Max F
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2005
- Posts
- 632
- Likes
- 12
I think matching is over-rated.
I've only had a balance issue on a few tubes that were not matched. Actually a pair of one of my favorites, Raytheon 6ak5w black plates 1950s, are mismatched. I actually like it and put the stronger one on the right side. For some reason, my right ear isn't as good as my left and it helps balance the image in the center of my head (for mono recordings). I know it sounds weird but its true.
For the balanced tubes, I can put on my headphones either as is or put the right driver on my left ear and vice versa. The center (mono recordings) will be slightly left center either way i try the headphones. My ears are really good, its just the left one is stronger.
Don't get me wrong. Getting matched tubes is good, i'm just not going to pay a premium for it.
I've only had a balance issue on a few tubes that were not matched. Actually a pair of one of my favorites, Raytheon 6ak5w black plates 1950s, are mismatched. I actually like it and put the stronger one on the right side. For some reason, my right ear isn't as good as my left and it helps balance the image in the center of my head (for mono recordings). I know it sounds weird but its true.
For the balanced tubes, I can put on my headphones either as is or put the right driver on my left ear and vice versa. The center (mono recordings) will be slightly left center either way i try the headphones. My ears are really good, its just the left one is stronger.
Don't get me wrong. Getting matched tubes is good, i'm just not going to pay a premium for it.