UntilThen
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2015
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Which of his amps would represent the best value in the lineup?
I was looking at the micro chassis amps as they are more desktop friendly but if the mini chassis amps are better, I'd sacrifice the space for it.
These are the amps...
(1) Micro 6EW7 / 6FD7 ( 6DR7, 6BW4 rectifier ) - compatible 6FD7, 6EW7, 6DE7, rectifier 6V4, EZ80, EZ81.
(2) Micro 6S45P ( 6S45P, 6BW4 rectifier) - one stage only.
(3) Mini 6As7 ( 6AS7, 6SL7, 6BW4 rectifier) - compatible 5998
(4) Mini 6BX7 parallel (2 x 6BX7, 6SL7 - 6BW4 rectifier ) - In addition to 6SL7 the driver tube can be 12AV7, 12AT7 or even 12AX7 with tube socket converter adapter.
(2) has limited power and is suitable only for efficient headphones or IEMs.
That leaves 1, 3 and 4.
Personally I prefer 4 the most, followed closely by 1 and 3.
If a small footprint appeals to you then the choice is obviously 1. Surprisingly 1 and 4 are the most powerful. With 3, I prefer to use Tung Sol 5998 but that is an expensive tube to get now, if you can find one in good condition. You can use 6AS7g though but not as dynamic.