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HarryO

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Posts posted by HarryO

    How do Tubes sound?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    I've found just the opposite. I have ALWAYS found deeper and strongly driven bass with the tubes. Maybe I haven't used any that didn't match up properly. Have you tried different tubes (good tubes USA, W GERMANY, ENGLAND etc) in it. I've found the original tubes seem lacking but once the right tubes are fitted they sound super.

    HarryO

    How do Tubes sound?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    I don't think you can get the full benefit without doing the A-B side to side comparisons. In my case it was the same AMC amp vs a pair of Crown PS400s monoblocked through a Crown IC150. I built my own speakers (Cornwall type) and used quick change dual banana connectors. I ran the same music I was familiar with through the Crowns (which I love dearly) and then through the AMC and back to the Crowns. The Crowns came out of the 6' rack, the rack was put into storage, and Now the tubers have taken over the living room and bedroom. It really started with a little 6BQ5 LaFayette 14 wpc integrated that sounded so good I had to buy more and bigger tubers. I loved the LaFayette. Give me tubes!!! If necessary I'll take SS if I have to.I can still enjoy quality music through both.

    I haven't heard anyone dissin' SS here, just true converts to a new and warm glowing world.

    HarryO

    How do Tubes sound?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    Grab it Michael. You will love the sound of the Dynaco St-70. It will definitely kick the KHorns nicely. I've got a Nice preamp you can use if you can't find one immediately. I may have an extra tube laying around too. Heck, if you don't want it, let me know. I'll build it for another buddy on the forum ready to go tubes. He's about on the same time frame on tubes right now.

    HarryO

    How do Tubes sound?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    Hey SF,

    Not really cheating. They are a nice medium powered amp that is very clean. I just wanted to give him an entry level amp tryout to give him the basic sound of tubes. We may have different hearing preferences but I prefer the sound of the McAlister, Mc, or vintage transformer monoblocks to the AMC. I consider the AMC a good entry level amp. Especially for the buck. New for that kind of money is hard to beat for sure.

    HarryO

    How do Tubes sound?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    Michael,

    I brought over a Pas-2 preamp original from around 1960 Joshnic so kindly provided me, an AMC CVT 2030 hybrid EL34 stereo amp with less than 5 hours on it, and just to show off I brought over the Sheng Ya/Vincent tube CD player which we used on SS and tube both. Basic entry level stuff. BTW, the AMC tubes aren't even broke in yet. After they warmed up they do sound pretty nice though. Tube equipment isn't as fragile or finicky or tempermental as many are misled to believe.

    If you like, I can bring over a nice MC 275, My McAlister PP-150, Dodd pre, or EL34 Triad homebrew monoblocks, and take the auditions to another level.

    I enjoyed myself last night Michael. Thank you again for having me over. It was a treat and real pleasure for me.

    HarryO

    How do Tubes sound?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    Well said Dave. I've found the same results with the forementioned equipment.

    Don't get me wrong, I love the sound of some SS gear. I'm sitting on a pair of nice Krell amps, a few Crowns, Adcom, a Sansui G-22000, KR-9600, just to name a couple. Some of you out there know and have seen my "collection". I just prefer the fuller and more lifelike sound of tubes. I don't wish to sound like a "TUBE NAZI" and hope beyond hope I haven't degraded the fine name of someones mother or unintentionally offended anyone by stating my PERSONAL likes. My limited education would surely find me at a disadvantage if it ever came down to name calling.

    Hey, All I did was take a couple of low dollar tubers over to Michaels so he could listen for himself. He asked, I delivered to a friend. I tried to sell nothing, push nothing, nor force an opinion on him or anyone else. Enjoy the tunes all, in any form you prefer.

    HarryO

    How do Tubes sound?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    Michael,

    Ok, here I go. Match your equipment. Your vintage KHorns aren't exactly what I would describe as "entry level". I would kill or trade my left ... for a room with the acoustic possibilities your room has. You listened to an entry level system last night. I auditioned it for you just so you can get an idea of tube possibilities. I saw no need to blow you away with a $2,000 amp and $2,000 preamp to start out with. The common thought is more bucks = more sound. True to a point but the returns diminish as you spend more to gain a little. Sure, who doesn't want more and cleaner power. You might spend 1 or 2 hours a night in the 2 channel room. With a nice system it might increase to 3-4 hours a night.

    Whatever you start out with, find a nice power system at a good price and trading up or upgrading is always cost effective. IMHO, you don't have to spend a fortune to get fantastic sound. Take your time, pick a few trusted informed brains, and make a couple of road trips to listen to the different flavors available (per Arfandbark). You ain't listenin' to bookshelf speakers so don't choose power like you are. Do the big Ks justice, do yourself justice. It ain't gonna cost that much to do it right. Match them up buddy.

    I personally truly believe in seperates. Monoblocks and a seperate preamp. Keep it simple and clean. Stereo power amp next, then integrated.

    HarryO

    Colter needs Tubes

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    Well, I just got home. I think my jeans are still vibrating from the twin THX subs and LaScala/Cornwall surround. Flinched my a.., I darned near jumped out of the nice HT seating. Killer Michael!! Nothing less. The CD stack didn't only fall to the floor, it was actually rotating counterclockwise before it crashed to the floor.

    I had a great time Michael. Thanks for having me over. It was a pleasure listening to the vintage KHorns in a room that could do the old gents justice. Any nicer it would have to been engineered for them. Glad that you could do the A/B comparison. IMHO tubes are almost a necessity for the Heritage Ks. Better drive, and all kinds of words like lifelike, presence, and stuff like that. Just me maybe.

    Hey, I think I lost a crown to the Home Theater. Keep an eye out for it if you think about it.

    and BTW, if you want to trash out your storage, let me know. I'll gladly take it off your hands.

    HarryO

    Colter needs Tubes

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    Bill H.

    It's just not tubes. Power deviations burn up a lot of nice equipment. After a good storm, or even up to a couple of weeks after a good storm I'm busy as can be making estimates and repairs. I see very little tube equipment. It's proportional I'm sure.

    Power strips/surge protectors are basically a waste of money. More for convenience. Very few of them actually protect against fluctuations and surges. Low voltage is just as much a problem as are spikes. Ask about any line tech. You will get the same answer.

    A good power conditioner helps as long as it is a quality unit that has voltage regulators built in it.

    HarryO

    R2R Resurrection

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    Dave,

    I've worked on dozens of the Sony models over the years and I've found it is quite common. If it has the rubber feet only on it's back that is the only way they want to run. They have quite a few models that are designed to only properly run on their back. If it has feet on the bottom also, then there are other issues. They are good sounding decks when tuned up.

    HarryO

    Tube rollin' for CD player?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    SF,

    Thanks for the options. I've got a couple hundred tubes to play with and I give them each at least an hour of warmup/playout. i'm hoping to find someone that's done a bit of the legwork already. Don't get me wrong, playing with this stuff is a big part of the appeal to tubes but there's not enough hours to the day sometimes.

    I tried to send you pics of my newest amp and the emails kicked back to me. I'd post some pics here but I keep getting an "OOPS ERROR" when I try to upload them to the forum. I'm about ready to give up. I know as much about cameras as I do ladies fashion. NADA, zip, nyet. nuttin'.

    Tx again,

    HarryO

    Tube rollin' for CD player?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    Thank you on the offer. I'll keep it handy.

    I am hoping someone on the forum here has tried different types out and found a nice match up before I spend any more on tubes that just end up being back ups. I have the original Philips tubes, Amperex, Mazda (England) and a couple of Diamond top smooth plates now. Just looking for a short cut to.

    HarryO

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