[Phantaminum]

Found no evidence to the JW`s being better than the non JW`s of the same era, may be tube variance. Of the 5 pair I had (4 still have), my non JW 47/49 pair is my favorite. Could be the perfectly matched 1959 JW coming into play.. My other sets fit in to the too close to tell any difference.

Very true. I have two pairs of WE 396As and one pair of JW 396A. The WEs sound the same but the JWs just has more pop to instruments. I’m thinking tube variance as well.

 

[gardibolt]

Finally got my HE-560s back from HiFiMan service. It's the first time listening to them with the Lyr 2 and it's fabulous. I'm burning in the stock 6BZ7 tubes at the moment so it should be nothing special but it's 3-D gloriousness. The vocals in Mozart Notturnos are to die for with their richness and immediacy and the soundstage is enormous. I can hardly wait to try them with the better tubes like the Tung Sol 2C51.

 

[TK16]

Selling 1 of my pairs of LM Ericsson 2C51 steel pins. No noise/microphonics on MJ2/Lite Dac 68 with the cans in my profile. PM if interested. I`ll throw in a pair of 83 Reflektor 6N3P-E`s for free.

 

[billerb1]

Nice looking tubes and photo. I enjoy what the WE 396A offers, but I agree that the 6C8G group is another level. Haven't tried the Marconi RCA yet, currently have Ken Rad/NU/Tung Sol/Sylvania. Don't know why the 6C8G has been overlooked, prices are so low. Some of these are $15 a tube vs $60 for the WE 396A. What would a 6C8G cost if it were manufactured today? $100?

+1. Next up for me is giving a REAL audition to all my “rnros recommended/gifted” variants. Way past due !!!

 

[AuditoryCanvas]

Nice looking tubes and photo. I enjoy what the WE 396A offers, but I agree that the 6C8G group is another level. Haven't tried the Marconi RCA yet, currently have Ken Rad/NU/Tung Sol/Sylvania. Don't know why the 6C8G has been overlooked, prices are so low. Some of these are $15 a tube vs $60 for the WE 396A. What would a 6C8G cost if it were manufactured today? $100?

I have a pair of Marconi, I found them to be less detailed then the Ken-Rad, and almost too much bottom end extension, with less control on bass. Definitely a bass head tube. I much prefer the Ken-Rad. Interestingly, I also have a pair of RCA that sound much closer to the Ken-Rad.

 

[rnros]

I have a pair of Marconi, I found them to be less detailed then the Ken-Rad, and almost too much bottom end extension, with less control on bass. Definitely a bass head tube. I much prefer the Ken-Rad. Interestingly, I also have a pair of RCA that sound much closer to the Ken-Rad.

Thanks for the comparative notes. Appreciate the description. Makes sense that the RCA is different. My mistake there, on quick glance I saw Marconi RCA. Duh. It says Marconi RVC!
Haven't heard the RCA. Is that one I should listen to? Not that I need another tube. LOL.

 

[TK16]

This listing went from $280 to 300 and now 350.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-Western-Electric-396A-2C51-NOS-Black-Plate-1950s-tubes/332568844721

 

[Phantaminum]

This listing went from $280 to 300 and now 350.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-Western-Electric-396A-2C51-NOS-Black-Plate-1950s-tubes/332568844721

Is it me or are these a bit expensive for a quad of WEs? I got a quad last year for $215.

 

[TK16]

Yeah it is considering the condition of the pins. I'd pay $240 max if I need a quad. Paid around 220 for a quad months ago. These look to be 1948's though, I am holding out for a price change to $400 before I bite.

 

[AuditoryCanvas]

Thanks for the comparative notes. Appreciate the description. Makes sense that the RCA is different. My mistake there, on quick glance I saw Marconi RCA. Duh. It says Marconi RVC!
Haven't heard the RCA. Is that one I should listen to? Not that I need another tube. LOL.

Thanks for the comparative notes. Appreciate the description. Makes sense that the RCA is different. My mistake there, on quick glance I saw Marconi RCA. Duh. It says Marconi RVC!
Haven't heard the RCA. Is that one I should listen to? Not that I need another tube. LOL.

I think the Ken-Rads sound better, but they're pretty close, just didn't find them as detailed.

 

[AuditoryCanvas]

Hedge your bets....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Amperex-...793397?hash=item25eff7eff5:g:Na8AAOSwkhNapImS

 

[Phantaminum]

Hedge your bets....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Amperex-...793397?hash=item25eff7eff5:g:Na8AAOSwkhNapImS

I saw the tubes and started to chuckle. Those tubes looked more bad QA/QC than pinched waist tubes.

I say they go for $1200

Edit: Nvm, Roscoe is a legit seller. I purchased my previous PW from him.

 

[TK16]

I saw the tubes and started to chuckle. Those tubes looked more bad QA/QC than pinched waist tubes.

I say they go for $1200

Edit: Nvm, Roscoe is a legit seller. I purchased my previous PW from him.

My prediction $800.

 

[koover]

Hedge your bets....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Amperex-...793397?hash=item25eff7eff5:g:Na8AAOSwkhNapImS

$875

 

[billerb1]

$1025