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tube fanatic

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    My first Tube Integrated-a PrimaLuna Dialogue Two-any thoughts on Tubes that I should try to optimize sound???

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    1 hour ago, henry4841 said:

    Those old tubes of yesterday were quality built that one can expect long tube life from. They were made by the giants of tube builders and not some small factory as they are these days.


    Henry is absolutely on target with this statement!  For the benefit of anyone new to tubes, this video is worth watching (see part 2 as well):

     

    https://youtu.be/QCksgN7kiv4

     

    To this day I have not used any modern production tubes!

     

    Maynard

    My first Tube Integrated-a PrimaLuna Dialogue Two-any thoughts on Tubes that I should try to optimize sound???

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    It is not possible to generalize about how a particular brand of tube will sound in a given piece of equipment.  Even within a given brand normal production tolerances can result in subtle performance differences depending on the way the tubes are utilized.  Then there is the issue of individual preference of sound.  One person may listen to an amp and love it while someone else may dislike it intensely.  You need to conduct your own experiments and draw your own conclusions.  And, keep in mind, that there are times when a run of the mill NOS GE tube will sound better to a listener than a much more costly brand.

     

    Maynard

    • Like 3

    SET Tube Amp For Cornwall's

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    Hello Jay- more details are needed such as actual room size, how close to the speakers he sits when listening, type of music, and how loudly he listens.  I’ve done small room CW systems (say 10 x 10) with as little as 1 wpc and it was more than sufficient.  Where is he located?  Perhaps there is someone nearby who can bring over something for him to try out.  Has he tried your amp in his system?

     

    Maynard

    • Like 1

    Premium Sweetie Amp: Technical Talk, Parts Options, Testing Results and Other Comments

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    18 hours ago, captainbeefheart said:

     

    I have excellent hearing for an old guy and I noticed it immediately. Which is why I added the feedback to increase the bandwidth.

     

     

     

     


    Captain, at your age I would expect your hearing capabilities to greatly exceed mine and Henry’s.  Any time you want to trade let me know!  I’d gladly turn the clock back 30 years 😀!

     

    Maynard

    Premium Sweetie Amp: Technical Talk, Parts Options, Testing Results and Other Comments

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    14 minutes ago, henry4841 said:

     But then you will defeat the purpose of the build. Those Lundahl transformers are expensive. 

     

    One can always improve any amplifier to some degree by throwing expensive parts at it. The goal of the Sweetie was a really good sounding amplifier for the lowest cost using good quality parts. I honestly think the Sweetie as designed by Maynard fulfils that goal as a good inexpensive forum amplifier project. One thing I like is the lower voltage it operates on making it more appealing for a beginner to build. That and no adjustments are necessary if one follows the build guide. 


    The Hammond 125SE series transformers are capable of outstanding bandwidth and specs when used well below their rated power.  As Henry said, one can always spend more.  We have all seen the ad nauseam discussions about beeswax filled capacitors, etc.  George Anderson ran measurements on the Hammond 125CSE which clearly show just how excellent a budget unit can be if used appropriately.

     

    http://tubelab.com/articles/component-testing/budget-output-transformers/

     

    Maynard

    Premium Sweetie Amp: Technical Talk, Parts Options, Testing Results and Other Comments

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    At this point I can only say that this is Henry’s thread and he can decide how technical he wants it to be.  I believe that most participants are more interested in learning about equipment which complements their Klipsch speakers than knowing why.  If I am wrong, then start a thread on tube amplifier design and I will try to be involved as time permits.  
     

    Forum members, please post your thoughts on whether you want to learn about tube amp design and Henry and the moderators can make the appropriate decision about continuing the discussions here.

     

    Maynard

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