ZMF Aegis Official Thread

[lllkkkoo]

I’ll be sure to report back once I try them out. From what I’ve read, the Tung-Sol 6550’s are supposed to have a dense presentation with strong bass. Aren’t the grey glass 6SL7’s I got from you pretty lush/dense sounding as well?

I also just remembered I have a quite a few pairs of EL84’s to try now that I have my adapters. They’re going to look comically small compared to the EL38’s that are in there now.

when i had them for loaner, the solid grey plate had a wider but somewhat U shaped stage because the midrange is more recessed (but it also had the best depth perception), whilst the 3 hole one had a more traditional staging and bass. The solid grey plate was a tad more airier and had a bigger stage than the 3 hole variant one.

 

[Toonartist]

So far my favorite output tubes are the EL38’s and the smoked glass RCA 6V6GT’s. The EL38’s are a little more spacious with a nice balanced sound from top to bottom, while the 6V6GT’s are more intimate with a very lush, romantic midrange.

EL38's are my favourites as well... I think you'll also like the Cossor VT60a... they have similar qualities to the EL38, possibly a little smoother but still very fast and dynamic with plenty of detail.

I have yet to get any 807s, but the EL33s and the EL38s (with adapters) are both amazing. Today I'm listening to the Mullard EL38s with the Mullard GZ32 and the RCA 5691s. Wow, what a combo. The EL33s have a bit more space and transparency possibly, but the EL38s have a beautiful warmth and liquidity to the midrange. The EL38s may be a bit more forgiving as well. I have been enjoying them too much to A/B. That is the best compliment to any gear or combination - it turns off your OCD

You'll see from my pic above how much I like EL38's... I probably have another pair stashed away... just in case

 

[Wes S]

Next amp I am using flying lead tubes hardwired into the PCB

A true one and done tube roll.

 

[Deleeh]

Sorry to burst in here, fellas, but I just finished a long listening session and... Well now, shout out to the TAD bundle curated by ZMF! Lol!. I'm embarrassed to say I'm only getting around to them now, finally, but they were really gratifying with all that warmth and weight; a welcomed rendering to contrast the stock JJs. I'm kinda surprised, to be honest, and I can def recommend the add-on to any prospective buyers on the fence about tube rolling as they get you deep into the old stock flavor at an incredibly sober price. Nicely done.
So, wth were these.. uh yeah, these are the 5u4G, KT-88, and the 6H9C (which are pretty similar to Wes' 1579, I would think).
Anyway, next I'll try the KT-8C Zach picked out.
As you were, gents...

Which Tad KT88 tube is the one that is said to be good?
I ask out of curiosity.

 

[L0rdGwyn]

i second this as well, i also have the mullard gz 32 as @Wes S does, and brimar 5r4gry. the only thing i havent rolled is input tubes in aegis, still waiting for my other tubes to arrive. I have settled on one winner though, it just plays nicer with both my output tubes. Although things could change once my input tubes have arrived, im lucky to have a local seller that allows loaner and the tubes he lent me already went above aegis's msrp when combined. ive had/rolled 5 rectifier, and 5 pair of output tubes. (gold lion kt77 nos, kt77 gec nos, 6550 tungsol 3 hole, 6550 grey solid plate, and el37 mullard).

Man, I figured you must have a local tube dealer considering how quickly you were trying various tubes. I'm jealous. But having a tube dealer near me would be a problem...probably for the best I don't.

Now that I think about it, I did buy some tubes in person from a guy local to me, an eBay seller...

 

[lllkkkoo]

Man, I figured you must have a local tube dealer considering how quickly you were trying various tubes. I'm jealous. But having a tube dealer near me would be a problem...probably for the best I don't.

Now that I think about it, I did buy some tubes in person from a guy local to me, an eBay seller...

Haha!.. life truly is a perspective.. this could be a curse.. or a blessing.. .. he have most of the holy grail tubes available for demo.. which doesnt bode well for my wife specifically. My house panadol/paracetamol is being consumed by my wife at an alarming rate..

 

[L0rdGwyn]

My house panadol/paracetamol is being consumed by my wife at an alarming rate..

Just make sure she keeps it under 4g per day and you're in the clear, keep buying those fancy tubes

 

[L0rdGwyn]

I'm on to the Mullard EL33 again, listening the HD650 before I send it off to Korea for the JAR mod.

 

[AnyDave]

Backups?!? someone say backups? I think I need a bigger case

Missing from this shot are 2x VT60a, 2x RCA Red Base 5691 and a chunky Elrog 274b

I just have my tubes in bins (I have a lot), but I love custom cases like this. I like making laser cut inserts for them. This is one of my CIEM cases:

 

[Wes S]

I just have my tubes in bins (I have a lot), but I love custom cases like this. I like making laser cut inserts for them. This is one of my CIEM cases:

Now I get your previous username.

 

[AnyDave]

Now I get your previous username.

Yeah, I designed IEMs for 18 years until I connected with ZMF.

 

[Wes S]

Yeah, I designed IEMs for 18 years until I connected with ZMF.

Damn that's cool!

I am sure you bring a lot to the table, with experience like that.

 

[Toonartist]

I just have my tubes in bins (I have a lot), but I love custom cases like this. I like making laser cut inserts for them. This is one of my CIEM cases:

Yeah, that's very smart looking. It makes the insert I made to go in the Meze Elites case for my Mojo 2 look a little pants

 

[yupio]

Any idea if 5Y3WGTA is equivalent to 5Y3G, 5Y3GT rectifier and that it’s usable in the Aegis?

 

[L0rdGwyn]

Any idea if 5Y3WGTA is equivalent to 5Y3G, 5Y3GT rectifier and that it’s usable in the Aegis?

Yes it is, its a long life version of the 5Y3GT.