[dannie01]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow those look nice - like the GEC, except with a black base.

Yeah, almost look the same except the GEC with brown base.

 

[rosgr63]

There is another variant of the Osram tube with a brown base and black label.

 

[rosgr63]

I tried a pair of WE421A's and must say to me they sound better than the TS 5998's.

 

[les_garten]

Might have something to do with how much you paid for them?
 

 

[Skylab]

It's hard for me to imagine how they could be very different sounding - they are unquestionably the same tube.  But maybe your 421A's are just in better condition than your 5998's are/were.  That could certainly make a difference.

 

[rosgr63]

Sarcastic again Les, well done!!!

 

[dBs]

I wouldn't say sarcastic. It sounded pretty matter-of-fact to me =P

 

[rosgr63]

I find my WE421A's having smoother highs than my TS 5998's. My TS 5998's  have been tested, they have good readings, and matched sections.
BTW I didn't pay that much for my WE's!

 

[les_garten]

Heh!  Sarcasm, Tongue-in-cheek, and some modicum of truth.  
 
It'd difficult to objectively analyze things that have a huge disparity in price, and are "possibly" identical. 
 
The 421a's are pretty tubes, they just have that 40's and 50's kinda look to them.  The Logo that is.
 
Doesn't matter how objective one is, the cost and pride of ownership of pristine 421a's would tend to color a lot of people's assessment. 
 
Also was mentioned, individual tube performance, individual variations,  and matching make differences as well.

 

[rosgr63]

I am afraid you got it wrong Les.
I am not proud of my WE421a's. I like my other tubes as much.
I just said to my ears with my equipment they sound better than my TS 5998's.
And then again a pair of Osram 6AS7G's might sound better than the WE421's!

 

[pytter]

I am confused rosgr63 - I am pretty sure the WE421a's are relabeled 5998's - so how can they sound different?

 

[rosgr63]

I have a few TS5998's (Tested, matched pairs and triplets with matched sections) and a couple of WE421A's.
I can confirm that they don't look the same only the plates look similar. In my system the WE421A's sound better than the TS5998's but not as good as the Osram 6AS7G.

 

[dannie01]

 
Quote:

I have a few TS5998's (Tested, matched pairs and triplets with matched sections) and a couple of WE421A's.
I can confirm that they don't look the same only the plates look similar. In my system the WE421A's sound better than the TS5998's but not as good as the Osram 6AS7G.

I have a pair TS 5998's received from a tube seller recently, they are one taller than the other. But have checked with the structure seems indentical. And I can't tell they sound any different or it's not noticable to my ear. Any advise, my friend?
 

 

[rosgr63]

Dannie,
I've seen your new amp with the 6080's it looks really nice, I love it.
I suggest Bendix 6080's will take you to the top of the 6080's.
If you want a more musical sound I'll go for GEC's or Osram 6AS7G's.
Next are the TS5998's.
Also change your drivers to TS 6SN7's Black Glass Round Plates or Brimar 6SN7GTY's.
If you need help to source any Osrams 6AS7G's or TS or Brimar 6SN7's send me a PM.
 
I recently bought a pair of TS5998's and they were like yours and developed a terrible hum after a couple of hours.
I returned them back, ebay was very supportive and got a refund.

 

[dannie01]

Thanks my friend and the WA22 indeed a very good sounding amp. I have a pair GEC/ Philips ECG (stock) 6080 and TS 5998 for power by far.The TS definately can deliver more power than the 6080. And I'm always drooling about the GEC or Osram 6AS7 but with no luck. For the TS 6SN7GT, I can only stay away from, it's too much for me in the moment after the WA22 and the tubes recently bought. I still have a EML 5U4G rectifier waiting to ship by Jack.
 
BTW, with luck the pair of TS5998's received is dead silent