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Author Topic: Tubes, Tubes, Tubes -- Resources for Rollers!  (Read 10604 times)

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MuppetFace

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Tubes, Tubes, Tubes -- Resources for Rollers!
« on: February 23, 2013, 03:59:58 PM »
I figured we could use a thread to collect helpful t00b-related info. So, without further adieu...


The Pirate's TUBE Resource Thread!


Please feel free to share advice on what to look for and where to find a good selection, links with good deals, opinions on which tubes are worthwhile and which aren't, etc. etc. There are plenty of amps out there, but among pirates there are undoubtedly favorites that have become something of a "pirate's canon."
 :boom:


It would be great if we could collect some recommendations for what tubes work best with these amps. Additionally many amps can be tailored to suit specific headphones just by changing the tubes, so any recs for what works best with certain headphones would be beyond awesome.


You know those wine blurbs you see at decent liquor stores, the ones that describe what the wine's characteristics and flavor profile are like? If we could have something to that effect for peoples' favorite tubes, I think that would be really fun too.
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MuppetFace

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Re: Tubes, Tubes, Tubes -- Resources for Rollers!
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2013, 04:07:45 PM »
Here are a few links to other tube threads here on Changstar:

EL34s -> http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,816.0.html

ECBA tube rolling -> http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,430.msg7349.html#msg7349
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Valentin Hogea

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Re: Tubes, Tubes, Tubes -- Resources for Rollers!
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2013, 04:27:34 PM »
I got lots to share if someone interested in 6AK5; 6AS7/6080/5998; 6SL7; 6SJ7-type tubes...


However the EL34-thread I started. Very limited experience (to avoid saying none...)
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burnspbesq

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Re: Tubes, Tubes, Tubes -- Resources for Rollers!
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2013, 06:13:00 PM »
Back in the days of my love-hate relationship with a RSA Raptor, I found Upscale Audio to be a great source for tubes.  Kevin is something of an acquired taste, but his inventory is to die for and his prices are not outrageous.
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MuppetFace

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Re: Tubes, Tubes, Tubes -- Resources for Rollers!
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2013, 07:10:01 PM »
I've got the LG coming my way soon-ish, so I'm really starting to get invested into this whole tube rolling thing. Which is a first for me. I've messed around with it in the past, but it was always more of a chore and something I didn't want to bother with really. My feelings are changing.

I want to pick up an assortment to start out with on the LG, so I'm looking for 6SN7 / 6CG7 recommendations primarily. dBel recommended I look into 12SN7 too.

When I heard some 1950s Sylvania black plates in the LG I feel in love. I really want to find a pair of those in particular.
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gurubhai

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Re: Tubes, Tubes, Tubes -- Resources for Rollers!
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2013, 09:29:26 PM »
I'll be keeping an eye on this thread as well for 6SN7/6CG7/ECC82/6080 recommendations for my upcoming DIY amp. Keep it rolling!
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dBel84

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Re: Tubes, Tubes, Tubes -- Resources for Rollers!
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2013, 10:27:26 PM »
I am afraid that I don't keep "tasting notes" but a couple of gems from times past that come to mind :

12AU7 variants:
GE 6080
RFT ECC82
GE 5963

edit :: how could I forget the philips miniwatt 12au7

Noval variants of 6SN7
RCA clear top 6CG7 / 6FQ7


6SN7/12SN7:
Tari's Mullard ECC32
BL63 is similar to above but needs an adapter and has a MUCH higher heater current demand than even the ECC32. Alex modified the LGs power supply just before it went into production to be able to handle this tube. 
Sylvania GT ( 1950's ) including the JAN VT231
CBS / Hytron long tube versions - also 50's production.

Happy surprises
Coin base sylvanias - often cheap and very similar to the 50's GT

The following are links to a few useful threads out there


The Reference 6SN7 Thread   http://www.head-fi.org/t/117677/the-reference-6sn7-thread

The 6SN7 Identification Guide     http://www.head-fi.org/t/209782/the-6sn7-identification-guide

6SN7 Tube Addicts   http://www.head-fi.org/t/479031/6sn7-tube-addicts

Toob Madness Or The 6SN7 Zoo   http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0304/6sn7.htm

BRENT JESSEE  http://www.audiotubes.com/6dj8.htm

Joe's Tube Lore   on audioasylum  http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d.pl?audio/faq/joes-tubes.html


I am sure there are plenty more out there too .


My biggest problem with people describing tubes is that most amp topologies differ and thus people are describing tubes under significantly different conditions and it is a far cry to extrapolate from one person's experience running a 6SN7 at 200V with 5mA bias to another running the same tube at 350V with 15mA bias. Not to mention design differences in amps - transformer coupled, cap coupled, hybrid , B+ that is regulated or choke filtered ......... I think you see my point.

..dB
« Last Edit: February 23, 2013, 10:47:51 PM by dBel84 »
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Ringingears

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Re: Tubes, Tubes, Tubes -- Resources for Rollers!
« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2013, 01:49:37 AM »
I have purchased several tubes from Jim McShane. Always have been satisfied with the quality and all are tested beforehand. Lots of differents types.

http://www.mcshanedesign.net/tubes.htm

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Valentin Hogea

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Re: Tubes, Tubes, Tubes -- Resources for Rollers!
« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2013, 02:25:44 PM »
My 6SL7-findings...


Mullard ECC35 Tall Black Base 50's-60's
Bass quality: 5/5
Bass quantity: 5/5
Mids quality: 5/5
Mids quantity: 4/5
Treble quality: 5/5
Treble quantity: 4/5
Imaging: 5/5
Sound stage: 5/5 Deep, wide and tall
Price: 240-300 USD


In short: Best so far. Truly fantastic. If you only need one for your amp. This is it.


Mullard ECC35 Short Brown Base 50's-60's

Bass quality: 5/5
Bass quantity: 4/5
Mids quality: 5/5
Mids quantity: 5/5
Treble quality: 5/5
Treble quantity: 3/5
Imaging: 4,5/5
Sound stage: 5/5 Deep, wide and tall
Price: 240-300 USD


In short: A bit more muddy/warm than the Tall Black Bottle ones. Maybe a bit more "high-end" Leben-ish. Unmodded HD800 / Bright headphones overall I'd say


Ken-Rad VT-229 Tall Black Base 40's

Bass quality: 4/5
Bass quantity: 4/5
Mids quality: 4/5
Mids quantity: 3/5
Treble quality: 4/5
Treble quantity: 3/5
Imaging: 4/5
Sound stage: 4/5 Somewhat smaller than the above
Price: 100-120 USD


In short: A bit more refined than the RCA one, but not that big of difference.


RCA VT-220 Tal Black Base 40's


Bass quality: 3,5/5
Bass quantity: 4/5
Mids quality: 4/5
Mids quantity: 3/5
Treble quality: 4/5
Treble quantity: 3/5
Imaging: 4/5
Sound stage: 4/5 Somewhat smaller than the above
Price: 70-100 USD


In short: Very similar to the Ken-Rad one. Good all-round tube.
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Valentin Hogea

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Re: Tubes, Tubes, Tubes -- Resources for Rollers!
« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2013, 02:28:35 PM »
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