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Author Topic: RUMOR MILL: EC 4x2A3  (Read 5492 times)

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Marvey

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Re: RUMOR MILL: EC 4x2A3
« Reply #10 on: May 07, 2013, 05:24:03 PM »
You could use a cap instead.

Craig reworked the AC heater circuit to something much more compact and inexpensive using DarkStar technology. The PS is also much simpler with the solid-state diodes. He's reaping the benefits of old R&D (circuits, chassis, etc.) It's probable the numbers being thrown around at this time may be too low, or are introductory offers.
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Marvey

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Re: RUMOR MILL: EC 4x2A3
« Reply #11 on: May 07, 2013, 05:31:15 PM »
I figured I would post this as well. It's Craig's personal amp and the development unit for the Levi and 4x2A3. This development unit currently utilizes 45 tubes, EP interstage, and Lundahl OPTs.

The EC 4x2A3 will NOT come with the Purple Glowies. If anyone wants the Purple Glowies, contact Anax to get in on the Levi project.

Since the EC 4x2A3 does not yet exist, everything is still subject to change.
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MorbidToaster

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Re: RUMOR MILL: EC 4x2A3
« Reply #12 on: May 08, 2013, 02:25:42 PM »
Want...purple glowies...
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shipsupt

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Re: RUMOR MILL: EC 4x2A3
« Reply #13 on: May 08, 2013, 02:53:26 PM »
Using them as rectifiers shouldn't be a big deal to pull off in a build.  I'll bet it wouldn't take much to modify an existing amp to use one if you can find a mercury vapor diode tube with the right specs and make a few changes.  It would be a fun project. 
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Marvey

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Re: RUMOR MILL: EC 4x2A3
« Reply #14 on: May 08, 2013, 03:05:22 PM »
The purple glowies are the non-toxic Xenon tubes. The blue glowies are mercury. Anax, LFF, and I actually heard the mercury tubes in the 445. They were a pain because we had to warm them up first for the mercury to evaporate before plugging in the wire with a couple hundred volts on it.

The mercury tubes did not sound as good. A little bit more murky. Less articulate.

Craig tried solid-state damper diodes in the same circuit (which I heard). That resulted in a blacker background, a more articulate sound, but with an ever so slight grating quality which I felt wouldn't be good over longer listening sessions. The Xenons sounded more fluid - more "musical". So basically there's a good chance that the solid-state damper diodes are out and the 6D22 (from the original Levi build) are back in. (This may also go with the regular 2A3 as well.)

There's also the possibility of the Xenon power supply being an add on option for extra cost. It does look very cool. I'm sure if he can get a order of five, he will build them. The last conversation I had with him regarding the Xenon tubes is that they would be exposed, but with three posts supporting a top-plate so the plug up on top won't ever be knocked loose and kill someone with a few hundred volts.
« Last Edit: May 08, 2013, 03:11:08 PM by purrin »
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Anaxilus.

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Re: RUMOR MILL: EC 4x2A3
« Reply #15 on: May 08, 2013, 03:50:03 PM »
Quote from: shipsupt on May 08, 2013, 02:53:26 PM
I'll bet it wouldn't take much to modify an existing amp to use one if you can find a mercury vapor diode tube with the right specs and make a few changes.  It would be a fun project.


Good luck with all aspects of that.  Might not be as much fun as you think once you start sorting it out.  Unless of course you're determined to get glow.  The PS is actually overly complicated and overly spec'd for a Headphone amp.  It's more ideal for a 30watt speaker amp.
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shipsupt

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Re: RUMOR MILL: EC 4x2A3
« Reply #16 on: May 08, 2013, 04:01:02 PM »
Blue, purple... whatever!   ::)


I thought that once the Mercury tube was in a vertical position and had been warmed up one time you didn't need to go through that whole warm up routine every time?  I have heard that the first warm up needs to be something like 30 minutes!!??   It all sounds like a PITA, but having Mercury is so much cooler than Xenon!  What's the fun of something non-toxic?

Some solid-state damper diodes sound like something CEE TEE would like!   :&



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shipsupt

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Re: RUMOR MILL: EC 4x2A3
« Reply #17 on: May 08, 2013, 04:03:58 PM »
Fair dinkum.  A whole lot of effort just for some cool glow action, not likely worth it since it's not likely to ultimately improve sound quality.

Quote from: Analixus on May 08, 2013, 03:50:03 PM
Quote from: shipsupt on May 08, 2013, 02:53:26 PM
I'll bet it wouldn't take much to modify an existing amp to use one if you can find a mercury vapor diode tube with the right specs and make a few changes.  It would be a fun project.


Good luck with all aspects of that.  Might not be as much fun as you think once you start sorting it out.  Unless of course you're determined to get glow.  The PS is actually overly complicated and overly spec'd for a Headphone amp.  It's more ideal for a 30watt speaker amp.
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Anaxilus.

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Re: RUMOR MILL: EC 4x2A3
« Reply #18 on: May 08, 2013, 04:08:02 PM »
Actually it does improve sound.  You can see why if you know where to look in the spec sheet.  Compare it to a 5Y3 or 5AR4.  I actually came up w/ the idea to use them based on sonics orignally, the glow is icing on the cake.  It's just kind of like shoehorning a bigblock V8 into a Miata.
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shipsupt

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Re: RUMOR MILL: EC 4x2A3
« Reply #19 on: May 08, 2013, 04:12:41 PM »
I was referring to modding an existing power supply/amp, not when designing it in from the start.

Quote from: Analixus on May 08, 2013, 04:08:02 PM
Actually it does improve sound.  You can see why if you know where to look in the spec sheet.  Compare it to a 5Y3 or 5AR4.  I actually came up w/ the idea to use them based on sonics orignally, the glow is icing on the cake.  It's just kind of like shoehorning a bigblock V8 into a Miata.
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Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
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