[okw3188]

I used RFT EZ80 and they are very nice, they are quite cheap too.

+3

 

[Chesterfield]

RFT EZ-80s in original boxes are currently $10 each from The Tube Store: http://tubes-store.com/shopping_cart.php. Hard to go wrong at that price.

 

[Dubstep Girl]

wow good price!

 

[Chesterfield]

FYI, RFT EZ80s are now sold out at The Tube Store.

 

[Chesterfield]

My RFT EZ80s finally arrived from Russia. They're a bit darker, which I enjoy quite a lot, than what I've been using (I actually prefer the HD 650s sound signature to the HD 800s, but chose the latter over the former because of its imaging). The RFTs have a silky treble and a deep, rich, full bass. Their only shortcoming that I could detect, which may be addressed a bit by burn in, was soundstaging: compared to every other rectifier I own, the RFT EZ80 soundstage seemed understated, almost to the point of non-existence. In any case, many thanks for the recommendation.

 

[hodgjy]

It must all be how the circuit is designed.  In my Trafomatic, the RFT EZ80 is extremely linear with an extended upper end.  I certainly wouldn't call it dark.  I do call it extremely detailed, with a wide soundstage, while remaining very musical. 

 

[Dubstep Girl]

  It must all be how the circuit is designed.  In my Trafomatic, the RFT EZ80 is extremely linear with an extended upper end.  I certainly wouldn't call it dark.  I do call it extremely detailed, with a wide soundstage, while remaining very musical. 

 
+1
 
the soundstage isn't huge but its definitely not small.
 
extended and linear is the best way to describe them for sure!

 

[Chesterfield]

Curious. Hodgjy's description is, basically to a word, how I'd describe my Phillips Miniwatt ez81s. The soundstage on the RFT EZ80s expands slightly at higher volumes, but it's still only about a third the size of the miniwatt's soundstage, which is both vast and magical. And I'd definitely characterize the top end on my RFTs as rolled off, starting at about 8 kHz, and dramatically by 10 kHz--which no doubt affects the imaging. Cymbals and high hats are very shy, and have zero decay. The tubes should be about half way burned in by now, and I haven't detected any real change in sound signature or imaging. Very curious. Sounds like I might've gotten a dud or two.

 

[hodgjy]

I may roll in some other EZ80s I have laying around (I have a bunch) and see what I kind.  But, a lot of the tube sound is all about synergy and circuit design, so direct comparisons aren't always possible. 

 

[hodgjy]

I rolled in my Ei EZ80 this weekend into my Trafomatic.  Granted, it's a completely different design than the WA2.  Compared to the RFT EZ80, it's warmer and more bottom heavy.  The high end is rolled off in comparison.  So, it's not as linear as the RFT.  The soundstage is a just a touch wider.  Nothing to stop the presses, though.
 
The Ei is a nice tube.  But, the RFT is nicer.  The RFT's only weakness is a slightly smaller soundstage, but it's only the smallest touch smaller.

 

[jasonleehl]

By any chance, do you all know of any place where the RFT EZ80 is in stock? I'm thinking of testing it out with the current EZ80 tubes I have.
 
I went through like a couple of websites, and it seem to be selling really fast. There was one seller which I delayed purchase confirmation for 2 days and it went out of stock!

 

[hodgjy]

Tubemonger.com has RFT EZ81 in stock.  Other than that, I think you'll have to take your chances on eBay.  That's what I did.

 

[Dubstep Girl]

yeah ebay is easiest source for RFT EZ80. i guess most of the tube stores will eventually run out and that will be the only place to get.

 

[hodgjy]

After giving me Ei EZ80 a workout this weekend, I put the RFT back in.  Wow, the RFT is so much more transparent and linear.  It's also much less congested.  Overall, it's the superior tube.

 

[jasonleehl]

Haha hodgjy, you're just trying to tease me by saying ^.
 
I have the Tungsram EZ80 which sounds pretty decent - but it's the 'what I am missing' feeling that impulses me to try the RFT out. 
 
Hopefully I can get a decently priced one out of ebay. Thanks for the help everyone.