Great insight man, thank you for taking the time. Love that pic! The G73-R hype is real. It's a very real improvement across the board from every other input tube I've had. At one point I had owned a handwritten variant of the 73R, but it wasn't anywhere as profound as this.Alright, I was able to get some listening in tonight so here are my impressions, which I'm sure will change and eveolve the more time I get to compare these two.
First of all, the changes are VERY subtle. They're both G73-R tubes, both amazing, but one leans into one direction while the other into a slightly different direction. Also keep in mind that my black label is much more played in, so that could be a factor. I used my Auteur Classics for the comparison, as they're the headphones I listen to the most.
Ok so what I'm hearing from the red label: more bass level and impact, slightly more precise imaging, a little more "shine" (not really emphasis) on the treble region, and a slightly enhanced sense of space and separation. It's subtle. To me it just gives me this impression overall. Things are spaced apart better, each element more easily identified and delineated, and there's this sense of subtle vibrancy to everything that's not quite treble elevation, yet it's noticeable and quite beautiful. The center image is likewise more precise, which is something I look for.
By contract, the black label is more cohesive, smooth, and with a more intimate midrange and slightly slower sound. The edges of instruments are more blurred as a result, less defined. It's laid back in comparison, though if you know these G73-R tubes, you know how damned dynamic they are. The black label is just ever so slightly less so than the red label. I think @4LoveOfSound said something like "it slows down the music enough to pick apart every detail." That's such a fantastic way to put what the black label G73-R does into words. It's also dead silent. I'm still getting a level of hiss from the red label, though it's subtle...especially with my bedroom window open lol
I can't pick a winner. I like the red label for the engagement and space, and the black label for the blackness of background, smoothness, and cohesion. I'll probably be sticking with the red label for a while (unless I ask Vuong for a hiss free tube) since it's the new sound. I also find myself wanting more "engagement" these days, so the red label fits the bill big time. I hope you all get to try one!
Haha yes! Except that those differences are MUCH more apparent
I’d love to get into flagship headphone territory again someday, being tempted by so many VO’s and AO’s on the classifieds. I have my heart set on the Caldera eventually, but it may be a ways off.That’s not the first time I’ve heard this! A friend of mine who had a handwritten G73-R also didn’t love it. Glad you found the real deal (in more ways than one).
Intrigued by the Caldera as well. Based on what little I've read, it sounds like it might be the perfect sound signature for me. The 1000se with my current tubes and setup sounds fabulous on this amp.Haha yes! Except that those differences are MUCH more apparent
When I wrote that I didn't think it was all that special many months ago here everyone thought I was nuts! And based on what I'm hearing from the red label, I can understand why. I don't think it was widely known at the time that different variations could differ so noticeably.
Gasp! Blasphemy!! Haha nice to know synergy is still a thing, and being able to tube roll is just plain fun. I'm back to the black label tonight. The red label seemed a bit too sharp for me today for some reason.
There's a deal on the 1000SE on Hifiman's website now, B-stock for $1,899...I know I don't really have the cash for it, but I'm seriously tempted!
Do you have the Valvo Ellipticals in? Try the red label with a different set of driver tubes
Yeah I do, but the only other pair of power tubes I have are the Amperex D getters, and I’m really not much of a fan of their sound anymore.
I saw that. That is an absolute bonkers price at almost half off and I'd encourage anyone that is curious about those cans to go for it. Still comes with a 30 day trial and the full 3 year warranty AFAIK. Hard to beat! And they sound great on the Pendant.
I'm finding it fun and interesting cycling through the two pairs of Valvos and the Funkwerk foil/welded pair I have. The Valvos each have their own unique character that make them both worth playing. Throwing the Funkwerks in is also amazing and a nice contrast to the Valvos. The G73-R seems to bring out the best qualities of any driver tubes I use.
Oh cool! They look interesting. I do have an RFT foil getter EZ81, so I know a little what that "robust linear" house sound is about. It's great! I'll consider these...
You know, I WAS saving up for a Caldera one day, but this seems much more worth the cash
