[Jamesy1969]

A bit off-topic but I'm not sure where else to ask this!

Does anyone else use the Lyr as a pre-amp? I've recently added a power amp and 'speakers to my system (Bifrost Uber and Lyr) and it's been very noisy! I've tried different sets of tubes (Telefunkens, Philips and Mallards) but all sound the same. With nothing playing, there is a significant amount of harsh hissing background noise, which is still audible when playing music. Is this to be expected with a high output amp or do I need something fixed?

NB : Bifrost Uber -> Lyr -> Quad 99 -> Wharfedale Diamond 220

 

[TK16]

Manage to snag a pair of 57 Bugle Boy printed Mullard Blackburn pair for $70. 12AT7.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Pair-Mullard-ECC81-12AT7-Bugle-Boy-Vacuum-Tubes-D-Getter-1957-3-DAY-SALE/263924302890?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

 

[billerb1]

i highly recommend these Valvo PW Hambug tubes to you bro for your listening pleasure, Foton 6N3P 3x 50`s, WE JW`s, 6922/CCa Heerlen PW. These tubes are like all those on steroids and HGH at the same time. They got Siemens print and boxes. Not even 24 hours in with burn in.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-E81CC-S...934084?hash=item41ebbd6c84:g:Am8AAOSw8fZan-nF

Thanks TK. Little out of my price range after the Yggy upgrade $$ hit. Would have to check on comparability with my WA2. Assuming they’re ok send me a link to the adapters I’d need. Thanks again !

 

[TK16]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-Gold-p...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

 

[bcowen]

So what was the verdict?

Had some time to listen to the Amperex 7316 today. Sounds very nice. Evenly balanced through the frequency spectrum, good (if not standard setting) bass, gorgeous midrange full of color and micro-detail. Not as dynamic as a Foton 2-mica 6N3P (sorry, I don't have any triple micas), and a little more laid back (but not recessed) in the treble in comparison. Without having a good reference to compare with the 12AT7's and such that are being discussed, I'll just say it's a musical and enjoyable tube, but I certainly wouldn't pay the $100+ price being asked for it these days. Not up to that level, IMO.

 

[gardibolt]

The GE 5751 triple micas (12AX7 variant) showed up today. Not bad on a quick listen, real good warmth but sure feels congested after listening to the Telefunken ECC801S tubes at length. We will see if they open up some.

Also scored a pair of new-testing 1940s Ken-Rad 12AX7s. That should be interesting.

 

[spyder1]

A bit off-topic but I'm not sure where else to ask this!

Does anyone else use the Lyr as a pre-amp? I've recently added a power amp and 'speakers to my system (Bifrost Uber and Lyr) and it's been very noisy! I've tried different sets of tubes (Telefunkens, Philips and Mallards) but all sound the same. With nothing playing, there is a significant amount of harsh hissing background noise, which is still audible when playing music. Is this to be expected with a high output amp or do I need something fixed?

NB : Bifrost Uber -> Lyr -> Quad 99 -> Wharfedale Diamond 220

The Lyr 1 is horrible as a pre amp, and should only be use as a Headphone AMP. High gain is the only option for Lyr 1, and that is causing noise at RCA outputs. I sent my Lyr 1 in for repair and tune up, with the RCA out, noise complaint, they sent it back and said it performed within normal perameters. RCA outputs for pre-amp still noisy.

I use a Lyr 2 as pre-amp. Low gain setting = quiet RCA outputs.

 

[Jamesy1969]

The Lyr 1 is horrible as a pre amp, and should only be use as a Headphone AMP. High gain is the only option for Lyr 1, and that is causing noise at RCA outputs. I sent my Lyr 1 in for repair and tune up, with the RCA out, noise complaint, they sent it back and said it performed within normal perameters. RCA outputs for pre-amp still noisy.

I use a Lyr 2 as pre-amp. Low gain setting = quiet RCA outputs.

Thanks for the confirmation. What a waste of time putting pre-outs on!

Now I'm in a quandary - to "upgrade" to a Lyr 2 or start the path to a balanced system?

 

[Eldair]

Thank you AC for great tip. These RCA 12AU7 really make Kamelot (band) sound good and it is first time in my tube rolling history this happened. All other music sound good aswell.

 

[koover]

Manage to snag a pair of 57 Bugle Boy printed Mullard Blackburn pair for $70. 12AT7.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Pair-Mullard-ECC81-12AT7-Bugle-Boy-Vacuum-Tubes-D-Getter-1957-3-DAY-SALE/263924302890?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

Beautiful looking tubes man! Let us know if they sound the same way as they look.
Also, when you’re browsing (which is all the time I believe ) and U come across these again or close to it, let me know PLEASE!
Finders fee applicable.

 

[kolkoo]

Speaking of Mullards check out these babies I won. https://www.ebay.com/itm/253847268796 yeah they test low but still seem strong enough to work well, especially for 5$. Well I also bought this seller's other 3 1954 Mullards that were testing quite strong and were way more expensive but still excited to hear these!
Other than that still waiting on:

1956 B ne 04 coded Telefunken ECC81 with fat angled ring getters
The 1954 Mullard Mitchams
3 pairs of 6201 195X triple mica 6201 and 1 pair of 1957 D-Getter triple mica 6201
3 single ECC801S 195X Telefunkens (hope to get a pair out of)
A bunch of single ECC81s from different early years of different factories Siemens,Hamburg,Heerlen,Copenhagen,Mazda hope to get some pairs going


Currently have:
PW E180CC 1957/1958 and 1959/1959 Heerlens
Mullard 1956 Mitchams pair
Mullard 1955/1956 Blackburn pair
Siemens 1954/1956 different structures pair but sound balanced to me (tested with Mono track thanks to @AuditoryCanvas for the idea )
3 Telefunken singles that are actually 1x Siemens 1955 (nice score will pair it up with the 1956 Siemens as they have same structure) and 2 Telefunken 1 with fat getter one without (lol you win some you lose some)

As you can see I'm fully in on the 12at7 family

 

[koover]

^^^^^^^^^^^ @kolkoo

Man, it seems like I should sell all my 6922 variants and start buying all the different adapters that are compatible with the MJ2 and start hoarding these cool tubes ALL of you guys are scooping up!

The prices for overseas auctions seem to be overall cheaper (and some great bargains/finds) compared to here in the states.

 

[kolkoo]

^^^^^^^^^^^ @kolkoo

Man, it seems like I should sell all my 6922 variants and start buying all the different adapters that are compatible with the MJ2 and start hoarding these cool tubes ALL of you guys are scooping up!

The prices for overseas auctions seem to be overall cheaper (and some great bargains/finds) compared to here in the states.

I have not sold most of my 6922s or 2C51s. I've got a phat bag of them!

 

[TK16]

Most of 6922 variants I got are gone, probably going to sell 2 or 3 more pairs and keep the best of the best.

 

[spyder1]

.