McChanson amps appreciation thread

[UntilThen]

Yes yes we know all that. That the amp and all parts are new but there's no denying that even when new, you can hear the good tone. How do I know? Well I have my own Super Ultimate that is nearly a year old and the new Super Black Ultimate doesn't sound very much different from it.

 

[UntilThen]

Check all Ultimate's owners first impressions when they first hear their amp. They were impressed immediately. They did not wait 3 months to be impressed. It will get better but marginally only. Their impressions is in line with what I experience with 20 over new Ultimates.

 

[UntilThen]

Back to this combination...

FDD20, GEC 807 ATS25, Mullard GZ34. Did not expect FDD20 to perform so well but in this combination it is superb. Ultimate has a way to bring out the best in a tube and the FDD20 is no exception.

At least the tubes are already burn in.

 

[UntilThen]

On the other rack, Supreme is running with Telefunken EF86, Psvane 300b and Mullard 5U4G (it's probably RCA or GE).
Caps are set to Jupiters. Simply beautiful sounding.

Between these 2 tube amps, you have all bases covered. You don't need any other amps.

I will have these amps for less than a week. I intend to return them to Eric next Tuesday so that he can change to 110v for Hai and make final adjustments before sending them out on the 22nd July 2024.

 

[UntilThen]

I always thought gold looks best but in this instance, the black turns out very well. I like it. The silver power button with orange LED is a good contrast.

 

[UntilThen]

Found my Tung Sol 12SN7gt bgrp. Earlier I was using Tung Sol 12SL7gt bgrp. It's shocking how expensive Tung Sol 12SN7gt bgrp cost now.

 

[UntilThen]

Found a problem with the Super Black Ultimate. My finger accidentally brushed across the 1/4" headphone jack and sound cuts on and off. That tells me the 1/4" connector isn't tightened properly. Will have to tell Eric that.

The Super Gold Supreme is fine.

 

[UntilThen]

Tung Sol 12SN7gt, GEC 807 ATS25, Mullard GZ34. This amp sound so good even when new, it's unbelievable. Caps is set to VCAP now. Whether it's Duelund or VCAP, it sounds superb. It's addictive and hard to stop listening.

Guess it also looks great.

 

[VanHai]

Found my Tung Sol 12SN7gt bgrp. Earlier I was using Tung Sol 12SL7gt bgrp. It's shocking how expensive Tung Sol 12SN7gt bgrp cost now.

They are expensive and hard to find. The best driver tubes for LTA MZ3 amp. I have 2 pairs.

 

[UntilThen]

Telefunken EF86, Psvane 300b, Mullard 5U4G. Caps set to Jupiters. This sound just as good. I can't decide where my headphone should be plug into. Both amps sound crazy good. I am mightily impressed by both amps despite the fact that I have my own Super Ultimate.

and she's a beauty.

 

[UntilThen]

They are expensive and hard to find. The best driver tubes for LTA MZ3 amp. I have 2 pairs.

A quick glance at ebay and the prices are shocking. https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?...12SN7+black+glass&_sacat=0&rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=2

I think I paid $10 for mine (used) during GOTL time.

 

[VanHai]

I think I paid $10 for mine (used) during GOTL time.

That is a stealing deal.

 

[UntilThen]

That is a stealing deal.

That's 2019. 5 years ago. Tubes were cheaper then.

 

[UntilThen]

Glenn 300b amp owners love their amps with c3g as drivers. C3g on Supreme is one of the best, if not the best driver. I still haven't the chance to listen to WE300B but Psvane 300b will do for now.

Eric must be a seasoned builder by now. These 2 amps are rock solid and sound incredible.

 

[Deleeh]

Yes yes we know all that. That the amp and all parts are new but there's no denying that even when new, you can hear the good tone. How do I know? Well I have my own Super Ultimate that is nearly a year old and the new Super Black Ultimate doesn't sound very much different from it.

Unfortunately, I can't really judge.
My impression at the time was that my junior needed some time to get to where it is now.
Albert's Super Ultimate was also similar, and told him to give himself a little more time when he got his.
In the end we both concluded that it got better with time.
Eric also told me again when I wrote to him that I finally had my Junior in my hands to be patient .

By the way, I see that you have chosen nice tubes for both to test the Ultimates.
May I ask you to test Matt's amp with a house combination tube with the Duelund?
12At7 with EL34 or something like that.
I'd be interested to see how the Duelund performs with slightly less "good" tubes .
In other words, where the driver tube is less powerful.