Les Lammers
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Posts posted by Les Lammers
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I stumbled on this a few years ago and have been using this wire since then. No plans to change either. The WE wire discussed was actually made by a company in Rhode Island and is simply tinned copper in a cotton sleeve. It is unobtanium now but Deulund and the Swedish Supra 1.6 wire is similar. You can get the Belden 8402 IC's on the auction site for about $65. This stuff simply works great. The SS guys can only change wire to tweak the sound. We roll tubes and coupling capacitors. Try this and you too may be amazed and forget about high priced wire. I'm driving H3's with it and have them bi-wired.
http://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/adventures-in-real-sound-with-mr-shirokazu-yazaki-2/
You can scroll down to the wire.
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On 2/26/2019 at 7:07 PM, mopardave said:
Happy with the psvane kt88T, so now working on rectifier tubes. Ordered the EH and JJ 5u4GB. Also a 5u3 I think .
IMHO, the US made NOS 5U4G rectifiers are hard to beat. I have and like the Treasure KT66z's in my amp.
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On 2/22/2019 at 9:10 PM, mopardave said:
Never seen these before. Any good?
I forgot to say that I do have Full Music 274A perforated plate rectifiers, a 4 pin version 274, and like them a lot. They are no longer produced so are they NOS new production?
Also, the input or driver tube has a LOT of influence on the sound and experimenting there may have more sonic benefits than trying a different power tube. It's all about synergy.
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On 2/14/2019 at 1:51 PM, Alexander said:
I have seen several threads like this but most are dated and any links no longer usable sooo…...
I would like to dip into the tube amp pool to see if it is for me. The budget will be ~$500 if at all possible, would hate to spend too much on the chance it isn't my cup of tea. So reading it lists tube types like el34, kt88 & 300b just to name a few and this only adds to the confusion. So with what is mentioned is there a descent entry level amp (not integrated) out there to start out with?
Music taste: Lodon Grammar, Daughter, Mark Knpofler, Michal Franks, Radical Face, Mars Lazar, Lamb, Zero 7, Lana Del Ray, Sting, The xx's, Kate Havenik, Imogen Heap, Flaming Lips, The Church, Moody Blues, Scott August, Seal and Crofts, Pat Methany, Pink Floyd, Missy Higgins, Gotye, CSN, Acoustic Alchemy.....
ok that should be enough Absolutely no heavy metal, just classical, jazz & soft rock.
The room info:
17' x 18.5' + 75% open to another 13.5' x 18.5' (Kitchen/dinning area), ceiling lowest 9.5' to 13' center peak
Speakers on short wall 7' apart 1' off wall listening position ~10-13'(adjustable)Here is a thread with 5000+ posts regarding the Inspire amps Dennis Had is building in NC and selling on the auction site. https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=24170
His 'shop' is 225 miles from you. (I Googled it.) I think a road trip there would be a 'sound investment'. There are posters tin the thread in NC and you might be able to get an audition closer to home from one of them. Used ones come up for sale once in a while too. You have some nice speakers that need to be introduced to tubes. It may be 😍. Enjoy the journey.
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On 2/21/2019 at 12:52 PM, SWL said:
I'm happy to report that since installing the MAHL K-79 tweeters in my speakers, I am much preferring the sound of my new production Psvane Treasure Series 12AX7's over my NOS Mullard 12AX7's.
The new tweeters are more revealing and more precise. Since the tweeter upgrade, my Psvane's sound more like Mullards and the Mullards sound more like my smooth plate Telefunkens.....go figure.
Also, the new production EL84M power tubes sound great in my amp. I've always liked them but I preferred my NOS RCA 7189's. Maybe the new tweeters are the reason for this change in preference as well? Whatever it is, I like it.
The closest new production rectifier tube I've tried is the 5AR4 from The Tube Store but it really can't compete with the NOS Mullard and Amperex tubes I have. I've noticed that the NOS rectifiers are quieter in my amps. Like something has been taken away.....in a good way. The new production rectifiers I tried (Genelex, Tube Store, Sovtek) all sounded like they added something.....in a bad way.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
The Psvane small signal tubes take a good while to settle in. Mullard long plate 12AU7 and 12AX7's are fine tubes but 'good' ones getting hard to find. Mullard 5AR4's are hard to beat. I've not tried any new production 5AR4's.
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21 hours ago, kevinmi said:
My Inspire amp has a different "infinite impedance regulator power supply circuit" that sounds like I don't need to swap out rectifier tubes. I am running a 5U4 with all tubes from 6L6 up to KT-150's without a problem. Right now I'm running RCA black plate 6L6 GB tubes that sound wonderful. Also, my driver tube is a 6SL7, not a 6SN7. I've read that they aren't really interchangeable, but I've heard of people doing just that. I'm confused on that , I guess.
I believe you can use either a 6SN7 or 6SL7. They are not normally interchangable but are in some of his amps. Check with Dennis.
My Inspire amp has a different "infinite impedance regulator power supply circuit" that sounds like I don't need to swap out rectifier tubes. Correct.
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I used their 300B's and preferred them to the 1990's WE 300B in Welborne Laurels.
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8 minutes ago, bkwa1959 said:
Where do you buy your tubes,I have been looking on eBay and the sellers are from China and I am a little hesitant to buy from outside US,quality issues and custom fees are my concern.
I bought mine on ebay. However, it appears that the Shuguang/Treasure etc. number of tube being offered there is shrinking. Perhaps Shuguang/Psvane are taking better control their inventory and this should prevent tubes that did not make the grade from being sold. There have been issues reported here and on other forums.
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19 minutes ago, Schu said:
The only 6sn7 I've had is better than the Chinese cv181 is the CBS/Hytron 6sn7, and not all of them were equally as good.
Yup, it depends on the circuit. I should have said that in my Inspire amp/rig the CV-181's were the best to my ears...until I got a Sophia blue 6SN7. However, the CBS may rule in yours. There are no absolutes in this hobby.
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On 2/17/2019 at 12:04 PM, Bonzo said:
I bought a quad of Tung-Sol 7581A for my VRD’s after reading the glowing reviews of this tube. Went through Craig’s recommended bias routine and set them kind of cool at 45 VDC. I double checked the bias periodically for the first couple days with no issues.
We we had a very unusual two day power outage due to a rare 12” of that wet and heavy white crap, aka snow, that virtually brought this city to its knees. We are on our fifth day without TV, land line or internet.
Anyway, fortunately I switched off all the power strips to my main system when not in use which was before the outage. After the power came on, I decided to fire up my system. Everything was going and sounding fine. No audible issues with my system.
Just for S & G’s, I decided to check the bias. Three of the power tubes tested at 45 VDC, the fourth one, 97! I initially tried to dial it down but could only get it to 57. I shut everything off and let it sit for awhile. I tried the tube in question in the other amp, meter in place. As soon as I turned on the amp, she started to climb rapidly.
I don’t think the power outage had anything to do with it. I will be monitoring my other tubes very closely. I’m now running T-S 6L6GC’s without issue, so far.
I hope this isn’t an indication of quality. Can’t seem to find any negative comments on this tube. I just thought I would share. Any comments and suggestions are most welcome, thanks.
Where did you purchase them? Not all tube seller do adequate testing.
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2 minutes ago, kevinmi said:
Luckily for me, I purchased a Dennis Had Inspire amp that only uses 4 tubes, so tube rolling is a lot cheaper. My Latino amp uses 4 output tubes, and it gets quite pricey swapping them out, especially if using vintage tubes.
I do have some new production tubes, Gold Lion KT-88's, Tung Sol 6550's, Kt-120s, Kt-150's, etc. I'm noticing that some new tube prices are approaching vintage tube levels.
Have you tried any new 6L6 tubes vs EL-34? I find the vintage 6L6's more to my liking than El-34's, just wondering how new tubes might compare?
I've had my Inspire SEP triode strapped for almost 5 years. If you like 6L6's try a pair of NOS 6L6GA's with a 5Y3 rectifier. The combo is about 5 watts in triode. I did get a Sophia blue glass 6SN7 and this tube, in my rig, is superior to any of the NOS I have and I have a lot of them. I'm not sure about the merits of the blue glass though.
Luxman has a new amp that is voiced with JJ Tubes. http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=28 I would guess that they are specially selected.
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15 hours ago, Schu said:
I think the main point that is over looked at times is... these are cheaper than NOS tubes at a similar quality level.
A quad of matched tubes is right around $300 +/- $50.
And if I were to be quite honest, these sound better than some highly touted NOS tubes.
I agree. The only NOS power tubes I use are 6L6's, mostly 6L6GA's. The Chinese CV-181 better almost all NOS 6SN7's.
There was a problem with tubes that should have been culled leaving the factory and ending up on the auction site.
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On 1/16/2019 at 3:25 PM, mopardave said:
What's the difference between 5u4g and 5z3p?
Electrically they are interchangable. You could also use a 274B.
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1 hour ago, thebes said:
I have that book. It written for non-tecnical idiots like me.
I resemble that remark. 😀 It's a good book and free is a great price.
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24 minutes ago, mopardave said:
I have not seen that seller with any of the psvane stuff.
Wow, some of the prices have gone stupid. Was the seller you bought from "Shuguangs" ? I had a not so good experience with them. I have noticed that the number of Treasure and Psvane tubes for sale on the auction site has decreased. Hopefully, they will up QC and restrict having sub par tubes smuggled out of the factory. Yup, this has been documented. From the description of your tubes it appears that is what you received. I have been using the CV181/6SN7's for a number of years and they are better, IMHO, than any NOS 6SN7's I have.
BTW, Shuguang is the world's biggest tube manufacturer.
Please keep us apprised of the outcome of your transaction.
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20 minutes ago, Marvel said:
I have the assembly manual... I bought a pdf copy from RW before he disappeared. While you can find them on the internet, this isn't a scan, etc. I felt it was worth the $10 I paid for it.
Thanks for the other link, though.
Ron had some great amps. His daughter got him in financial hot water and I understand it ruined him.
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On 2/1/2019 at 4:19 AM, wuzzzer said:
Leave it in. It's there to help the woofer work more efficiently and also to reduce reflected sound waves inside the cabinet.
Agreed. The H3's take a long time to settle in so be patient.
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On 1/12/2019 at 8:41 PM, Schu said:
I might take a flyer on these 2a3 mono amps... Critique them for me. Parts seem bargan basement.
amps use 2pcs 2A3 power tube ( push pull),1pc EF86 ( in triode connection),1pc ECC82 +1pc GZ32 rectifier.gives out up to 15W output (@ 0.6% THD)
Russian K40 PIO caps, the silver ones, the blue green cap is Russian too. Looks like a parallel single ended design. The big question is the quality of the transformers. Quality parts are not cheap. There are some very good Chinese amps...and a lot of duds.
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1 hour ago, Marvel said:
@Les Lammers Just to have as spares. I'm the fourth owner of these and I believe the GZ37s started with the original owner/builder. they may have been in something else before that...
I would like to get a full set of all tubes, just to have as backup. I've had these for around ten years, and they are amps that I really don't think I will ever sell. They will go to family if they go anywhere.
I've thought of making a new set of the Moondogs. I think I could still get the Magnequest transformers.
Bruce
Upscale has these: https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/rectifier-tubes/products/mullard-gz33-cv5745 I ran them in Welborne Laurels and will beef up the bottom end. They would be fine in your Moondogs. Here is a link to the assembly manual.https://www.scribd.com/document/309790909/Welborne-Labs-Moondog-2a3-amplifier-build-instructions I believe you can also use GZ34 and 5U4G rectifiers.
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2 hours ago, mopardave said:
I currently have a complaint filed. 39ma was the only details. They look like some junk tubes they needed to dump, 2 tubes are not in their sockets straight. I knew it would be buy be ware with china. I rolled the dice and rolled snake eyes. win some lose some.
h_salience is a reputable epay seller.
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4 minutes ago, Kidd said:
I am learning about Chinese amps, and how much cheaper they are , for abut $500 to $1200 , it appears I can get a really good one .
Even though the Primaluna is made in China
Maybe, but it depends on the transformers etc. Primaluna is manufactured in China but the specs are from a Dutch company. Quality parts and design.
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On 1/16/2019 at 10:24 AM, Marvel said:
I'm good for the down to earth end... I can't afford high end.
I have some Electro-Harmonix 2A3 EH Gold that work very well in my Moondogs. When I bought thiese amps they came with a pair of Sovteks and the EH. Had these for about 10 years I think and haven't replaced them yet. The EH are definitely better than the Sovteks, at least in my amps.
@ToolShedAmps Matt, the EML looks great but is, unfortunately, way past my budget. I was able to hear a pair of the new WE 300B tubes in a new WE amp with SS rectifier and printed circuit design.
I felt like my amps with the EH 2A3s sounded as good, but the listening environment wasn't as good as my own living room. I'm sure the higher priced tubes can bring something to the table but I have my limits. 🙄 Except I am looking for another pair of GZ37s, realizing that might hurt a lot.
Bruce
Why do you need another pair? They should last a very long time. Can you have them tested?
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On 1/13/2019 at 10:07 PM, Schu said:
I want to try an 2a3... not sure I want to spend 4000-5000$ on my first unit. You build exquisite pieces matt, that would be all end all amp... I want to get my feet wet.
There is a Dennis Had 2A3 Inspire for sale asking $1375. No, I'm not the seller. I'd pass on the amp you posted. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9bb2i-inspire-by-dennis-had-2a3-fire-bottle-tube?refsource=hifishark
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On 1/15/2019 at 3:57 PM, mopardave said:
Are those VRD's from Craig your running? Don't seem to be much available in the 6h8c or the 5z3pat tube. I'll run them awhile before I switch. Gonna order from UpScale Audio. Seems like an upscale guy, no pun intended.
Upscale is a great place for tubes. You get what you pay for. I would run the amp for a couple of hundred hours and then roll tubes. The 6h8c is a 6SN7 equivalent and the 5z3p a 5U4G.
Western Electric and Belden 8402 wire
in Talkin' Tubes
Posted
Hi Jeff,
Silver plated copper has never sounded right to my ears. I'm running 12 AWG on the woofers and 16AWG on the tweeters of Heresy III's. Amp is a Dennis Had Inspire. 5 watts with 6L6G's.
The wire and IC's are cheap enough to experiment with. Once the Belden 8402 settled in I no longer thought about IC's. YMMV.
Les