USAF-596
United Electronics Company 1957
I found my backup! Or did I?
So, what do I think? After a 9 hour investment (5 hrs/Raytheon 6SN7WGT-1949; 1 hr interlude; 3 hrs RCA 6SN7GT Grey Glass) I think I want more! Tonight, we're starting early!!! No in-depth comments just yet, but would like to share a comment or two.
First, I'd like to salute Clayton SF for a fantastic find! And 2359glenn for providing both feedback and the wherewithal to get goin'. Also, prior to last night, my Woo had been idle since 30 September - been swingin' with the Pioneer system since I was prepping the Woo for new photos and listing for sale. And I jumped in after only a 30 minute warm-up, a far cry fro the usual one to three hour warm-up.
Once I saw Clayton's photographs and mention of the '596' I decided to put everything on hold until I could hear this tube. I was close to accepting his invite to come over but I couldn' get free from my responsibilities. So, I ordered from Glenn right away! After rifling through the music library last night, it became clear I won't be listing my Woo... until at least 2012.
I share similar findings with previous posters about the '596' sounding more open, tuneful bass, organic sounding and so on. This tube produces a beautiful sound but it is not without incident.
The EML Glass was on the sidelines awaiting preliminary scores to come back from the '596.' When, apparently for no reason (my head was turned away for only a moment), the '596' reached out and smacked the (edit) out of the EML!!! The threat of being replaced is real for tubes and people alike. Was it something the 5U4G said?
The 5U4G still has its place inside the Woo, but I think I will reverse the roles for awhile and now make the '596' the primary rec. And roll driver tubes in and out 'till year-end and see what happens.
On the very first track ("Holidays" - Abraham Laboriel, Sr.), I noticed right away that the '596' sounded more open, detailed with a bit more depth. And that vocals and some pianos sounded more organic, less slick production wise. Of course, all of this is recording dependent. My W4S DAC-1 throws a wide sound stage to being with. Paired with the '596' and the room doesn't necessarily get any bigger/wider than the EML. But it's as if there has been some furnishings removed from the room allowing notes to become better distinguished, trail & decay.
One track down, I was sitting up with interest. But it wasn't until track two that I realized how organic this tube sounds - "Golden Girl" - Al Jarreau... wow! Half way into the track I nearly mistook my labored breaths as being part of the background material. Removing the cans for just a hot second, I quickly realized it was just me in ll my excitement!
Third came Angela Bofill's "I Try." I would not be surprised if the next time I flush my ears (Debrox) I discover traces of honey in the sink.
My Wireworld Eclipse 6 interconnects allow for some really nice timbre with this tube. Pace, rhythm & timing? This tube swings! A wonderful and musical presentation. However, it is early... the sound signature ain't hittin' hard like I wanna hear, percussion strikes among them (slam!). And there are some tracks in my library where the EML sounds better to me. But, the '596' is holding down my mutli-faceted and diverse library with higher scoring averages across genres.
And then there's the shifting of instruments and lower or higher levels of gain. Sometimes better, worse or no difference. I hear this whether it's the rectifier or driver tube. For example, playing a track and listening to background instrumentation/vocals you might hear the detail at a certain volume. Then switching rectifiers/tubes, you might hear the same detail push further into the background or become more prominent. Based on my listening preferences, this could completely throw my liking for a particular track OUT! Or draw me in to liking it more. Or simply no change in taste, just different.
I have a whole lot more listening to do with the '596.' What's not yet known is, after 200-500 hours, what will it sound like? If I like it now, and I really do, I could be in for a pleasant surprise. And by no means will I be leaving the EML out on the curb for weekly pick-up. I'm just embarking on a new adventure.
Someone with a revealing front-end that returns an uber low noise floor, like mikemalter's Bryston BDP-1, ought to be down right tickled with a tube like the USAF-596! What, I didn't mention the price?!
