I'm having good sonic results by using a 5965 in my EMP. So far after about two hours there isn't any smoke or explosions! Are these tubes safe to use in the long run in place of the 12AT7 in the EMP?
OK to use 5965 in place of 12AT7?
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sacd lover
Headphoneus Supremus
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The 5965 has a slightly higher heater current draw and the amp factor of 37 is quite a bit lower than the 12at7's 60. Sometimes more heater current daw can cause problems if the transformer isnt up to the task. But the difference is only 0.15 amp for one tube .... so I would think you will be ok. If the 5965 works fine without running out of gain the 12av7 is the preferred sub for the 5965 and is reportedly another good tube. The 6414 with same heater draw as the 5965, and a slightly higher amp factor of 42, is another tube more like the 5965 than the 12at7 you may want to try. The Raytheon blackplate 6414 sounds great in the SP amps.
| Originally Posted by seefeel I'm having good sonic results by using a 5965 in my EMP. So far after about two hours there isn't any smoke or explosions! Are these tubes safe to use in the long run in place of the 12AT7 in the EMP? |
The 5965 has a slightly higher heater current draw and the amp factor of 37 is quite a bit lower than the 12at7's 60. Sometimes more heater current daw can cause problems if the transformer isnt up to the task. But the difference is only 0.15 amp for one tube .... so I would think you will be ok. If the 5965 works fine without running out of gain the 12av7 is the preferred sub for the 5965 and is reportedly another good tube. The 6414 with same heater draw as the 5965, and a slightly higher amp factor of 42, is another tube more like the 5965 than the 12at7 you may want to try. The Raytheon blackplate 6414 sounds great in the SP amps.
Hey sacd lover,
Thanks for all the info. Good stuff. By the way, the EMP is OTL. Does that make any difference compared to an amp with a transformer in this regard?
Thanks for all the info. Good stuff. By the way, the EMP is OTL. Does that make any difference compared to an amp with a transformer in this regard?
sacd lover
Headphoneus Supremus
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I am not exactly sure what you are asking? But OTL = output transformerless .... which refers to the design lacking output transformers to couple the output tubes to the load = headphones. Output transformers have nothing to do with the main power transformer and the high voltage B+ or filament power supply used by the tube.
For a very basic answer .... an output transformer will limit the frequency bandwidth vs OTL, and depending on transformer quality, possibly add some coloration. An OTL design has an inherently wider bandwidth and no transformer windings to pass through which usually results in less potential for coloration. An output transformer implementation, however, will convert both the voltage and current from the tube to current, and therefore, offers signifigantly more power/ current drive than an equivalent OTL design at lower impedences. OTL's are generally regarded as sounding more transparent and lifelike. But as with everything there are exceptions.
For those who understand OTL vs transformer coupling I know this answer is far from complete and lacking why's.
| Originally Posted by seefeel Hey sacd lover, Thanks for all the info. Good stuff. By the way, the EMP is OTL. Does that make any difference compared to an amp with a transformer in this regard? |
I am not exactly sure what you are asking? But OTL = output transformerless .... which refers to the design lacking output transformers to couple the output tubes to the load = headphones. Output transformers have nothing to do with the main power transformer and the high voltage B+ or filament power supply used by the tube.
For a very basic answer .... an output transformer will limit the frequency bandwidth vs OTL, and depending on transformer quality, possibly add some coloration. An OTL design has an inherently wider bandwidth and no transformer windings to pass through which usually results in less potential for coloration. An output transformer implementation, however, will convert both the voltage and current from the tube to current, and therefore, offers signifigantly more power/ current drive than an equivalent OTL design at lower impedences. OTL's are generally regarded as sounding more transparent and lifelike. But as with everything there are exceptions.
For those who understand OTL vs transformer coupling I know this answer is far from complete and lacking why's.
Oh, OK. I see what you're saying. Thanks again.
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