Gradofan2
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2005
- Posts
- 3,819
- Likes
- 41
Quote:
While you may find some tubes that improve the XCAN v3's sound with AKG's, the stock JAN Phillips tubes are great with the Senns, which need a tube that will make them sound faster, airier, and brighter - which the stock tubes do. Those are attributes, which the AKG's may not need enhanced, which the Senns do. The stock tubes also seem to have plenty of "life," or "energy" (I guess PRAT) with the Senns and Grados, which tend to be lively anyway - though they may not provide as much 3D imaging, and magical soundstaging, as is achieved with SET amps like the WooAudio 3 (or perhaps other hybrids).
But... the Senns also sound good with the 6H23N's (recommended by PinkFloyd, which have a very solid, weighty, but detailed sound), and the Amperex Holland Orange Globes (which have a bit smoother sound). The 6H23N's especially also seem to add just a bit of pace, drive and punch to the sound with the Senns, which adds a bit of "life" also.
So... optimum tube selection will depend not only on the user's preferences, but also on the attributes of the phones, and other components used (as always).
Originally Posted by StuPDasso Like Sgt-Pluck I wouldn't mind some advice on tube choice for the X-can v3. Following what Kees posted above about matching tubes to 'phones, I'd be interested on hearing you opinions on tubes for the k701's. I bought the v3 expecting to get the 650's but ended up with the akg's. I've already replaced the stock tubes with the jj electronic's e88cc as recommended by 'Nick Dangerous' on the Rock Grotto site and found a great improvement in soundstage depth and size. The middle filled in and lost the slightly hollow sound that was present with the JAN Phillip's. Now, I don't know if that improvement was because the e88cc's are simply 'better' tubes or if the stock ones were on their way down (I bought the amp used and have no idea of the hours on the tubes). Ideally I would like to add some life to the presentation. I would imagine that would involve getting some speed from the amp and not adding colour to the top end. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Rob |
While you may find some tubes that improve the XCAN v3's sound with AKG's, the stock JAN Phillips tubes are great with the Senns, which need a tube that will make them sound faster, airier, and brighter - which the stock tubes do. Those are attributes, which the AKG's may not need enhanced, which the Senns do. The stock tubes also seem to have plenty of "life," or "energy" (I guess PRAT) with the Senns and Grados, which tend to be lively anyway - though they may not provide as much 3D imaging, and magical soundstaging, as is achieved with SET amps like the WooAudio 3 (or perhaps other hybrids).
But... the Senns also sound good with the 6H23N's (recommended by PinkFloyd, which have a very solid, weighty, but detailed sound), and the Amperex Holland Orange Globes (which have a bit smoother sound). The 6H23N's especially also seem to add just a bit of pace, drive and punch to the sound with the Senns, which adds a bit of "life" also.
So... optimum tube selection will depend not only on the user's preferences, but also on the attributes of the phones, and other components used (as always).