.

I have the Gold lion 12au7 given by the seller in original box. Looks like it's not been used at all. Gold shiny pins.

KT77 tracking beautifully. I have no idea it is this beautiful but I'll let it burn in more.

 

[jonathan c]

Two questions for @UntilThen: When listening to headphones via the TU-8200, do speakers have to be connected as well? What are the lowest and highest impedance headphones that you have successfully used with the TU-8200?

 

[UntilThen]

Two questions for @UntilThen: When listening to headphones via the TU-8200, do speakers have to be connected as well? What are the lowest and highest impedance headphones that you have successfully used with the TU-8200?

Speakers don't need to be connected. Inserting a headphone jack will override the connection to external loudspeakers.

I've so far use He1000se (35 ohms 95dB) LCD-X (20 ohms 96 dB) and LCD-3f (110 ohms). All performed superbly. Have HD650 (300 ohms) haven't tried it yet but see no reason why it wouldn't work. I'll check shortly.

 

[UntilThen]

Plug in Sennheiser HD650 the king of veil and I could not believe my ears. It's sounding as good as my He1000se !!! Driven by TU-8200, I ask myself - what veil? This is superb clarity and details.

He1000se is right next to me so I plug it in again. It was then I realised how good the He1000se is. Soundstage is so much wider and the details swims all around your head. It's holographic and surreal. Put on HD650, still very good, unbelievably good but the He1000se is just so much better. No if no buts. YMMV.

 

[UntilThen]

According to the manual, TU-8200 will handle 8 to 1000 ohms for headphones

For speakers, 2 settings via switch behind.

. 8 ohms to 16 ohms
. 4 ohms to 6.3 ohms

 

[UntilThen]

As much as I love the Wa22 and LF339i, I find myself using the Elekit TU-8200 almost exclusively today. The sonic signature of the amp is burning into my brain even as I let the KT77 burn in for 6 hours now. TU-8200 is the cheapest of my amps as I bought it used but the tone is just great.

Starting to get a glimpse of the KT77 tone. In fact on first listen, it's already great. It seems to be half way between KT88 and 6L6gc tone. KT88 is bright and 6L6gc is warm and KT77 is somewhere in the middle but more towards 6L6gc end. So the bass is great but tight and the mid is lovely and organic. The highs is pretty sparkly. Physically it doesn't look too great. Kind of skinny and very slim, like a model.

This could be my fav power tubes of the 3 but I'll let it burn in to the 100 hours mark. That will take 3 weeks. by which time more tubes would have arrived.

A pic...

 

[jonathan c]

As much as I love the Wa22 and LF339i, I find myself using the Elekit TU-8200 almost exclusively today. The sonic signature of the amp is burning into my brain even as I let the KT77 burn in for 6 hours now. TU-8200 is the cheapest of my amps as I bought it used but the tone is just great.

Starting to get a glimpse of the KT77 tone. In fact on first listen, it's already great. It seems to be half way between KT88 and 6L6gc tone. KT88 is bright and 6L6gc is warm and KT77 is somewhere in the middle but more towards 6L6gc end. So the bass is great but tight and the mid is lovely and organic. The highs is pretty sparkly. Physically it doesn't look too great. Kind of skinny and very slim, like a model.

This could be my fav power tubes of the 3 but I'll let it burn in to the 100 hours mark. That will take 3 weeks. by which time more tubes would have arrived.

A pic...

Well, you have a new amp-owner-in-law (...?). I just purchased a TU-8200R from a EE builder/seller on eBay. The 8200 has upgraded Mundorf aluminium capacitors, ALPS 27, and more . I have my order in for Genalex/Gold Lion EL34s (cryogenically treated) and am stocked with Brimar 12au7s & Raytheon 7730s. Itching to run the gamut from Gjallarhorn JM to ZMF Auteur...from Focal Clear to Senn HD600.