Rediscovering Tung Sol 6080WA
I have a pair of NOS Tung Sol 6080WA since almost the day 1 I have LF 339i. I paid "big bucks" for them (well, at that time yes, I thought $100 a pair was my max) but was disappointed so they were sitting in their wraps for ages till tonight.
This tube happened to be discussed in other thread (6AS7G), and it sounded like it needs to pair a good driver tube. Well, what was changed now and then is that I have a lot of driver tubes -- EF80, EF86, 6SJ7GT, 5693, compared to only the stock tubes (Russian tubes) I have at that time.
First attempt: EF86, the "best I ever have".
Results: disaster! Thin and dry.
Second attempt: 5693, the hot rod.
Results: disappointed! cannot describe much but not happy.
Third attempt: my $2 cheap 6SJ7GT.
Results: soft, no feeling of power compared to the EF86
End of the night? Wait, to do a proper A/B testing, the volume should be comparable. EF86 certainly gives higher gain than others so my effective volume actually keep going down.
Repeat the 3rd attempt, and adjust the 6SJ7GT to the similar volume as the EF86, and Wow! So great in vocal, orchestral soundstage, pops, and movie music.
Happy ever after in the rest of my playlist.
Given it is only ~$60 for a good pair in ebay, it is back to my A list.
Now I might need to resume my chase of the affordable TS 6SJ7GT mesh....
I have a pair of NOS Tung Sol 6080WA since almost the day 1 I have LF 339i. I paid "big bucks" for them (well, at that time yes, I thought $100 a pair was my max) but was disappointed so they were sitting in their wraps for ages till tonight.
This tube happened to be discussed in other thread (6AS7G), and it sounded like it needs to pair a good driver tube. Well, what was changed now and then is that I have a lot of driver tubes -- EF80, EF86, 6SJ7GT, 5693, compared to only the stock tubes (Russian tubes) I have at that time.
First attempt: EF86, the "best I ever have".
Results: disaster! Thin and dry.
Second attempt: 5693, the hot rod.
Results: disappointed! cannot describe much but not happy.
Third attempt: my $2 cheap 6SJ7GT.
Results: soft, no feeling of power compared to the EF86
End of the night? Wait, to do a proper A/B testing, the volume should be comparable. EF86 certainly gives higher gain than others so my effective volume actually keep going down.
Repeat the 3rd attempt, and adjust the 6SJ7GT to the similar volume as the EF86, and Wow! So great in vocal, orchestral soundstage, pops, and movie music.
Happy ever after in the rest of my playlist.
Given it is only ~$60 for a good pair in ebay, it is back to my A list.
Now I might need to resume my chase of the affordable TS 6SJ7GT mesh....