I got the pair of GE’s for $30. The Sylvania’s were $70 each . We shall see how this plays out!! I saw a bunch of double mica versions too. I decided to stick with the triple mica version because that’s what you had. The double mica versions were a little cheaper. From what I read, the double mica versions are newer. There’s a ken-rad 12ax7 I’m interested in trying for the Pendant. Those aren’t cheap. About the same as the Sylvania.
I have no personal experience with that specific tube. That said I do run a pair of Adzam(Mazda) 12AU7WA 6189's in the RH-5. The 6189's are super screened and were designed for military purposes, to include amplification circuits. It's definitely a beefed up 12AU7. Maybe similar to the ECC802's?
The Raytheon 5814 Black Plate 2 Mica Square Getters 52' are in the amp and warming up. I gave this tube a try in my Pendant SE last night, and they sounded absolutely fantastic. More to come on the sound, but I can already tell you these are special sounding tubes and should pair up with the RH-5 beautifully.
I have always wanted to hear the older Telefunken version, but have it on good authority they are a bit bass light, so that has kept me from trying them. A tube rolling buddy of mine who's ears I absolutely trust loves the Telefunken ECC802S, and says it's a highly transparent tube and the mids and treble are as good as it gets. He is also the one who told me he wishes they had a bit more bass as well. I know their are some other NOS brands out there that make the ECC802S as well as some new production JJ's, but I have never researched them.
I will say I am digging these 5814 so much, that it's made me a bit curious about other 12AU7 equivalent upgrade tubes like the 6189, 5963 . . .
Thanks @Wes S and @RobertSM ……..just ordered a pair of Tesla 6189’s (Czech military ‘70’s) NOS. I like bass…..but still looking for something that propels a female vocal (like maybe Natalie Cole).
AND….my RH-5 is on the FedEx truck right now. Should have it in a few hours.
Thanks @Wes S and @RobertSM ……..just ordered a pair of Tesla 6189’s (Czech military ‘70’s) NOS. I like bass…..but still looking for something that propels a female vocal (like maybe Natalie Cole).
AND….my RH-5 is on the FedEx truck right now. Should have it in a few hours.
If you want a tube that propels female vocals and has killer bass, keep an eye out for the Raytheon or CBS-HYTRON 5814 Black Plates Double Mica with Square Getters. Just about 95% of my listening is all about female vocals, and the CBS-HYTRON and Raytheon 5814 have not disappointed.
Thanks @Wes S and @RobertSM ……..just ordered a pair of Tesla 6189’s (Czech military ‘70’s) NOS. I like bass…..but still looking for something that propels a female vocal (like maybe Natalie Cole).
AND….my RH-5 is on the FedEx truck right now. Should have it in a few hours.
I just had the most amazing night listening with RH-5 and VC, and in fact it's the best I have ever heard my VC sound. I have never connected more with the music ever in my life. The level of emotion, detail, speed, impact, texture and realism are all there in full effect and the best I have heard in this hobby so far. I have never heard so much detail in my life, and truly feel like I am driving the VC to it's full potential.
The Raytheon 5814 Black Plate Square Getter 2 Mica from 52', takes the RH-5 and VC pairing to levels I did not even know was possible. This tube is pure insanity at it's finest. The most immersive, fast, impactful, detailed/transparent and well balanced sounding tube I have ever heard. I feel like I have punched through that last little veil between artificial and realism with this tube, and I am simply transported to another place and it's a stunning experience. I started listening yesterday around 4 pm and did not stop until 2 am this morning, as it's been a blast going through my song library and hearing little nuances and details I have never heard before. The bass hits hard and you can literally feel the impact and texture with this tube, and once the vocals kick in you can feel the emotion and it is such a fun ride. The stage is so holographic it can make me dizzy at times, and it's so freakig fun hearing sounds explode all around my head in all directions. My tube rolling in the RH-5 is most likely going to end with this tube, as I have been through a ton of good ones, and nothing has come close to what this tube can do. One last thing is this tube is so well balanced I can crank up the volume and it's one of those experiences where the louder you go the more real and lifelike it sounds without ever getting harsh. Truly a stunning experience!
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