[bpiotrow13]

For this amp, and having only the stock + the USAF to compare, I can tell you the USAF is a DRAMATIC improvement over stock. Much richer, fuller sound. Delivers an incredible amount of detail. Plenty of nice clean juice for hard-hitting drum kicks. I have other tubes coming (see my sig).

This is interesting and also my experience that rectifier tube in this amp really matters. I understand that You will have Sophia 274b as well. Could You compare it against USAF?

And USAF looks awesome

 

[ColSaulTigh]

This is interesting and also my experience that rectifier tube in this amp really matters. I understand that You will have Sophia 274b as well. Could You compare it against USAF?

And USAF looks awesome

I have the Sophia(s) coming, as well as the HP Audio from Germany. I'll do a write up of each.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

Tonight's tube: Sophia Princess 274B.

Looks: 9/10
Sound: 7/10
Packaging: 2/10

Tube is pretty enough and sounds fine, but the packaging just looks cheap. There virtually no padding (thank you to the private individual who sold them to me and packed them like they were going into a war zone!)

I think once you get past the fact that these are probably not worth the inflated price tag they're fine.

Also, even though these are 4-pin, they plug right into the Woo Audio WA6-SE Gen 2 and work just fine - no adapter required, apparently.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

Ok, gonna revise my review slightly - Sound: 8/10. After warming up a bit, this tube has some "umph" on the bottom end, really filling out the bottom. I'll have to A/B it with the USAF tomorrow to make sure...

 

[VanHai]

These are rectifiers that i have. After happy listening, i would rate them in this order.

1. Mullard GZ30.
2. Bendix 6106 and Ken-Rad 5Y3 GT( a tight).
3. RCA 5U4G.
4. RCA JAN CRC5V4G.

 

[jonathan c]

These are rectifiers that i have. After happy listening, i would rate them in this order.

1. Mullard GZ30.
2. Bendix 6106 and Ken-Rad 5Y3 GT( a tight).
3. RCA 5U4G.
4. RCA JAN CRC5V4G.

A couple to add for your ‘happy listening’: Mullard CV593, USAF 596 (+ adapter).

 

[VanHai]

A couple to add for your ‘happy listening’: Mullard CV593, USAF 596 (+ adapter).

Can i borrow yours?. Just joking, soon or later i will get them.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

A couple to add for your ‘happy listening’: Mullard CV593, USAF 596 (+ adapter).

I'll add the Sophia Princess 274B to the list. Really opens up after several hours of listening.

Fair warning, the packaging is cheap and looks like something from a Chinese knock-off factory, but it works fine and sounds nice and toasty. Bonus that the tube itself looks pretty, too.

 

[David222]

I'll add the Sophia Princess 274B to the list. Really opens up after several hours of listening.

Fair warning, the packaging is cheap and looks like something from a Chinese knock-off factory, but it works fine and sounds nice and toasty. Bonus that the tube itself looks pretty, too.

They save the better packaging/boxes for the 1 year warranty

 

[senseitedj]

Another good value tube I recommend is the GZ34 from JJ. Has a slightly warm tilt in sound signature, but still sounds fast. Good bass extension whilst maintaining good imaging and soundstage.

Before burn in it sounds rather congested but a very high performing tube once burned in after 20+ hrs. Only costs about 20 USD.

I have a sophia 274b as well but it's so tall it cant fit into my TV rack, so I will be using the gz34 for a while. Gz34 performs very close to 274b, but sounds faster and with less bass quantity.

 

[Odin412]

Another good value tube I recommend is the GZ34 from JJ. Has a slightly warm tilt in sound signature, but still sounds fast. Good bass extension whilst maintaining good imaging and soundstage.

Before burn in it sounds rather congested but a very high performing tube once burned in after 20+ hrs. Only costs about 20 USD.

I have a sophia 274b as well but it's so tall it cant fit into my TV rack, so I will be using the gz34 for a while. Gz34 performs very close to 274b, but sounds faster and with less bass quantity.

Interesting - thanks! I'll try this one.

 

[snapple10]

Stepping back a bit, ordered stock tubes for WA-6SE gen.1 for the fun of it…
tubes arrived today. Plan to spend more time with tubes

 

[David222]

"Woohoo!" Excited for this new arrival today.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

"Woohoo!" Excited for this new arrival today.

Your box is in better shape than mine!

Let's see that Woo Audio adapter!

 

[Feedbacker]

Looking good in the evening light.