[Djankie]

My EF86 tubes are getting microphonic. I need to replace them do you guys have any suggestions?

I wonder if I should try a 5693 instead of the EF86.

 

[Galapac]

The 5693 is a good choice, or a mesh 6SJ7.
I always liked the EF86 in the amp though, you could always get another set.

 

[hp4fun]

My EF86 tubes are getting microphonic. I need to replace them do you guys have any suggestions?

I wonder if I should try a 5693 instead of the EF86.

What’s your driver tube? 5693 can be great for some but not necessarily good for others (eg gec?)

 

[Shinsengumi]

The 5693 is a good choice, or a mesh 6SJ7.
I always liked the EF86 in the amp though, you could always get another set.

I see that you have both La Figaro and Euforia. What would you say are the differences?

 

[Galapac]

I would say the biggest difference would be that it's hard to beat the bass of the La Figaro. It is also a warmer amp compared to Euforia.
Euforia tends to lean more to the neutral side and can also reveal bad recordings more than La Figaro.

The 339i is just a fun, listen all day amp. I use the Euforia at work in my office where it seems to fit best.

 

[Shinsengumi]

I would say the biggest difference would be that it's hard to beat the bass of the La Figaro. It is also a warmer amp compared to Euforia.
Euforia tends to lean more to the neutral side and can also reveal bad recordings more than La Figaro.

The 339i is just a fun, listen all day amp. I use the Euforia at work in my office where it seems to fit best.

Thank you for sharing! It sounds like La Figaro is the one for me. I really like the bass in my set up.

 

[Djankie]

I would say the biggest difference would be that it's hard to beat the bass of the La Figaro. It is also a warmer amp compared to Euforia.
Euforia tends to lean more to the neutral side and can also reveal bad recordings more than La Figaro.

The 339i is just a fun, listen all day amp. I use the Euforia at work in my office where it seems to fit best.

Good to know. I was wondering what my next upgrade would be in my chain (in a year give or take).

I love bass and wil definitely keep la Figaro 339.

 

[adeadcrab]

My EF86 tubes are getting microphonic. I need to replace them do you guys have any suggestions?

I wonder if I should try a 5693 instead of the EF86.

5693 are one of the quieter driver tubes for LF339i.

 

[Shinsengumi]

Any tube recommendations? I have Cetron 7236, RCA 6AS7, Svetlana C 6AS7G, GE 6AS7GA, Sylvania 6080, RCA 6080, Sylvania 6SJ7GT, Telefunken EF86, Siemens EF80.

Out of this bunch I like RCA 6AS7G with Sylvania 6SJ7GT and ZMF VC and Chord Hugo2 och 2Go. When I had Chord Mojo Cetron 7236 was better. Now with Hugo2 I find RCA 6AS7 lusher and warmer which I really like. I like the bigger soundstage and more punchier sound of the Cetron 7236 but for longer listening session I found them to be a bit tiring.

I like full-bodied sound with big soundstage. Therefore it sounds like Philips 6SJ7WGT can be a great option which seems to have big soundstage and a holographic sound. Tung sol/Chatham 6080 seems to have big thumping bass. Chatham 6AS7G seems to have better control and space imagination than RCA 6AS7G. Even though Tung sol 5998 seems like a holy grail I am beginning to believe that it is not for me.

Any suggestions or anyone interested to sell me some tubes?

 

[xmdkq]

Try the British L63 and GEC6AS7G will do well.

 

[Shinsengumi]

Try the British L63 and GEC6AS7G will do well.

Didn’t know that L63 tubes worked on La Figaro. Do I need an adapter?

 

[triod750]

Didn’t know that L63 tubes worked on La Figaro. Do I need an adapter?

I suppose you need another version of La Figaro, intended for use of 6J5 type tubes for input. I don't know if they are custom order but there are some of these out there.

 

[Galapac]

I suppose you need another version of La Figaro, intended for use of 6J5 type tubes for input. I don't know if they are custom order but there are some of these out there.

I think the original 339, without the preamp out, had the 6J5, the 339i uses the 6SJ7 and equivalents.

I wish I could pin this post to the top of the thread but I copied it to my notes and is worth repeating:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

---

339i tube combinations

I read the thread twice and took notes of best combos of tubes and impressions but right now seems a little chaos,need to clarify them.
For example my 1st set of notes:
''
RCA6AS7 G + EF80 SYLVANIA .
2399/5998/6080WA Thomson, Chatham/6AS7G Chatham/RCA
RCA 6AS7G/TS EF86 mesh
Mazda Thorn EF86 and Svetlana 6H13C
Bendix6080/TF EF86 mesh
Mullard EF86 and GEC 6as7g
Mullard EF86 and RCA 6as7g and felt no need to roll in my GEC 6as7g or even Bendix 6080wb. Using Yggy as input and HD800
339 GEC 6AS7 UK L63 is the best match
almost exclusively use the EF86 adapter with two Telefunken EF86's (mesh plates). I have a lot of 6SJ7's and EF80's, but they don't see a lot of use. For power tubes I typically use an RCA, Chatham or Sylvania 6AS7G.
BEST:GEC 6AS7G,Bendix 6080WB Graphite Plates
. For EF86 tubes try: valvo / mullard / amperex meshplates, telefunken, even the Russian
Svetlana Winged C EF86/6267 best bang for the buck
7236 power tubes and Sylvania 6SJ7WTG
Mullard EF80 are the one I use all the time, in combination with some Chatham 6AS7G-Lieven
RCA 6AS7G and the Tung-sol 6SJWGT-dark Liu''


The second set @UntilThen impressions:
''
Favorite combinations thus far, in no particular order (because dependent on mood and music), include:


GE 6AS7GA -- RCA or JAN Philips 6SJ7WGT

RCA 6AS7G -- Telefunken EF86 or RCA 6SJ7WGT

Bendix 6080WB -- RCA 6SJ7WGT

Tung-Sol 7236 - RCA5693

Svetlana Winged "C" - Sveltana EF86

LF339 really sings with Mazda Thorn EF86 and Svetlana 6H13C
Mullard EF86 and GEC 6as7g.-Until then,the best''


Third,@Liu Junyuan impressions of LF compared with EC ZDS with different tube combos:
''
has been back and forth between ZDS and 339 all night. Utopia, HD600, HD650. Yggy via Lynx 16e card as source. Both very good in different ways, but it is totally dependent on tubes, and I am purposely using a darker set in both. 339 remains more dreamy (and thus more immersive) with my transducers, yet powerful and spacious. ZDS slightly more transparent and resolving; slams hard yet more refined. Huge caveat due to tubes used, as I need Bendix, 7236, or GE 6AS7GA for a more neutral set. Tungsol 6SU7GTY RBP as driver in ZDS--if I really wanted to play hard, it would be Mullard ECC35 (but equally so different tubes in 339).

339 is very close to ZDS. And it wins on pure enjoyment level most of the time. I have come to truly appreciate the suggestions upon entering this thread for the RCA 6AS7G/TS EF86 mesh combo.''


Anyway i want to thank everybody who posted in this thread and helped one way or another.I'm sure i am gonna love this amp.
Sorry for the long post.



And my pictures of the various combinations all in one post.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/la-figaro-339.502306/post-13657762


Mullard EF86 is a very revealing tube. Lots of details and clarity. The Mullard variety dials in a nice warm. Mullard EF80 is more relaxing and less piercing than EF86. Piercing might be a harsh word but you get my drift. RCA 5693 is also a very detail and clear tube.

So I pick drivers that are very clear with lots of details and I dial the tone with my power tubes (these are the big tubes on the inside). Very briefly, these are the characteristics of those power tubes:-

Gec 6as7g - gorgeous warm, lushness with a nice bass punch. This tube seems to get it right in tone. It's no wonder that it's the most desired and the most expensive. It's called the holy grail.

Gec 6080 - the lighter tone version of the Gec 6as7g. It's more airy and lighter in tone but with a very clear presentation. Nice tubes.

Bendix 6080wb - bass weight, wide soundstage, lush and dense but still very clear. I love this tube. The construction is very robust and the tube feels solid and heavy. It was developed for missiles applications.

Tung Sol 5998 - this is the benchmark. Full of energy, punch and impact. It's a lively tone with a solid bass impact and extends low. This tube has a higher gain so you will hear it louder unless you control the volume. This tube is well sought after by the Bottlehead Crack fraternity.

Cetron 7236 - this is the leaner tone version of the Tung Sol 5998. Very much leaner but with great impact too.

Rca 6as7g - more warm and lush than the Gec 6as7g but in comparison, it's sounded more coarse than the Gec. Nevertheless, it sounds superb on the LF339. Should get a pair of this.

Last but not least. Svetlana 6h13c is cheap and not too shabby. I like it on the LF339.

 

[Shinsengumi]

I think the original 339, without the preamp out, had the 6J5, the 339i uses the 6SJ7 and equivalents.

Ok. I have the “Bright version” which uses 6SJ7/6J4P/6AU6/EF94/6J8P/5693/6Ж4С. So no L63 on my amplifier.

 

[colinharding]

Thanks to Galapac I'll be joining the 339 club...can't wait - arrives tomorrow!

Was able to track down some tubes in advance and found a NIB set of JAN RCA 5693 and Western 421a tubes. The latter weren't cheap but from my experience with the DV337, totally worth it. I assume that will remain true with the 339.

For now - some tube pics and I'll post some more when I've the 339 in hand and running.