[ardbeg1975]

I was going to buy an Auris HA-2SF literally today, then I heard about the Folkvangr (on the way to the store) and arrived to tell my audio distributor that the Auris would have to wait (I think they weren't too pleased about that. Felt a bit bad about it, but what is one to do?)

Once upon a time, I bought the only amp I've had so far, the venerable Bryston BHA-1. Super clean, transparent, powerful. Then I got a Lyr 3 for my gaming rig and I was surprised I couldn't tell the difference (the BHA-1 is a ~2k amp) so I decided to jump into the tube world but, being cautious, I picked the Auris because its profile sits kind of in between, and "full" tube amps were north of 5K.

I wanted something more exciting than just 'transparent'.

After seeing the Folkvangr, I thought "This is too crazy not to give it a try" so I ordered mine (on the way back from the store) and I plan to drive my HE1000se's and Klipsch HP-3 with it. If you want the honest review of someone who has never ever heard how a tube amp sounds like, stay tuned. So far I'm thinking it's going to be like that time I got a pair of Fostex TH900's and everything just sounded more exciting through them, even though I could definitely tell they were tinting the sound.

I'm also hoping this tube rolling thing is not too much of a slippery slope...

It’s a very slippery slope only controlled by the Folk’s use of 6N6Ps for which there are less options.

 

[ardbeg1975]

I have to move it over to my regular listening area, but my Folkvangr is alive and well. I've played some Carmen McRae (temporarily hooked up the line out from my Ibasso DAP). I can confirm the amp does handle the DCA Stealth, but likely you will want to enable the impedance multiplier, depending on how hot a signal you feed in, and on the specific track. Some songs are fine without it, others you may want a bit more headroom.
And yes, it does sound quite tubey and on the lush side, but with the sense of air and clarity that I hoped for.

Who are the manufacturers of the tubes?

 

[ardbeg1975]

Who are the manufacturers of the tubes?

Actually, zooming into the jpeg, I think the octet set are Novosibirsk. Cannot tell on the front pair.

 

[jonathan c]

Novosibirsk, Foton, Reflektor (?) would be the primary 6N6P makers.

 

[bcowen]

It’s a very slippery slope only controlled by the Folk’s use of 6N6Ps for which there are less options.

Not to worry. It's still possible to empty the wallet.

 

[ardbeg1975]

For that kind of money, I’d rather spring for a matched pair of MELZ 6N8S and 6922 to 6SN7 pin out adapters in lieu of the two stock 6N1Ps.

 

[AudioGal]

Not to worry. It's still possible to empty the wallet.

HAH! I'd rather buy a couple red base RCA 5692s. I bought 50 pretested 6n6p for less than that, including shipping from Ukraine.

 

[bcowen]

HAH! I'd rather buy a couple red base RCA 5692s. I bought 50 pretested 6n6p for less than that, including shipping from Ukraine.

What factory? Tashkent (Foton), Reflector, or Novosibirsk?

I have zero experience with 6N6P's. I have two lots of Fotons from different years, and one of those groups has the square, dimpled getters. The other group has the typical Russian round UFO style. I've read that the square getter versions are better, but that's a complete FWIW until I get a chance to hear them myself and see if there's a difference. It would be sweet (and lots cheaper) if all 6N6P's sound the same or where differences are extremely minor. Probably wishful thinking though.

 

[mab1376]

My FV is expected to arrive on 7/8!

 

[jonathan c]

For that kind of money, I’d rather spring for a matched pair of MELZ 6N8S and 6922 to 6SN7 pin out adapters in lieu of the two stock 6N1Ps.

But you are still stuck using 6N6Ps…

 

[bcowen]

But you are still stuck using 6N6Ps…

Not necessarily...... (damnit):

 

[mab1376]

Not necessarily...... (damnit):

I used 6sn7 in place of 6n6p on my little dot, the heater is 600ma

 

[jonathan c]

Thanks bcowen!

 

[ardbeg1975]

I used 6sn7 in place of 6n6p on my little dot, the heater is 600ma

Interesting but I’m hesitant to burn through an octet of 6SN7s given shrinking inventory of NOS tubes of that type.

 

[mab1376]

Interesting but I’m hesitant to burn through an octet of 6SN7s given shrinking inventory of NOS tubes of that type.

Some people like to watch the world burn.