The Stax Thread III

[astrostar59]

I think there are restrictions with the 007 tubes, you may struggle to try other equivalent types. And if you do, obvously you need to recheck balanced and drift / offset etc.

 

[Whitigir]

I think there are restrictions with the 007 tubes, you may struggle to try other equivalent types. And if you do, obvously you need to recheck balanced and drift / offset etc.

I do that even with kg t2, so I think it makes sense that original T2 is strict

 

[Whitigir]

Okay, XF2 is not a myth and not Hype. They are indeed very Unique. The depth and separation are unbelievable, the tonal body textures and timbres are vividly literally very realistic.

Yet, building my T2 for my own summit goal, so I do not want to cheap out. Though, there are times here and there I do want to cheap out. Who wouldn’t want to save money right ?

Anyways, Xf2 really blows new life into T2 and wake her up. If she was Magical with other tubes, she now is Angels performing to my own personal ears !

Yes, I am exaggerating. However, for all of that said, the XF2 is no myth, and no hype. KG T2 is also worth every sweat, every gray matter, every pennies !

Thank you sir Dr. Kevin Gilmore !

 

[georgep]

If it were me, I would invest more money in the input tubes than the output tubes.

Also, did you notice that there was no real difference in offset and balance after you swapped the EL34? If the tubes are good, you should not have to readjust anything. If you have to readjust, then the tube(s) is/are likely questionable.

 

[Whitigir]

If it were me, I would invest more money in the input tubes than the output tubes.

Also, did you notice that there was no real difference in offset and balance after you swapped the EL34? If the tubes are good, you should not have to readjust anything. If you have to readjust, then the tube(s) is/are likely questionable.

Yes George, the T2 is spot on in offset and Balances with good tubes. I am trying to find good input tubes, but I do not know which one I should be in. I have heard many people recommended the XF2 since the GG, but I never could justify it. Now, reaching the end-goal, I finally can blow money on Xf2 as I have seen others are using it too.

I believe KG when he said the NOS 6922 are likely not easily Balanced triodes, because there won’t be enough inventory to do so ? Probably the reason why Sylvania NOS did not work. The reason why my JJ6922 is working now is that exactly what you said, Balanced Triodes is critical to T2. Each side of these JJ is 95 gM for all 4.

What input tubes had you been enjoying T2 with ? Trying to find tubes for T2 is still somewhat nerve wrecking >.<

 

[georgep]

Any 6922, 6dj8 or 7dj8 that is balanced has worked flawlessly for me - I have avoided any "equivalents" that are not the European equivalents. The best ones I have heard though are early 1960s west German. The best of the affordable are the Matsushitas from Japan (which were made with Mullard's equipment from England).

 

[mulveling]

Omega II Mk1 and KGST, is this a better pairing than with KGSSHV mini?

In that case, actually no. Omega II Mk I is an excellent match with KGSShv mini. I tend to forget to mention that, because I strongly prefer 009, and for the 009 or L700 I'd recommend the KGST over the mini any day. The mini tends to be a bit bright, but that works out wonderfully with O2 Mk I; great pairing.

 

[hpeter]

Respond from Telefunken company regarding rebranded JJ or tubes being made by JJ


Thank you for contacting us. It is great that you are interested in our Black Diamond tubes.

Yes, the black diamond tubes are made for us in the JJ factory in Slovakia. However, these tubes are not simply relabeled with our logo when they arrive, but are subjected to a thorough testing process which significantly increases their overall reliability.

When the tubes are first received from JJ, each tube is tested and measured for all critical values of performance. These tubes are then all cryogenically treated for longer durability, and burned-in once again to ensure stability. The tubes are then remeasured and retested before being hand picked and matched for optimal quality.

We completely understand your skepticism with new production tubes since you have had such bad luck in the past. However, we strongly encourage you to give our Black Diamond tubes a shot! If you decide to purchase them and are not satisfied with the results, then you can return the tubes within 30 days for a full refund.

We will try to provide you with a technical data sheet shortly. Let us know if you have any other questions!


All the best,

Keith O’Hara
TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik
300 Pleasant Valley Road Suite E
South Windsor, CT 06074
TEL: [+1] 860.882.5919
FAX: [+1] 860.882.5980

lol, made in slovakia, im so proud.
honestly, in my diy amp jj sounds better, the 2a3 & ecc83
sovteks 12ax7wb is a bit different, got some touch to it.
they say it has more gain than standard...therefore different geometry.
and geometry is everything in tubes !

 

[yates7592]

For Carbon and 009 users:
What output bias are you running your Carbon at? I know Whitiger and astrostar run at something like 16-18mA. Mine is set at 20mA and wondering how exactly does this change the sound? Also, do I need to return to my builder to change the bias?

 

[Whitigir]

Today I had a chance to meet with a new friend and my GG has found a new home ! Got a brief time with 007 MkI and it is surprisingly good, very similar to 009 in soundstage and details but warmer, and with a lot more sub-bass. I maybe spoiled by 009 and is too used to it, or the fact that I am listening by both from the tubes amps, I would prefer the 009 all day long.

The 007 MkI was a very good pairing with Carbon though, they compliment each another in a beautiful synergy matches.

We both had some pretty good sessions to compare between GG, Carbon, T2 and some tubes rolling. We found that we have very similar taste in the “tubes” signature. The best of this hobby is to get to know more and make more friend

For Carbon and 009 users:
What output bias are you running your Carbon at? I know Whitiger and astrostar run at something like 16-18mA. Mine is set at 20mA and wondering how exactly does this change the sound? Also, do I need to return to my builder to change the bias?

From what I just experienced, the 007 MkI was better with Carbon running 20mA. I still prefer 009 with 16.5mA or max of 18mA

It is better tuned by your builder, yes. If you have no knowledge of these stuff, one finger slipping, and you would either kill your amp, or yourself

 

[astrostar59]

For Carbon and 009 users:
What output bias are you running your Carbon at? I know Whitiger and astrostar run at something like 16-18mA. Mine is set at 20mA and wondering how exactly does this change the sound? Also, do I need to return to my builder to change the bias?

I am curious about this. I love my 009s and Carbon, but 'possibly' it can be a bit too excited in the mid treble region. My previous KGSShv Sanyo off-board was warm as hell, bit too slow and tubby maybe, but it was more forgiving. I am changing DACs early February, so will have more of an idea where it sits then, but my gut feeling is I need to drop back to about 16-16.5mA as Whitigir did. I will visit my builder to do the change. Don't try it yourself!

 

[doyouknowSBmean]

However, if I can put it into words, the T2 is simply the best of Carbon + GG combined together And some more ....lol, did I say that ? No, it really is that

As an owner of the original T2 as well as other estats amp (HEV90 with Stax socket, GG, Carbon, BHSE, WES, DIY T2), can definitely confirm.

T2s are THE best amp.

 

[Whitigir]

As an owner of the original T2 as well as other estats amp (HEV90 with Stax socket, GG, Carbon, BHSE, WES, DIY T2), can definitely confirm.

T2s are THE best amp.

Thank you! What tubes are you using in your T2 now ? 4 tubes are expensive, yet 8 tubes are even more....and tubes rolling isn’t that fun when they are expensive lol!

 

[doyouknowSBmean]

Thank you! What tubes are you using in your T2 now ? 4 tubes are expensive, yet 8 tubes are even more....and tubes rolling isn’t that fun when they are expensive lol!

I am using the stock T2 tubes, National (now owned by Richardson).

 

[mulveling]

Those Nationals look like a precursor to the modern Electro-Harmonix EL34. This one even shows a tilted glass bottle, which is common in the EH. Almost certainly from the same Russian New-Sensor factory. There's also a lot of East-German made EL34 tubes branded RFT, Siemens, or sometimes National, that are VERY similar in construction and internals, but usually did a better job getting the bottles straight and overall have a higher look of quality. The East-Germans might sound a bit better in some applications, but honestly you can't fault the EH sound too much given how cheap they are (actually a decent sounding tube, but not the warmest or smoothest up top).