Icon Audio HP8/MP 3

[Pharmaboy]

secret tube rolling cabal

Dark imagination!

Human sacrifice is not a part of my tube rolling. Of course, I can't speak for the others...

 

[jonathan c]

Dark imagination!

Human sacrifice is not a part of my tube rolling. Of course, I can't speak for the others...

…..In the catacomb where the rolling is undertaken (), fingertip sacrifice is possible if haste is excessive….….

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Dark imagination!

Human sacrifice is not a part of my tube rolling. Of course, I can't speak for the others...

Don't get carried away- he meant to write cable! Cabal was just a typo

 

[Pharmaboy]

Don't get carried away- he meant to write cable! Cabal was just a typo

Color me disappointed...

 

[WorksUnit]

Don't get carried away- he meant to write cable! Cabal was just a typo

As if.. you naughty boy

Color me disappointed...

What is not disappointing though is that CV455, *bloodhound mode* activated on that valve code..

 

[geoffalter11]

As if.. you naughty boy

What is not disappointing though is that CV455, *bloodhound mode* activated on that valve code..

I love the CV455 Footscray. Great tube in the HP8

 

[jonathan c]

I love the CV455 Footscray. Great tube in the HP8

…and in the LTA MZ3, QSA, Woo WA2, WA3, WA6….

 

[geoffalter11]

…and in the LTA MZ3, QSA, Woo WA2, WA3, WA6….

In other words, kick ass tube…

 

[jonathan c]

In other words, kick glass tube…

FTFY…[Reg. TM; © bcowen: 2021.]

 

[geoffalter11]

I am currently having the best listening session yet with the HP8. The RCA 6SN7GTB Narrow Gaps are in full flight, and I have burned in the Mullard 6201 Gold Pins for the past 24 hrs. This amp is an absolute marvel. I can't get enough of how it sounds. I never thought I would put something in front of my Cembalo Spring 1, but it has become my go to amp. It deserves every accolade.

 

[jonathan c]

I am happy to be an Iconaudioclast! The HP8 is breaking in with Caliente! by Gato Barbieri. Tubes are Zalytron 5692 pair plus RCA black plate 12AX7 - all on tube risers (socket savers). The HP8 has been ‘turboed’ with a SR Purple Fuse. I chose the sensitive and excellent Grado RS-1x to evaluate HP8 susceptibility to hum. More to follow:

 

[Pharmaboy]

I am happy to be an Iconaudioclast! The HP8 is breaking in with Caliente! by Gato Barbieri. Tubes are Zalytron 5692 pair plus RCA black plate 12AX7 - all on tube risers (socket savers). The HP8 has been ‘turboed’ with a SR Purple Fuse. I chose the sensitive and excellent Grado RS-1x to evaluate HP8 susceptibility to hum. More to follow:

Welcome to the HP8 club...small but select.

Tube riser is a great idea. I've grown concerned about frequent swaps of driver tubes stressing the socket. Think I need a tube riser for the driver tube, at the least.

Where'd you get yours?

 

[jonathan c]

Welcome to the HP8 club...small but select.

Tube riser is a great idea. I've grown concerned about frequent swaps of driver tubes stressing the socket. Think I need a tube riser for the driver tube, at the least.

Where'd you get yours?

• The tube risers (socket savers) also permit better heat dissipation from the tube glass. I would also get them for the 6SN7s: if you roll those, you will be able to grip them by the micanol base rather than by the glass - thereby avoiding detachment from the base.
• Amplified Parts (direct / via Amazon):

 

[jonathan c]

• First things first. The initial (current) tube configuration is pair Zalytron 5692 plus single RCA black plate 12AX7. Hum is just very faint at maximum volume / no music. Break-in time thus far: almost thirteen hours.
• Right now, I am listening to Dexter Gordon on the album Stable Mable (released 1990, Steeplechase Records: Denmark). This is a great album: studio but with club feel. [A must listen].
• The HP8 rendition of this is astounding…live…goosebumps…The tube combination is absolutely felicitous / serendipitous…on the first try, no less! Bass is sinuous, tenor sax is throaty with the ‘right bite’, piano & drums are there!
• I have listened to (been swept away by) this album many times and can say that this HP8 configuration for me surpasses the QSA and Woo WA6 (two h/p/a which I love) in ‘bringing the goods home’.
• I have been listening only via Grado RS-1x. Wait until the ZMFs, the armada of 12AT7 tubes (‘Footscray’, RFT, Tungsram…), and Ken Rad VT-231s, Melz 6N8Ss……

 

[geoffalter11]

• First things first. The initial (current) tube configuration is pair Zalytron 5692 plus single RCA black plate 12AX7. Hum is just very faint at maximum volume / no music. Break-in time thus far: almost thirteen hours.
• Right now, I am listening to Dexter Gordon on the album Stable Mable (released 1990, Steeplechase Records: Denmark). This is a great album: studio but with club feel. [A must listen].
• The HP8 rendition of this is astounding…live…goosebumps…The tube combination is absolutely felicitous / serendipitous…on the first try, no less! Bass is sinuous, tenor sax is throaty with the ‘right bite’, piano & drums are there!
• I have listened to (been swept away by) this album many times and can say that this HP8 configuration for me surpasses the QSA and Woo WA6 (two h/p/a which I love) in ‘bringing the goods home’.
• I have been listening only via Grado RS-1x. Wait until the ZMFs, the armada of 12AT7 tubes (‘Footscray’, RFT, Tungsram…), and Ken Rad VT-231s, Melz 6N8Ss……

Welcome to the fabulous world of Icon's HP8 MK2 Signature. It is a seriously wonderful amp. You have a great combo of tubes in the HP8 for your first listen. Can't wait to hear how you like the footscray and VT-231s.

I have been using the Raytheon VT-231s with the RCA 12AX7A as of late and have been loving it. Sorry to hear the HP8 is making your QSA and WA6 obsolete, but thrilled you are enjoying the HP8 so much on day one. Just gets better....