x can v8 appreciation thread

[Kees]

I don't turn the volume up more than to 11 o'clock with the HD650, and that is pretty loud.
The combination with the v8 is good, but there are better amps for the Sennheiser (the Earmax Pro for instance). There is also the possibility to carefully choose tubes that would suit the HD650. At the moment I have the Telefunken PCC88 in the v8, which is great for my ATH phones, but too "thick" for the HD650. I haven't tried to find the ideal tubes for the HD650, because I have the Earmax for them, but I think Philips Miniwatt SQ might do the trick for instance.
At the moment it is my go-to amp for the GS1000, the ATH W10VTG, the AKG K340 and the Sextett (600 Ohm, volume open to 2 o'clock). The Sextett really shine with this amp.

 

[john53]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kees /img/forum/go_quote.gif There is also the possibility to carefully choose tubes that would suit the HD650.

I would like to do some tube rolling to see what's better for my hd 600(although i like the sound with the stock tubes) but i am affraid to open the amp since it will void the warranty.I don't even know what are the stock tubes in my x can v8!

Another question,do you experience any annoying sibilance with the gs 1000's when paired with the v8?I really like the smooth highs and the gentle sound of the hd 600,but i'm considering grado gs 1000 as a future buy.

 

[Quinto]

I dont really remember, but I would have remembered if it wasn't efficient enough so..

As far as I'm concerned, as long as 5 o'clock is loud enough, its good.

My K501 are sometimes at 5.30, loud but not deafning.. Gives you more refined volume choise anyway..

 

[Provisus]

The stock tubes in the X-canV8 are JJ's ecc88 that’s why it also sounds a bit warm.
I have tested a few tubes:

- Mullard ecc88
- Telefunken ec88
- 6H23P from rock grotto

The Mullards are very detailed and exciting to listen to but very fatiguing, the Telefunken didn't work because they are ec88 (ouch!

)
The 6H23P are really great! They have the detailed sound from the Mullards and the sweetness of the stock JJ's without being fatiguing.

 

[Kees]

Quote:

Originally Posted by john53 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would like to do some tube rolling to see what's better for my hd 600(although i like the sound with the stock tubes) but i am affraid to open the amp since it will void the warranty.I don't even know what are the stock tubes in my x can v8! Another question,do you experience any annoying sibilance with the gs 1000's when paired with the v8?I really like the smooth highs and the gentle sound of the hd 600,but i'm considering grado gs 1000 as a future buy.

The GS1000 have very present highs with any amp.

 

[john53]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quinto /img/forum/go_quote.gif My K501 are sometimes at 5.30, loud but not deafning..

do you need to turn the volume dial on the x can v8 at 5.30 o'clock(almost full volume) with your 120 ohms k501?If i reach above 11.30-12 o'clock with the 300 ohm hd 600 i'll have a hearing problem after that.

 

[john53]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Provisus /img/forum/go_quote.gif The stock tubes in the X-canV8 are JJ's ecc88 that’s why it also sounds a bit warm. I have tested a few tubes: - Mullard ecc88 - Telefunken ec88 - 6H23P from rock grotto The Mullards are very detailed and exciting to listen to but very fatiguing, the Telefunken didn't work because they are ec88 (ouch! ) The 6H23P are really great! They have the detailed sound from the Mullards and the sweetness of the stock JJ's without being fatiguing.

thanks for the reply,
I knew that the tubes are ecc88 but i didn't know which brand.Are the jj's a well known brand?

 

[Provisus]

JJ is a well known valve brand, they are quite popular with guitar amps because of their warm and bluesy sound. Jan Jorgo bought and using the machines from the old Tesla factory. That’s why they sound almost like Tesla tubes but not 100% because of the different materials they use.

 

[Quinto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by john53 /img/forum/go_quote.gif do you need to turn the volume dial on the x can v8 at 5.30 o'clock(almost full volume) with your 120 ohms k501?If i reach above 11.30-12 o'clock with the 300 ohm hd 600 i'll have a hearing problem after that.

These AKG's need lots of current, I don't like very loud volumes, but for most recordings 5.00 is a acceptable and the maximum I need.

 

[KLJTech]

The upgraded stand alone power supply doubles the price but is it worth it?

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLJTech /img/forum/go_quote.gif The upgraded stand alone power supply doubles the price but is it worth it?

Save yourself a lot of money - get the "Lil' Pinkie" from Pinkfloyd (at Rock Grotto) - the benefits without the cost.

 

[Kees]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Save yourself a lot of money - get the "Lil' Pinkie" from Pinkfloyd (at Rock Grotto) - the benefits without the cost.

X2.

 

[Quinto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Save yourself a lot of money - get the "Lil' Pinkie" from Pinkfloyd (at Rock Grotto) - the benefits without the cost.

X3!

 

[john53]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLJTech /img/forum/go_quote.gif The upgraded stand alone power supply doubles the price but is it worth it?

I don't know if it's worth the double price (for me the xpsu v8 is expensive)but when i tried it (with the same source/interconnects)there was an audible sonic improvement.The dynamics improved a bit,bass became more tight with better impact,the sound had more rythm and the overall sound was a little airier.
I will probably buy it in the future.

I've never listened to the x canv8+little pinkie psu so i can't comment.
But give your self a try at both if you can.

 

[john53]

I would like to ask something about the little pinkie.Does it have a noticable sonic improvement with the v8?Can you describe the benefits?
I really liked xpsu v8,it added a little rythm to the overall sound.It was little,but still nice improvement.
I also want to buy a new cd/sacd player and new interconnects and it would be nice to save some money.