[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gautama /img/forum/go_quote.gif Those with the mullard shield are older, those with double lined mullard shields are even older than that!

True indeed! I have a pair of M8161's without a sheild, and they don't have the same sound as the ones with a sheild. Weird!

 

[kg4icn]

Remeber the first time you heard true head-fi and couldn't believe the sound? My LittleDot T_100 is in bypass mode with the LD II++ feeding it. WOW!! This is the new toy on the setup. Sumiko Audio : Sonus faber

I can't believe the vocals and how even the sound is!! *BIG grin*

Using the Mullard driver tubes and Chinese power tubes.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kg4icn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Remeber the first time you heard true head-fi and couldn't believe the sound? My LittleDot T_100 is in bypass mode with the LD II++ feeding it. WOW!! This is the new toy on the setup. Sumiko Audio : Sonus faber I can't believe the vocals and how even the sound is!! *BIG grin* Using the Mullard driver tubes and Chinese power tubes.

Excellent! Now, get a pair of the Russian 6S19-PI power tubes and the II++ will be at it's maximum behavior. Using it to feed the T_100 is a great idea!

 

[Gautama]

I still want to see those pics, btw.

 

[Penchum]

X2

 

[MontyPythizzle]

Talking to a seller on eBay about getting some Mullards M8161s for cheap, already got the good power tubes. The power tubes didn't make THAT big of a difference, driver tubes DEFINITELY make the difference. Changing from the Ediswan stock tubes to Amperex ones you can tell the difference.
The Ediswans sound more digital and the Amperex ones would be GREAT for vinyl preamp or for Grados for a nice warm tube-like sound.

I got the Uly 6S19P-V power tubes. They don't make the amp as hot as the stock tubes though.

 

[Danika k]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MontyPythizzle /img/forum/go_quote.gif Talking to a seller on eBay about getting some Mullards M8161s for cheap, already got the good power tubes. The power tubes didn't make THAT big of a difference, driver tubes DEFINITELY make the difference. Changing from the Ediswan stock tubes to Amperex ones you can tell the difference. The Ediswans sound more digital and the Amperex ones would be GREAT for vinyl preamp or for Grados for a nice warm tube-like sound. I got the Uly 6S19P-V power tubes. They don't make the amp as hot as the stock tubes though.

I think they go for ~$50 for a matched pair, I got mine on ebay for about that much.

They really are beautiful sounding tubes though, maybe I'll get another pair just in case if I can find them cheaper. PM me if you find a good deal!

 

[MontyPythizzle]

Well, I might get them for a little bit cheaper than that!!
He gave me a good deal, but they are just not in my budget right now. I will leave my WTB threads in the FS/FT section a little longer and see how that pans out.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kg4icn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Remeber the first time you heard true head-fi and couldn't believe the sound? My LittleDot T_100 is in bypass mode with the LD II++ feeding it. WOW!! This is the new toy on the setup. Sumiko Audio : Sonus faber I can't believe the vocals and how even the sound is!! *BIG grin* Using the Mullard driver tubes and Chinese power tubes.

I'm curious. Do you have to run a sub-woofer with those to get proper bass?
Thanks!

 

[Gautama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danika k /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think they go for ~$50 for a matched pair, I got mine on ebay for about that much. They really are beautiful sounding tubes though, maybe I'll get another pair just in case if I can find them cheaper. PM me if you find a good deal!

M8161 Mullard Shield Vacuum Tubes 2 pcs. M Set 8161 - eBay (item 250217216230 end time Feb-24-08 17:34:14 PST)

 

[Gautama]

Well, this thread has imo the most LDII++ info relating to its sound, so I'll post this here.

Over the time time I've had this amp, around 9 months now, its flaws have become more apparent to me.

I'll try to keep this short and sweet,for good of the people!

Mids are too pronounced/emphasized.
Too warm.
Bass could use more slam/weight/impact.
Really struggles with complex and/or fast musical passages.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gautama /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, this thread has imo the most LDII++ info relating to its sound, so I'll post this here. Over the time time I've had this amp, around 9 months now, its flaws have become more apparent to me. I'll try to keep this short and sweet,for good of the people! Mids are too pronounced/emphasized. Too warm. Bass could use more slam/weight/impact. Really struggles with complex and/or fast musical passages.

Could you share with us which power tubes and driver tubes you have in it?
Thanks!

 

[Gautama]

Its in the profile the tubes I have, I mostly use (probably NOS, not sure) Uly 6c19-b and NOS Mullard M8161.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gautama /img/forum/go_quote.gif Its in the profile the tubes I have, I mostly use (probably NOS, not sure) Uly 6c19-b and NOS Mullard M8161.

I just did a quick tube rolling with my LDII++, to see if I had a tube that is better in the areas you are having problems with. The only one I could find that holds any promise, is the Amperex EF92 Bugle Boys. Better bass punch, less emphasis on the mids and not as warm, compared to the M8161. Hope this helps some!!

 

[Gautama]

Heh, I'll be upgrading soon enough. Twisted Pear Audio Opus DAC to balanced CKKIII's, hifi on the cheap.