[Solrighal]

Are microphonics a problem in all valve amps?

 

[MattTCG]

Not all, but some yes. 

 

[jorge8]

Some amps are more sensitive than others.
And some valves are more microphonic than others.
It can be reduced using tube dampers.
However it's not always better: when you reduce microphonics with dampers sometimes the soundstage collapses and you loose the sense of air.
Bottom line: it's difficult to understand a problem with microphonics with headphones that don't generate sound levels high enough to create a problem.

 

[jorge8]

a good primer on microphonics: http://www.upscaleaudio.com/pages/Microphonics.html

 

[joebobbilly]

Well guys. Just ordered LCD-2. Let's see what happens.

 

Congratulations!!!! Now we are all going to expect a detailed review , seriously, enjoy, I look forward to reading your perspectives on the LCD-2 versus your 650.

I did a comparison before here if you wanna take a look.

 

[Lorspeaker]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/727535/price-drop-custom-spc-cable-for-hd-650-600-w-gold-plated-yarbo-and-cardas-plugs#post_10769774
 
another spc on the buysell forum...

 

[madwolfa]

  I did a comparison before here if you wanna take a look.

 
Thanks! I don't think I would part with my HD650 any time soon... but we'll see on Thursday!

 

[CanadianMaestro]

Just listened to Grimaud's "Emperor" on 650 with BHA-1 amp. The 650 does piano very well, and softens nicely the many crescendos on this magisterial piece. Highly recommended.
 

 

[Solrighal]

Not all, but some yes. 

Some amps are more sensitive than others.
And some valves are more microphonic than others.
It can be reduced using tube dampers.
However it's not always better: when you reduce microphonics with dampers sometimes the soundstage collapses and you loose the sense of air.
Bottom line: it's difficult to understand a problem with microphonics with headphones that don't generate sound levels high enough to create a problem.

a good primer on microphonics: http://www.upscaleaudio.com/pages/Microphonics.html

Thanks guys and thanks for the read Jorge.

 

[whirlwind]

Are microphonics a problem in all valve amps?

No

 

[Anavel0]

Are microphonics a problem in all valve amps?

It's more dependent on the tube than the amp. I had a pair of Sylvania tubes that would give me about 10 seconds of "ting ting ting" at start up and when I switched to equivalent Seimens tubes they don't do it at all.

 

[jorge8]

"ting ting ting" is not microphonics. It's noise. Some tubes can do that mainly if not used for a long time. With use that noise usually goes off.

 

[MattTCG]

Let me be more clear. When you can tap on the enclosure of the amp or the desk where the tube amp sits and get an immediate "ting ting ting"...I refer to this as microphronic. An external disturbance that causes the tube amplifier to make unwanted noise (ting ting ting) is how I define microphonics. 
 
On another note, I listened to an album recommended by CanadianMiestro...Casualites of Cool. It's fantastic!! Not my usual flavor but very good nontheless. Somewhat of a concept album. A little bluey, a little rock...incredibly well recorded. 

 

[CanadianMaestro]

I listened to an album recommended by CanadianMiestro...Casualites of Cool. It's fantastic!! Not my usual flavor but very good nontheless. Somewhat of a concept album. A little bluey, a little rock...incredibly well recorded. 

 
Do "Sneakin' Out" by Train Wreck. Awesome instrumental acoustics on speakers. Love it.
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sneakinout

 

[MattTCG]

^^ Thank you sir!! I love new gear and things that are shiny, but it's really all about the music for me. I appreciate the recommendations. I purchased Casualties of Cool already, very recommended.