MIKELAP
Headphoneus Supremus
Started to listen to some octals so far the black glass Tung Sol seems to be superiour to the vt-229 and 6SUL7 bass with the hd800 is pretty nice
I am concerned in my move to put 6cg7 to 6sn7 adapters in place of power tubes.
I didn't receive them yet, but I read that I need a seperate power supply to run 6sn7's.
Is that right or does it only apply for driver tube section?
I'm afraid that I can't use the adapters plug and play...
(BTW, do 12ax7 tubes have more potential than yugo 6hm5's?)
Hi mab 1376,
here is post #2078 p. 139 (happy to see that you agree with the reviewer):
Hi All,
Here is a review of the IBM 1680 (6BE6) tube made by Sylvania: (please read until end or skip to summary)
EF95 1/7 Strap setting (used for burn in): The first impression was the signature heptode sound of wide expansive sound stage, clarity and abundant detail. Then some shortcomings became apparent: soft flabby bass, cool mid range, lack of dynamics, and sibilant treble.
These deficiencies disappeared slowly, and after significant burn in they almost all disappeared to a certain extent. After being burnt in for 50-60 hours the tubes had improved markedly. The bass is acceptable but lacks slam and attack. The mid range became warmer. The highs are still sibilant and sharp. Good bye (and good riddance) EF95 1/7 setting.
EF95 NS (no strap): This setting yields better sound than the one previously described. Firmer, more distinct bass, mid range regular warm, highs still sharp but no sibilance, good detail. Yep, much better, but no wow factor. A certain lack of micro dynamics, rhythm and pacing. A good simulation of my solid state receiver with better bass. Bye Bye EF95 NS.
EF95 2/7 strap: Wow! Multi layered 3D heptode magic! Bold, powerful bass, full of details and micro dynamics, great highs. Involuntarily toe tapping - a 4 on a scale of 5.
Cons: Bass does not go down to the deepest levels, and there is a minor mid range coolness and hollowness.
Very good presentation overall with tons of detail and musicality. EF95 2/7 - you are welcome any time.
EF92 setting (using EF95 6/7 strap setting): Treble excellent with great detail and power but some sibilance; mid range good, bass is a bit boomy. Overall quite good, grows on you. Perhaps this setting would match certain types of equipment. EF92 - nice to see you, bye.
SUMMARY OF THE IBM 1680 TUBE:
As mentioned before, the differences between heptodes are much more subtle than between 6AK5 tubes, and thus harder to describe.
Using the EF95 2/7 strap setting this tube is very good performer, albeit not on the level of the very best heptodes.
The EF92 setting may be a good choice if you like a very detailed treble presentation.
EF95 NS is OK.
EF95 1/7 is not recommended.
Price wise, the 1680 is a winner with a cost of less than $8 for a pair shipped.
As they say in a prominent consumer magazine: Recommended, Best Buy.
Edit 7/27/13: Listening to the EF92 simulated setting now. Don't know if the tubes stabilized or my perception changed, but these tubes sound excellent now on this setting. Bass is firm but not in your face, almost no sibilance. Detail, detail. Simply beautiful.
SO I've been working on putting together a Lyr VS LD1+ 6DJ8 shootout and instead of going nuts I'm just gonna post my impressions thus far.
..............
SO far its very close, with the Lyr having better dynamics and slightly better bass control (probably because of all that power on tap)
Its close depending on tubes and opamp its 75-80% of the way there... The Lyr is very thick sounding on its own... Whereas the LD has a more graceful way of present music... Both are awesome though!
Fascinating comparison, I've been waiting for this kind of review ever since we started using 6DJ8 types on our LDs!
But, the comparison I would be even more interested in would be between a Lyr and a maxed-out MK III or MK IV.
As a MK IV SE owner - which would be pretty close to the Lyr price range without the premium tubes it come with (~$360 shipped w/o tubes) - I would love a shootout between a 6N30P-DR + Philips E88CC/E188CC MK IV SE and a Lyr with the same driver tubes! I'm pretty sure the results would come out as "surprising" between the two units!
Anyone have both a Lyr, a MK IV and spare cash to buy a the god-tier tubes lol?
In the interests of LD research, might I humbly suggest that YOU buy a Lyr? lol
In the interests of LD research, might I humbly suggest that YOU buy a Lyr? lol