That incredible synergy is definitely there with the Caldera Closed as well. 
It can't get any better!
It can't get any better!
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ZMF Aegis Official Thread
- Thread starter AnyDave
- Start date
Noted and thanks! I will put them back on the table for a possible future purchase, as there are just too many people who like them. I got to say the EL38 sure do look cool as heck, and I am a sucker for that blue glow.That's a mistake, if you ask me.
Mullard G32, 6N9S Melz, and Mullard EL38 - Maybe it's just the current mood, but the sound is better than anything I've heard so far, even better than my Cossor 807.
Only those Chinese adapters suck, have to order a pair from Deyan.
Me too, and a nice pair of 6550 Tung-Sols.
TS 6550 is another one, as well as GEC KT66, GEC KT88, Philips EL34 metal base, and many more . . .So many tubes, and so little money. The good thing is the Aegis is putting out the best sound I have ever heard with the tubes I already have, so I am in no rush to change or try to improve things. I am going to pace myself and enjoy the journey. I imagine with all the tube rolling possibilities, this amp could keep me happy and content as a one and only for many years to come. This amp is special.
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Agreed. The number of different tubes you can discover with the Aegis is pretty much endless and the amp sounds fabulous with most of them. In case you start to get a little bored after a few months, it is just enough to hunt down some new type of tubes that starches the 'itch'.
In the long run it is a lot more affordable than buying new DACs or amps. 
Louisiana
500+ Head-Fier
That's exactly how I see it
I won't be looking specifically for tubes any more, but will simply buy them when something suitable comes up.
The next purchase will be a Caldera closed, I'm hoping for a nice model in ZMF November.
I'm currently happy with my Atrium closed, it sounds better than ever - but sooner or later I should listen to the Verite Open on the Aegis
SunRa Fan
100+ Head-Fier
I opted for the upgraded TAD set and that alone has kept me so entertained that I'm not even thinking of rolling tubes yet.
Louisiana
500+ Head-Fier
@SunRa Fan
With KT88 from TAD production?
I'm also thinking about ordering a pair of these. I have the TAD KT66 and they are great!
Some who have both the TAD KT66 and the GECs claim that they can't hear any difference.
With KT88 from TAD production?
I'm also thinking about ordering a pair of these. I have the TAD KT66 and they are great!
Some who have both the TAD KT66 and the GECs claim that they can't hear any difference.
Toonartist
Formerly known as dAndis67
By the time you get to the last set of tubes in your collection in your listening rotation, it's time to start over again and they all sound new againAgreed. The number of different tubes you can discover with the Aegis is pretty much endless and the amp sounds fabulous with most of them. In case you start to get a little bored after a few months, it is just enough to hunt down some new type of tubes that starches the 'itch'.
Sometimes it can be months since I last listened to a particular set of power tubes!
SunRa Fan
100+ Head-Fier
Yeah, KT-88's. I listened to the stock tubes for a day but I longed for a bit more meat on the bones in the music and so far the TAD tube upgrade has paid off. At the moment, I feel like there so much to get from just the experience of the Aegis/TAD tubes/Caldera open that all this talk of rolling is just fringe to me. Not that I think any of you are wrong though, since it was this forum that convinced me to buy the Aegis in the first place...lol. I've still got my Atrium opens to wait for anyhow. This has been so rewarding an experience that I've loaded my Qobuz favorites with a long list of "so good I listen all the way through" albums from over the years. The Aegis has me feeling as though I'm fully exploiting what the Caldera open has to offer. Conversely, I put my Focal Clear MG's on for the first time in weeks the other night and after coming from lots of listening with the Caldera, I could absolutely hear the limits of the Clear MG. Still a great all arounder and a keeper.
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Louisiana
500+ Head-Fier
@SunRa Fan
Are we talking about these ones:
https://www.tubeampdoctor.com/kt88-str-redbase-tad-premium-matched
Are we talking about these ones:
https://www.tubeampdoctor.com/kt88-str-redbase-tad-premium-matched
Interesting. I heard from another member that he really disliked the TAD KT66s but liked other NOS KT66s.
I have only tried the GL KT66 so far and initially I wasn't blown away as it can sound overly warm with certain rectifiers but with the correct tube setup they are quite nice. More 3D than the stock EL34s, but also a bit warmer. Initially the bass was too rounded and not as detailed, but with some burn in that has improved a lot.
SunRa Fan
100+ Head-Fier
I think so. The ZMF website has a pic on the Aegis page of the individual TAD bundle tubes and they look the same to me.
Ishakushak
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2017
- Posts
- 22
- Likes
- 104
Holy smokes this amp is special. I haven't heard anything that is able to do what this amp can - and straight out of the box. Stock tubes and no "burn in". Amazing synergy with AO - haven't even had a chance to try some other tubes or other headphones, and may not for a while as I'm thoroughly enjoying this. Each track just gets better and more inviting...
QuantumQ
Head-Fier
Tonight's glorious roll circle's back to little bit of heaven. After some of the more exotic combinations I've been playing with recently, this combination is a reminder of just how deep and lush and exquisite the Aegis is capable of being.
Mullard GZ32
Mullard EL33
RCA JAN CRC-5691
Mullard GZ32
Mullard EL33
RCA JAN CRC-5691
Yeah this combo is great!Tonight's glorious roll circle's back to little bit of heaven. After some of the more exotic combinations I've been playing with recently, this combination is a reminder of just how deep and lush and exquisite the Aegis is capable of being.
Mullard GZ32
Mullard EL33
RCA JAN CRC-5691
Anyone have a favorite rectifier that they are pairing with the KT66s? I haven't taken the GZ32 out for a while, but I want to get around to testing some different combos. The GEC KT66 with the GZ32 and RCA 5691 have a really nice spacious and detailed sound. A bit dryer and less rounded than the EL38s that I'm most used to at this point. Some tubes work at H impedance with the CO and some seem best at M. This combo feels nice on H to me tonight. I feel like with the CO, more than any of my other headphones, I have to test impedance with each tube combo. Sometimes you get a real surprise.
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IMHO, I'd keep the GZ32 and roll in a wetter input tube instead such as the Ken Rad VT-229
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