[coinmaster]

No lopsided signal as long as you don't have different tubes in different channels. Most important thing to note about mixing is that there will always be a "right" and a "wrong" configuration.
By that I mean X and Y tube will sound bad with X in slot 1 and Y in slot 2 but it will sound good with Y in slot 1 and X in slot 2. I have no idea why this happens because the tubes are effectively in series with the load either way, it is on my list of things to play around with and understand in my upcoming prototypes.

 

[Maxx134]

 
they are both 6080wb , so they have same specs, so i dont see a problem.

Also, I have experimented in past a mix which can be done , only when using same spec tubes:

what  I would suggest, is to place one of each brand on same side(!)
the left (positive) socket of each side will provide the dominant characteristic of the pair.
This insight is from my testing.
Also suggest all to at least read the "supermod" thread just to at least gain insights on your amp inner workings...

Thanks Maxx.  I thought about perhaps mixing them L+/R+ and L-/R- as described by you and (I believe) @coinmaster
 in the past.  I just wasn't sure if the comment from the seller about the 5-6% gain difference would be a problem.  Would having more gain on the + side than the - side cause a "lopsided" signal?

I'll thumb through the Super Mods thread again, although I have to admit: much of it is beyond my ability or modding needs. Still an informative read, though.

- Dave

It was Coinmaster who discovered this,
And upon further testing I verified you can achieve better sound mixing brands within same tube type...
My further investigation revealed that the left socket of each channel (right or left) would be dominant in displaying the tubes sound. ..

So as example , I would take a bright or clear or dynamic tube and place in the left socket,
And a warm bassy tune on right socket.
It would give me a clear dynamic sound with bass .

the other way around would just give a predominantly bassy less sound with some added dynamics. ..

Bottom line I preferred the better tube on the left side socket
...

 

[colliedoggy]

  Correct. You need external heater psu for those tubes. The MK6 is only good for 2.5A/output tube socket.
 

The 6.8V 5A winding is for one channel power tubes.

So what feeds the heater supply for each driver tube please?
 
Also, why is 6.8V used and not 6.3V? Won't that reduce the life of the tubes?
 
Thanks.   

 

[eserafinojr]

Respectfully, I'm sorry but I just don't buy that.

I'm happy it works for you, I really do.

Mixing brands of the same type and construction?

The difference in sound you are hearing is is likely attributed to mixing and matching tubes of varied strength, gain and age.

Just my opinion.

 

[Maxx134]

Respectfully, I'm sorry but I just don't buy that.


I'm happy it works for you, I really do.


Mixing brands of the same type and construction?


The difference in sound you are hearing is is likely attributed to mixing and matching tubes of varied strength, gain and age.


Just my opinion.

We talkning about rolling tubes that have their own different sonic characteristics aside from the same type.
It is well established that different brand tubes in the same family sound different.
For instance, a new production 6sn7 is not going to sound like a 1950s Silvania old stock.
The MK6&8 amplifiers have this advantage or ability to combine same model type- different brand without issue.
Try it, you may like it.

 

[Silent Xaxal]

How much of a difference does using balanced on the mk8 make?

 

[eserafinojr]

Pretty substantial IMHO.

The MK6 and MK8 are fully balanced designs and sound their absolute best balanced.

I used to own the MK8SE but sold it in favor of the MK6+ and X1 since they work better with lower impedance phones.

The Single Ended Headphone Output on the MK8 and MK6 is there merely for convenience.

Dynamics, Sound Stage, Imaging is better on balanced. And last but not least noise is non existant via balanced as the signal is grounded.

Little Dots flagship fullsize solid state amp, the X1, has phase inverters so it sounds equally well balanced or single ended and balanced input can be listened to single ended and vice versa!!

The X1 is absolutely fantastic, its one of the best SS amps I have heard.

Totally over looked product on here.

 

[coinmaster]

  How much of a difference does using balanced on the mk8 make?

All the difference. Technically speaking it rejects EM and RF noise while cutting the distortion in half, practically it just sounds way better in every way.

 

[wadi]

Has anybody had a chance to compare mk8 to la figaro 339? 

 

[Petyot]

New owner of a MKVI+. Waiting for balanced cables to try my HD800, HD600 and LCD-2.
 

 

[rudra]

  New owner of a MKVI+. Waiting for balanced cables to try my HD800, HD600 and LCD-2.
 
 

What tubes are you using? Is yours the new fanless design. Is it stock unit or does it have custom upgrades.

 

[Petyot]

 

What tubes are you using? Is yours the new fanless design. Is it stock unit or does it have custom upgrades.

No idea about the tubes...

 The seller just said : 4 matched mixed brand 6AS7G (same tube with different label made in US)
 
I received it this afternoon
 
Only upgrade is a ultra quiet fan (so it is not the fanless design).

 

[rudra]

Tube rolling is going to be addictive

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk

 

[3ggerhappy]

Whats the difference between MK6 and MK8? which ones better? also looking for comparison with the la figaro 339. 

 

[rudra]

from what I know MK8 is an OTL amp meant for high impedance can and the MK6 is for low impedance(doesn't mean high impedance can't be driven). Both amps are fully balanced. The LaFiagro  339 is a dual mono SE amp.   Which one is better for you is hard to tell. If one is using  planar magnetic and low impedance cans then MK6 would suit better.