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Author Topic: EC 445 (Levi development platform) impressions  (Read 10638 times)

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Marvey

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Re: EC 445 (Levi development platform) impressions
« Reply #20 on: May 06, 2013, 09:05:54 PM »
At one point I wasn't sure if Craig was going to offer the Xenon PS for this current Levi build (the original Levi's used 6D22.) This is definitely good news that Craig will offer it.

The 2A3 successor including any rumored prepo's "445", "4x2A3", or new 2A3 with HF heaters is something completely different and not at all related to this, and as far as I know, does not exist, except for the 2A3 with the HF heaters and solid-state power supply. But again, and to clarify, these are not the current Levi we are talking about here.

As for 45s, it's a simple resistor change, but I don't want to go that way at this minute to avoid any confusion or delay. It should be addressed after more important issues are sorted out.
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Tari

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Re: EC 445 (Levi development platform) impressions
« Reply #21 on: May 06, 2013, 09:55:02 PM »
Just got off the line with Craig's gardener and looks like this is how its shaking out:


The EC 2A3 will be staying the same with updated HF heater and silver secondary OPT
The 2A3x4 will now be using 4 45's instead
The 445 will utilize 6 2A3's
The Leviathan will have two separate power supplies that can be swapped out allowing for either 300B or 71A but will cost $12,000
The Mothstrosity will be solid state with mercury rectification.
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BournePerfect

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Re: EC 445 (Levi development platform) impressions
« Reply #22 on: May 06, 2013, 10:14:23 PM »
Count me in for the Levi-no go on the Moth (which if it ever materializes who knows what it will be). I think I'd prefer the PS tubes on the outside, but either way wouldn't be a big deal. Has the pricing changed at all now for the Levi?

-Daniel
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bozebuttons

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Re: EC 445 (Levi development platform) impressions
« Reply #23 on: May 06, 2013, 11:49:42 PM »
No moth for me, I am in for the Levi with Tango IT ,Ps tube more exposed but I could go either way on that.
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blue

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Re: EC 445 (Levi development platform) impressions
« Reply #24 on: May 07, 2013, 02:28:10 AM »
I am with Tari in that I consider this to be my end game dynamic amp. When I heard about the Moth revival I got very excited, as I thought not only will I get an end game dynamic amp, but also the aesthetics to match....

However if I am to choose between aesthetics and sound quality I'd definitely choose sound quality.... and as this was meant to be a balls to the wall investment I just hope that there is no compromise in that department =P.

If there are build variations available like the 45/2A3/300b is it possible to get a list of these compiled (along with their pro and cons)?
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Marvey

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Re: EC 445 (Levi development platform) impressions
« Reply #25 on: May 07, 2013, 02:36:11 AM »
LOL, this was just discussed in private. For this build, the EP psss OPT is completely optimized to use 2x2A3 in parallel for maximum power at lowest distortion. The primaries of the OPT is ~1.5kohms. This will prohibit the use of 45s (despite similar max plate and filament V)

The 2A3s have a max plate voltage @ 300V and filament voltage @2.5. The 300B has a max plate voltage of 400 and filament voltage @5V. So also no go with 300Bs.

In other words, specific tube choice and a design to make the most out of that specific choice for max. performance.
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Anaxilus.

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Re: EC 445 (Levi development platform) impressions
« Reply #26 on: May 07, 2013, 02:44:06 AM »
@blue

What if they both sound the same.  Moth or Levi?  Also tube pref.
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blue

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Re: EC 445 (Levi development platform) impressions
« Reply #27 on: May 07, 2013, 03:25:53 AM »
Quote from: Analixus on May 07, 2013, 02:44:06 AM
@blue

What if they both sound the same.  Moth or Levi?  Also tube pref.

Tough question as it would depend on the wait. My brain tells me to drop the cash on the Moth amp without hesitation, but if it takes more than a year I might just get both (if there are two runs, one Levi one Moth). I could always sell the Levi, as this isn't something that will lose value on the market.

The best case scenario would be (if the sound quality is the same) that everyone goes with Moth as focusing on one project will speed things along (perhaps a deposit might help, along with w/e needs to be sourced).
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Marvey

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Re: EC 445 (Levi development platform) impressions
« Reply #28 on: May 07, 2013, 03:33:41 AM »
Well you could get the Levi first, and Moth later.
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Anaxilus.

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Re: EC 445 (Levi development platform) impressions
« Reply #29 on: May 07, 2013, 03:35:45 AM »
K, I'll put you down for both.  Group size won't make a difference for the Moth times.  It's still in its Chrysalis.  Rectifier open or closed w/ port?

Btw, I've updated the first post w/ a new list, so please feel free to correct any inaccuracies.
« Last Edit: May 07, 2013, 03:46:31 AM by Analixus »
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