the "bigger" sound of the TA-30 seems to fill in some of the "space" i perceive with the TA-20. "thicker" and less "open" than the TA-20. this is an "initial impression" at this point. i've just ordered the rectifier tubes for the TA-30 that were recommended in the audiofool TA-30 tube rolling review and will make a more careful analysis after they arrive.
I decided to do a little tube rolling on the TA-20 tonight since something unexpected happened that will result in some tube swapping in the near future.
I don't know if it is a good or bad thing but I stumbled into 3 pairs of tested Raytheons for $30 shipped- 2 pair of black plates and a pair of gray plates. I figure this means that I will pretty much be using Raytheons for the life of this amp, not that I am complaining if they sound anything like the 2 pair of Raytheons that I already have. In addition to the 5814, I also have a pair of Baldwin labeled black plates so I would think the 2 pair of black plates should be very similar although they will have halo getters instead of the square getters on the Baldwins. It's the gray plates that I am really wondering about since I already know I like black plates. For the price, I just couldn't walk away.
For a change of pace, I plugged in some 1950's lightning logo Sylvania black plates that will stay installed until the tubes I purchased today show up early next week.
I purchased a used TA-20 some time ago and every time I think about upgrading to a different amp, I question why I need an upgrade.
The TA-20 has been one of the most enjoyable inexpensive purchases I've made in this hobby in a long time and I don't feel that it does a disservice to my planars in any way.
This may help:
High Resolution / Clear Detailed / High-End Extension:
12AU7A RCA clear top
ECC82=12AU7 Siemens
5184A Siemens long plates & triple mica 12AU7 Telefunken ribbed plate
12AU7 Tungsol
12AU7A Sylvania
Warm / Smooth / Rich:
7316 Amperex Holland or Philips Miniwatt Holland 1959-1963
12AU7 RCA Black Plates 1950's (very rich and creamy)
12AU7 Mullard (great midrange, good bass)
12AU7 Ediswan by Brimar (quiet, detailed, smooth, nice)
12AU7 Brimar 1960's
CV4003 Brimar (very relaxed, quiet, balanced)
Lively 3D Mid-range / Good Bass Mid-range Vocals More Pronounced Sweet Highs:
12AU7 Amperex Bugle Boy Holland
12AU7 Philips Holland
12AU7 Philips Miniwatt Holland
Detailed / Articulate / Warm:
12AU7 Mullard long plates 1950's-60's (best mids, best tonality, best with vocals and instruments)
CV4003 Mullard Box Plates 1960's
12AU7 Telefunken smooth plates
12AU7 GE early 1960's
Whxih xduoo tube amp can power lcd4z? Trying to get started into tubes to see what it's about.
But its a 17ohm (I think) planar that while it's marketed as easy to drive, it's actually quite demanding.
Any xduoo amp up to task?
Whxih xduoo tube amp can power lcd4z? Trying to get started into tubes to see what it's about.
But its a 17ohm (I think) planar that while it's marketed as easy to drive, it's actually quite demanding.
Any xduoo amp up to task?
There is no Hybrid that can give more than 20% tube sound as the power amp is an SS while the pre-amp is tube driven but they have the advantage of driving planars. The Cavalli CTH is a laid back warm sounding amp.
If you want the full experience get an OTL but forget about the planar on it.
There is no Hybrid that can give more than 20% tube sound as the power amp is an SS while the pre-amp is tube driven but they have the advantage of driving planars. The Cavalli CTH is a laid back warm sounding amp.
If you want the full experience get an OTL but forget about the planar on it.
You can keep your planar just don’t expect to use an OTL amp with it that will sound halfway decent with it. The physics just aren’t there for a headphone with that low of an impedance. Buy another set of headphones if you want that warm tubey sound.
Hybrid h/p/a for planar magnetic h/p: Liquid Platinum with capacitor upgrades and external linear power supply is the least solid-state sounding hybrid h/p/a. When driving my Audeze LCD-X (stated impedance: 20 ohms), the LP is outstanding.
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