UntilThen
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2015
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A lot depends on what headphone you're using and associated gear with Elise, when you're evaluating power tubes. As @hypnos1 pointed out, that depends on what drivers you're pairing it with too. Drivers will determine the eventual sound outcome too. Then there will be different ears, different taste.
Tubes that are quite contrasting are 6xEL3N and 6SN7/6AS7. 6xEL3N has more layers, a wider soundstage. 6SN7/6AS7 has a leaner tone by comparison. This is just using very simplistic terms to describe their differences. In actual fact, there's more to it. It's best to listen to it yourself and then you can form your own opinion. To take it even further, combine 6SN7 with 6080, then you'll get an even leaner tone.
If you're using a more 'analytical' sounding headphone like HD800 or T1, you'll probably find using 6xEL3N more suitable. If on the other hand, you're using stock HD650 or HD800S, you'll probably get a better pairing with 6SN7/6AS7 or 6080.
Everyone hears things a bit different. I do not find 6080 having a wider soundstage than 6AS7. On the contrary, 6AS7 sounds to me having a wider soundstage than 6080.
It is intriguing to tube roll with Elise. Most owners will go through that phase of self discovery. Eventually they will settle on their own favorites. Then it's time to sit back and just enjoy your music, be it Beethoven, Mozart, Metallica, Diana Krall, Lee Ritenour, Bob Dylan or James Horner.
Tubes that are quite contrasting are 6xEL3N and 6SN7/6AS7. 6xEL3N has more layers, a wider soundstage. 6SN7/6AS7 has a leaner tone by comparison. This is just using very simplistic terms to describe their differences. In actual fact, there's more to it. It's best to listen to it yourself and then you can form your own opinion. To take it even further, combine 6SN7 with 6080, then you'll get an even leaner tone.
If you're using a more 'analytical' sounding headphone like HD800 or T1, you'll probably find using 6xEL3N more suitable. If on the other hand, you're using stock HD650 or HD800S, you'll probably get a better pairing with 6SN7/6AS7 or 6080.
Everyone hears things a bit different. I do not find 6080 having a wider soundstage than 6AS7. On the contrary, 6AS7 sounds to me having a wider soundstage than 6080.
It is intriguing to tube roll with Elise. Most owners will go through that phase of self discovery. Eventually they will settle on their own favorites. Then it's time to sit back and just enjoy your music, be it Beethoven, Mozart, Metallica, Diana Krall, Lee Ritenour, Bob Dylan or James Horner.