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A community member
Jun 30, 2018
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Just wondering if those with hum issues have been able to solve them? I have a power conditioner and a slew of NOS tubes waiting for my unit to get here. I'm hoping my mullard 6080 and kenrad vt-231 pair well with my hd6xx.
A community member
Jul 1, 2018
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giomotoI have heard it takes sometimes 50 hours to eliminate hum. Also, replacing the 6as7 power tube with a Sylvania 6080wc NOS tube seems to have fixed the him issue with many people on other forums. Thanks for the reply btw. 😀
A community member
Jul 15, 2018
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NateBSo that Ken Rad Vt-231 hums like crazy...bummer. But the other tubes I've rolled had no hum. I found a crazy good combination with a Tung Sol 7236 6as7 and a CBS 6sn7gtb...the bass is so good. Listened to Take the Power Back by Rage Against the Machine and my jaw dropped. 😎
NateB
168
Jul 16, 2018
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NateB
168
Jul 16, 2018
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A community member
Jul 16, 2018
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NateBI ran the Ken rad for 60 hours, still hums. Other tubes dropped in an no hum. My power conditioner helps a ton. After plugging into a regular surge protector to test, my sylvania 6sn7wgta hummed. Plugged back into conditioner, no hum.
A community member
Jul 16, 2018
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NateBWhat Tung sol is it, tall bottle? What type? I have 2 tall bottle tung sol I haven't rolled with yet.
A community member
Jul 16, 2018
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NateBThe mullard 6080 and the Tung sol tall bottle are a great combo. I'm working from home today and listening to it now. The tung sol has a very slight hum, but it will probably go away after more burn in.
A community member
Jul 17, 2018
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NateBIs it brown or black base? Clear or black glass? The Mullard 6080 is fantastic. I prefer it over my RCA 6as7g.
NateB
168
Jul 18, 2018
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A community member
Jul 18, 2018
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NateBIf it is the short bottle Tung Sol black base, that is supposed to be fantastic for mids and upper bass.
A community member
Jul 18, 2018
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NateBAt the moment I'm using Beyerdynamic DT 880 250 Ohm, Sennheiser HD600 & HD6xx and Fostex TR-90. I'm happy to share the info. The darkvoice can sound great with the right tubes. Just wish my Ken Rad Vt-231 didn't hum. Such is life.
NateB
168
Jul 18, 2018
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Yes! The DV can sound fantastic with the right tubes. I have been using Beyerdynamic DT 770 250 Ohm and DT 240, the same Sennheiser headphones as you, I will also start the burn-in process on the HD58X, and also the 1MORE Triple Driver headphones. I am waiting to receive a VT-231 tube and a Geshelli DAC.
A community member
Jul 18, 2018
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NateBI've been using an SMSL M6 as my dac. Eventually im going to upgrade the dac, but need some time to save. My setup in my gaming and office pc is an Audio-gd NFB-11.28 and my Audeze LCD-2, so I need to save some money. This hobby is great, but my wallet and wife loathe it!
The funny thing is I prefer warm sound signature with a bass boost and neutral the rest of the way...the Sennheiser cans have those upper mids that can be harsh since I'm sensitive to spikes from 3 to 5 khz. The tubes basically save me from fatigue (the right tubes). If it wasn't for that, I would have had to sell my Sennheisers...something I really didn't want to do.
The funny thing is I prefer warm sound signature with a bass boost and neutral the rest of the way...the Sennheiser cans have those upper mids that can be harsh since I'm sensitive to spikes from 3 to 5 khz. The tubes basically save me from fatigue (the right tubes). If it wasn't for that, I would have had to sell my Sennheisers...something I really didn't want to do.
NateB
168
Jul 18, 2018
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I have been using for 2 years now a SMSL SD-793II DAC/Amp. For the first 7 months as a DAC/Amp and then for the last 17 months as a DAC for my DV. I plan on getting another solid state head phone amp for my desktop, and I am getting ready to send off two pairs of Fostex headphones to Modhouse to be modded.
A community member
Jul 18, 2018
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NateBI have a pair of Argon Mk II...they are very good. Best T50RP mod by far.
ZMF pads are also amazing. Have them on my m40x (cowhide) and my TH-X00 Mahogany (Ori Leather).
ZMF pads are also amazing. Have them on my m40x (cowhide) and my TH-X00 Mahogany (Ori Leather).
A community member
Jul 18, 2018
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NateBThe 60s do look nice. if I hadn't already purchased an M1060C, they would have been my next purchase. I'm modding the M1060C, but unlike a lot of people, I'm keeping them closed. Trying to figure out if a different type of wood cup would enhance the sound. I have some ZMF Eikon leather pads I'm going to use and some dampening materials.
NateB
168
Jul 19, 2018
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I never was really interested in any of the Monoprice headphones as I was interested in getting other headphones. The fact of the matter is, that there are about 10 pairs of headphones that I want to purchase in the next couple of years along with a half dozen IEMs. Also there is an integrated amp I want to get to hook up to my TV.
A community member
Jul 19, 2018
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NateBSo many toys. I'm still interested in some top of the line stuff, but I got a great deal on these m1060c. Only paid $100. My buddy hated them. The mods I've done so far have improved the sound, so I want to see how much I can improve them. I modded a few t50rp as well, but once I heard the argons i gave up. They are my favorite closed back pair.
A community member
Jul 19, 2018
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NateBI tried the ethers but sadly I hated them. The mid range peaks are brutal and treble is uneven. I actually liked the aeon flows better.
A community member
Jul 19, 2018
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NateBSame here...but not a lot of meets in Northeast Ohio. I am still trying to burn in my Ken-Rad VT-231...going on 110 hours now, so if it still hums then I will consider it a lost cause and move on.
NateB
168
Jul 19, 2018
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Southeastern Virginia, nothing...in fact I have to drive 40 minutes to get to an audiophile shop. About 3 1/2 hours into my Ken Rad burn in and still a bit of hum, but not as bad as when I first changed it out. I am also burning in my pair of Hd-58X headphones (about 5 hours) and already noticing a difference.
NateB
168
Jul 19, 2018
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Well I have about 7 hours of playing time on them and putting them down for 5 1/2 hours I see a marked improvement. Yes, you can tell they are a Sennheiser headphone. I think for $150.00 they are a decent headphone for somebody on a budget, but wants to step up their headphone game. The VT-231 has even less hum than before, but it is present, but improving.
A community member
Jul 20, 2018
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NateBI have family in Chesapeake, VA. So good news, after 118 hours of burn in, the Ken Rad vt-231 is now listenable. Hum isthere , but significantly quieter. I'm going to listen today to see if it improves further.
NateB
168
Jul 20, 2018
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I live in Norfolk, VA, not far at all from your family. After running my DV for about 14 hours I had to let it cool down some, so I switched the HD 58Xs to my SMSL to continue the burn-in process. Monday afternoon I will check the cans and hopefully the will be burned-in. I will soon check on my VT-231 to see how much hum there is, when I last listened it was barely any hum. I can only say that the Tung Sol 6SN7 tubes to me are a great choice for the DV.
A community member
Jul 20, 2018
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NateBI have 2 Tung Sols. One is tall bottle black base and the other is fat short bottle brown base. They are fantastic.
Norfolk I'm very familiar with. I served in the marine corps and was in dam neck for a few weeks. My grandfather was in the Navy for 32 years and was at Little Creek for many years.
Norfolk I'm very familiar with. I served in the marine corps and was in dam neck for a few weeks. My grandfather was in the Navy for 32 years and was at Little Creek for many years.
NateB
168
Jul 20, 2018
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Here is an article I just came across, so check it out:
https://blog.thetubestore.com/burning-in-6sn7-tubes-for-the-dark-voice-336se-headphone-amp/
Wow what a small world. If you are ever visiting your family, it would be nice to meet. I also have 3 portable “tube” amps from Little Bear. P2, B4 & B5. They actually are pretty good.
A community member
Jul 20, 2018
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NateBSounds like a plan my man. My wife and I just got back from vacationing in myrtle beach, on the way back we stayed in VA Beach for 2 days.
A community member
Jul 20, 2018
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NateBI understand all to well. I took care of my father for many years until he passed away. Just make sure you don't neglect yourself as well. I speak from experience.
Btw, which portable tube sounds best to you? Had my eye on the little bear for a while.
Btw, which portable tube sounds best to you? Had my eye on the little bear for a while.
NateB
168
Jul 20, 2018
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The P2 is the one I like the most, it is my "bedside" amp hooked up to my iPad along with an Advanced Sound Group Accessport, which actually has a built-in DAC/Amp, but allows me to charge my iPad, simultaneously. But don't get me wrong, when I take my mother to certain appointments I have either my B4 or B5 with me. I really like that tube sound. Oh, by the way, the HD-58X are a little easier to drive than my HD-600.
A community member
Jul 20, 2018
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NateBDo the 58x have more or less bass than the hd650/hd6xx? The b4 was the one I was looking at. I'm also trying to narrow down my search for a good closed back high impedance pair of cans that pair well with my dv336se.
Curlycat
33
Jul 21, 2018
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Take the 6AS7 driver tube out and let the preamp tube burn in. Some tubes loose their hum fast, others take longer. Don't have experience with the Kenrad, but the Mullard 6080 is a beautiful sounding tube. Lovely sound stage, a very good balance between the lows, mids and highs. The Mullard 6080 is currently my favorite tube between, a RCA 6080WA (in 2nd place), a GE JAN5998A (3rd) and a Sylvania 6AS7G. My preamp tube is an Ultron 6SN7GT. Also a great tube. Sound stage and separation of the instruments are sublime with the Ultron.
A community member
Jul 21, 2018
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CurlycatI have been burning in without the power tube. It took 118 hours of burn-in for the Ken Rad to stop humming. Good call on the mullard 6080 as your observations are the same as mine. I recently got a Tung Sol 7236 which is great, but it seems more for higher gain needs. I have a GE 6as7ga, Sylvania 6080wc, RCA 6as7g, and the Mullard sounds so balanced...I keep going back to it.
A community member
Jul 24, 2018
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NateBSo I have 3 tubes arriving this week. Another KenRad (JAN-CKR 6SN7GT Clear Glass), a Raytheon 6SN7GTB Black Plate, and an RCA 6SN7GTB Tall Bottle Black Base. I will let you know the outcome of the tube rolling. So far, the Tung Sol 6SN7GTB Tall Glass + Mullard 6080 combination is the best I've heard in my DarkVoice 336se.
Curlycat
33
Jul 24, 2018
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Looking forward to reading your update. I am keen on trying a Raytheon too. I have literally just plugged in a new tube, just arrived, being the Sylvania JAN CHS 6SN7GT Tube Black Plates "Chrome Dome" It sounds very promising, but way to early to comment. I also have a Tung-Sol 6SN7GT "Mouse Ears" Tube Gray Plates 1953 in transit. I will update my impressions as well.
A community member
Jul 24, 2018
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CurlycatThe Raytheon is supposed to be a little low in bass quantity, but good quality. Mids and treble very detailed and a touch bright (I prefer warm treble, but looking forward to hearing it for myself).
Those Tungsol mouse ears are supposed to be one of the top tubes for 6sn7. I look forward to hearing your impressions.
Those Tungsol mouse ears are supposed to be one of the top tubes for 6sn7. I look forward to hearing your impressions.
Curlycat
33
Jul 25, 2018
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NateBLooking forward to your views on the "Mouse Ears" I am very keen on hearing this valve. I have no knowledge of the National Union tube, would have to do some homework. Anyone else?
NateB
168
Jul 25, 2018
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CurlycatI just rolled the Tung-Sol "Mouse Ears" tube into the DV, and I just want to run the tube for an hour or so. No hum or anything like that, but just want to do a short burn-in with the tube. So far though, this tube seems like one to be used frequently, if not all the time.
A community member
Jul 25, 2018
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NateBThat is awesome, I'll have to look at getting one.
The Raytheon arrived and has been burned in. It doesn't have a ton of bass, but the mids are crazy good. Treble can be a bit bright, but not overbearing. This tube is great with Jazz music. It is a little shouty with female vocals, but nice nonetheless.
The Raytheon arrived and has been burned in. It doesn't have a ton of bass, but the mids are crazy good. Treble can be a bit bright, but not overbearing. This tube is great with Jazz music. It is a little shouty with female vocals, but nice nonetheless.
Curlycat
33
Jul 26, 2018
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Thanks for posting this. I think I am going to give the Raytheon a miss for now. I am not a basshead, but I do like bass.
I have a new favourite combination :) I have been listening to the Sylvania JAN CHS 6SN7GT Tube Black Plates "Chrome Dome" for a bit now. It is an awesome tube. Initially I thought it was a bit bright sounding, but magic happened when I took the Mullard 6080 tube out and put the RCA 6080WA tube in. WOW! The synergy is just sublime. Still a tad bright, but with layers of space between the instruments. PRAT is also "slightly" slower and more defined, more fluid, like I enjoy in a good valve system. It's magic. I tried very hard to like the combo with the Mullard, but sadly, it does not do it for me. I thought the Tungsol 5998A might tame the highs a bit, but no, still no magic. I have two favourite combinations now. The Sylvania with the RCA and the Ultron 6SN7 with the Mullard 6080. If I have to choose, it will be the Sylvania with the RCA. I am still waiting for the "Mouse Ears"
I have a new favourite combination :) I have been listening to the Sylvania JAN CHS 6SN7GT Tube Black Plates "Chrome Dome" for a bit now. It is an awesome tube. Initially I thought it was a bit bright sounding, but magic happened when I took the Mullard 6080 tube out and put the RCA 6080WA tube in. WOW! The synergy is just sublime. Still a tad bright, but with layers of space between the instruments. PRAT is also "slightly" slower and more defined, more fluid, like I enjoy in a good valve system. It's magic. I tried very hard to like the combo with the Mullard, but sadly, it does not do it for me. I thought the Tungsol 5998A might tame the highs a bit, but no, still no magic. I have two favourite combinations now. The Sylvania with the RCA and the Ultron 6SN7 with the Mullard 6080. If I have to choose, it will be the Sylvania with the RCA. I am still waiting for the "Mouse Ears"
A community member
Jul 26, 2018
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CurlycatPairing is very important! I'm no basshead either, but I am all about balance...so the Raytheon isn't for me as well. The kenrad vt-231 clear glass came in today. If your a fan of warm and slightly bassy like me, this is the tube for you. it isn't as 3d sounding as the black glass kenrad, but it also sells for much less. Bass and mid forward sound with very slight warmth in the treble. This paired with my RCA 6as7g 1958 power tube is brilliant with the hd600. With the 650s, the bass may be too much. I plan to test with my 6xx in a few hours. Needless to say, but kenrad and tungsol seem to be my favorite tubes so far. Rich and thick sound without sounding bloated.
A community member
Jul 27, 2018
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The pairing with the 6xx went well. the bass was still controlled but powerful. good balanced tube. the highs are right at the line of what I consider neutral/slighly slightly slightly bright (the sweet zone for me). The mids are forward without impacting the low and high frequencies. Very nice sounding.
NateB
168
Jul 30, 2018
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Currently I am letting a Svetlana 6AS7G cool off and will change that out for an RCA 6080WA, which is being paired with a Tung-Sol 6SN7GT Black Glass Oval Mica. I didn't like the pairing with the Svetlana, but my Mouse Ears Tung-Sol sounded great with the Mullard 6080 and an RCA 6AS7, but with the Svetlana, and the pairing with the Mouse Ears I was okay, but not as good as the Mullard set-up and the RCA set-up.
A community member
Jul 30, 2018
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NateBThe Svetlana are picky to pair with from what I've heard. My RCA 5692 red base came in today. Best tube I've heard yet. Supposedly this is a "holy grail " tube...I can confirm that it is true. Leaps and bounds better than any tube I've heard. I go it for a good price too. This and the mullard are perfect . Amazed it only needed 45 minutes of burn in and 0 hum. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. 😀
NateB
168
Jul 31, 2018
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I will say this about the Svetlana, Paired with an RCA or Sylvania, it good. A big improvement over the stock, but as you and I along with other DV tube rollers know, there are better tubes out in tubeland to purchase. The RCA 6080WA along with that Black Glass Oval Mica Tung-Sol is one of the smoothest sounding combinations I've heard. Tomorrow I think I will try the Mullard 6080 and the Tung-Sol and then with an RCA 5692 Red Base.
A community member
Jul 31, 2018
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NateBQuick note, most 5692 tubes are RCA or GE branded. They are really close to being the same.
A community member
Aug 2, 2018
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NateBI have a Tung sol mouse ear arriving next week. In the meantime, that 5692 hasn't left my amp. That tube is worth it, would gladly pay 80 bucks again for it (some are going for $250 a pop on ebay). This is a must have imo. What's even better is all of my 6as7 sound great with it.
Curlycat
33
Aug 2, 2018
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NateBGood to read your replies NateB and Hazi59. My Tungsol Mouse Ears arrived three days ago. Sadly there was a lot of hum. Burned it for approx 24 hours and hum all gone. First tried it with the NOS RCA6080WA, meh, it was pleasant but totally forgettable sounding. I can concur, the Mullard 6080 combo with the Mouse Ears are really good. I find the sound stage is excellent with a good amount of bass grunt without being muddy or woolly. I do like this combination very much! Still have other 6AS7 valves to try with the Mouse though. I managed to get a Kenrad VT-231, still in transit. I am also waiting for a NOS RCA 6SN7 GT smoked glass tube as well. I have to update that my favourite combination currently is the Sylvania 6SN7 Chrome Dome paired with a NOS Sylvania 6AS7. I was not too fond of the Sylvania 6AS7, a bit clinical solid state sounding, but golly, is the synergy good with the Chrome Dome. Bass lovely tight and controlled. Loads of detail and "live" in the sound. It's deffo my number one currently. Tube rolling is really awesome.
NateB
168
Aug 3, 2018
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CurlycatPicked up my National Union 6SN7 from the apartment office earlier today, rolled it in with my Mullard 6080, some hum from the NU tube. After about 6 or 7 hours of use there is still some hum, not as much as earlier, I will continue to burn the tube in for about another 6 hours or so. The NU I think once the burn in process is finished will be in the tube rotation. Waiting on an Ultron 6SN7 tube to arrive from Europe. I should have that in a week or two, maybe. I do have a couple of Sylvania 6SN7 Chrome Domes. One is a 6SN7GTA, I think they are called "Bad Boy". I don't have a Sylvania 6AS7, though, I guess I should get one.
A community member
Aug 3, 2018
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NateBBe sure the badboy is from 1952, black base, green writing and has 3 holes on each side of t plates ..people on fleabay are notoriously selling the 1954 2 holes and calling them badboys.
I don't have a Sylvania 6as7,but i have a sylvania 6080wc and it is wells balanced, but the mullard is way better.
I don't have a Sylvania 6as7,but i have a sylvania 6080wc and it is wells balanced, but the mullard is way better.
Curlycat
33
Aug 3, 2018
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Yup, lot of misinformation on tubes.
Here is a reference site I use. I have not purchased anything from them and no affiliation either.
http://www.vacuumtubes.com/6sn7.html
and this below - very helpful
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-reference-6sn7-thread.117677/
A community member
Aug 3, 2018
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NateBThere were a few badboys made in 53, so you may be ok. The badboy is excellent as far as music separation, it may be the best. Next week I have a winged c Svetlana and a Sylvania vt-231 arriving. Mouse ear tung sol will be here tomorrow. I'll keep you posted on my rolling.
A community member
Aug 3, 2018
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CurlycatThe smoked glass rca is supposed to have a reverb type sound. Some love it, some hate it. I personally love it. Mine is a tad microphonic though, so beware of that.
A community member
Aug 4, 2018
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NateBMouse ears arrived and the hum is the worst I've encountered yet. I did a thorough cleaning and sprayed deoxit on the pins. Now the burn-in process will commence. I'll check it Monday morning as I work from home.
One thing I will continue to say is...go get yourself an rca 5692 red base. It is amazing how good it sounds. If you can find a Tung Sol 7236 power tube, that is the best combo. It's the best bass response I've heard out of any tube, best mid response, warm treble with absolutely zero grain. The tube is God tier imo.
One thing I will continue to say is...go get yourself an rca 5692 red base. It is amazing how good it sounds. If you can find a Tung Sol 7236 power tube, that is the best combo. It's the best bass response I've heard out of any tube, best mid response, warm treble with absolutely zero grain. The tube is God tier imo.
A community member
Aug 4, 2018
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NateBI got the winged c Svetlana 6n13c/6as7 to pair with a Soviet Nevz 6h8c 1969 tube I got at a flea market for 2 bucks. The nevz is shouty with vocals, but smooth everywhere else. I'm actually thinking about rolling the into my guitar amplifier and giving them a shot.
A community member
Aug 6, 2018
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NateBTung Sol Mouse Ears hum is gone, only took 24 hours. The tube sounds good with the Mullard. With the rest of my 6AS7/6080/7236 tubes, the synergy isn't as good. With the Mullard though, it sounds pretty damn good. In my top 5 tubes (in no particular order...RCA 5692, Tung Sol 6SN7GT Mouse Ears, Ken Rad VT-231 Black Glass, Sylvania 6SN7GT Bad Boy, RCA VT-231 Grey Glass).
Curlycat
33
Aug 6, 2018
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I am still trying the Mouse Ears, I do like the tube very much. It has a nice wide sound stage in general. I do find it very, very slightly bright sounding, but pleasantly so. I am still waiting for my Kenrad VT-231 and smoked glass RCA. Very keen to hear these tubes. Unfortunately it seems like my Shuguang Treasure CV181-Z has gone AWOL. I will update my listening experience once I have had more hours on the tubes. I am glad to say, I do like all the tubes I have. I can see rolling them to suite a specific genre of music from time to time.
A community member
Aug 6, 2018
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CurlycatI've heard the Shuguang Treasure is extremely bright. Let me know your impressions once you get a listen.
NateB
168
Aug 6, 2018
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I will update my favorite tubes in a few weeks as I have a tube coming from Spain and four or five that I have ordered due in by the end of the week. I will say this though, the Mullard 6080 to me is the best. I have used it with my RCA Red Base, my Mouse Ears, my Sylvania Bad Boy, Tung-Sol Black Glass with Oval Mica, National Union and other tubes and it smooths out the sound versus the RCA 6080, RCA 6AS7, and Svetlana Winged C. in a few weeks I will report on my favorite 6SN7 type tubes!
A community member
Aug 7, 2018
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NateBFyi, I rolled a mullard 6dj8 tube with an adapter in the DarkVoice. It Took away all tube sound and sounded almost like a solid state amp, at least to my ears. Very bright, excessive treble and mids, bass sounded overly sterile. I highly advise against it.
A community member
Aug 7, 2018
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NateBWhat cans are you planning on running balanced? I went through a bunch of solid state amp upgrades last year until I got my Audio-GD NFB-11.28. Still plan on upgrading to Top of the Line end game eventually (something with power to drive anything thrown at it). For now, he NFB-11 has suited me very well. The only pairs of headphones that sounded awful on them were the Meze 99 Classics and Mr Speakers Alpha Primes. For some odd reason, the Meze 99's sounded better off of my Cayin N3 DAP, which I find extremely odd. The Alpha Primes sounded alright, but sounded much much better out of my Schiit Stack, suprisingly.
I still need to find 1 more set of Top of the Line Closed Back cans for my gaming/movies/etc needs. Right now I am enjoying my Fostex TH-X00 Mahogany, but I know there arebetter options out there.
Currently, I have my HD6xx, Beyerdynamic DT 880's (which I am using with my darkvoice), Argon Mark II (Work), Audeze LCD-2F (daily driver), Fostex TH-X00 (Gaming/Movies), and my Beyerdynamic DT 1770's (change of pace cans). The 1770's are much better than the reviews says...but I want to upgrade from them to ZMF Eikon. At that point, my end game of cans will be complete. As one can see from the above, I do enjoy my sub bass. :-)
I still need to find 1 more set of Top of the Line Closed Back cans for my gaming/movies/etc needs. Right now I am enjoying my Fostex TH-X00 Mahogany, but I know there arebetter options out there.
Currently, I have my HD6xx, Beyerdynamic DT 880's (which I am using with my darkvoice), Argon Mark II (Work), Audeze LCD-2F (daily driver), Fostex TH-X00 (Gaming/Movies), and my Beyerdynamic DT 1770's (change of pace cans). The 1770's are much better than the reviews says...but I want to upgrade from them to ZMF Eikon. At that point, my end game of cans will be complete. As one can see from the above, I do enjoy my sub bass. :-)
NateB
168
Aug 8, 2018
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At least my 3 pairs of Sennheisers, my 2 pairs of Hifiman, my Fostex and when I ship them off maybe my Mr. Speakers to start. I have my Sennheiser HD6XX hooked up to my DV. My S.M.S.L. SD-793II just doesn't have the power, but it does have a decent DAC. When I get my new Solid State amp the 793 goes to my son. I have a stand alone DAC.
A community member
Aug 8, 2018
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NateBWhich Hifiman do you have? I had the he-400i but they were too bright in the 4 to 6khz area for me. Damn upper mids sensitivity. A shame too cause they sounded pleasant, but caused me fatigue.
NateB
168
Aug 8, 2018
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NateB
168
Aug 9, 2018
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I made a mistake, I am sending off two pairs of cans to Modhouse, not Mr. Speakers. I am waiting on three more tubes, to come in, and that will be the end of experimenting with tubes on the DV. I am burning in an Ultron tube I received today in the mail. A bit of hum, but we know what to do for that!
A community member
Aug 9, 2018
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NateBCool, Argon is the best t50rp mod by far. Which pads did you choose? Let me know how the Ultron works. I got a CBS 6AS7G recently and it is excellent. Only cost $15 and is great. Mullard 6080 and tungsol 7236 are still the best power tubes I've heard.
Curlycat
33
Aug 10, 2018
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NateBNateB - I am curious and reluctant at the same time to ask what you think of the Ultron?
I purchased a Sylvania 6SN7GTA tube - nice tube, but totally forgettable. Bass is very thin. It does not have any of the pzazz the GT "Chrome Dome" has.
My RCA 6SN7GT smoked glass arrived. I will be looking for another as a backup. The valve is definitely the best in my collection to date. The sound stage is very 3D and imaging is sublime. Synergy is very good with all my power tubes. What struck me most of this valve is how revealing it is ... Very. An absolutely stunning valve! I kept on turning the volume up and could not stop listening to music. Highly recommended valve.
I am still looking for an 5692 RCA red base and a 5998 Tungsol - that will be it for me to make my collection complete.
I purchased a Sylvania 6SN7GTA tube - nice tube, but totally forgettable. Bass is very thin. It does not have any of the pzazz the GT "Chrome Dome" has.
My RCA 6SN7GT smoked glass arrived. I will be looking for another as a backup. The valve is definitely the best in my collection to date. The sound stage is very 3D and imaging is sublime. Synergy is very good with all my power tubes. What struck me most of this valve is how revealing it is ... Very. An absolutely stunning valve! I kept on turning the volume up and could not stop listening to music. Highly recommended valve.
I am still looking for an 5692 RCA red base and a 5998 Tungsol - that will be it for me to make my collection complete.
A community member
Aug 10, 2018
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CurlycatI love the gray glass rca, listening to it now paired with a Sylvania 6080wc. That combo is excellent. Did you notice thefaint reverb effect I referred to? Like you are in an auditorium 5 rows back with acoustic echo. Lovely sound.
Good luck with the 5998 , they are expensive and rare. I myself am searching for one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Good luck with the 5998 , they are expensive and rare. I myself am searching for one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Curlycat
33
Aug 10, 2018
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Yes, I did actually now that you mention it. I think it adds to the sound stage projection. Really happy with the tube. Pairing with the Mullard 6080 now. Strangely enough, it sounded fantastic with the Tungsol 5998A - I did not expect that. I would say that's my second pairing choice, though I must admit the 5998A pairing gives a very solid state sound, but a good one though. I am in no hurry for a 5998, scarce and pricey sadly yes. I have a fair collection now. One thing that became very clear is, not just if tubes are well renowned for being a good tube, but how well they pair with the other tube has a big effect. So synergy sometimes provide welcoming surprises.
A community member
Aug 10, 2018
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CurlycatAbsolutely. That Raytheon tube I have only sounds good with my RCA 6as7g JAN. Any power tube paired with it sounds too shouty in the mids. Different headphones make a difference too. What sounds good on my hd650 doesn't necessarily sound good on my DT880.
NateB
168
Aug 10, 2018
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CurlycatI started a burn-in, but stopped it because I wanted to do some pleasure listening. I need to get back on the burn-in, but so far it has an overall from high end to low end sound that is rich, the only problem right now is on low passages the hum comes through.
A community member
Aug 13, 2018
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David_LIt took my Ken Rad VT-231 118 hours to burn in. The hum is still faintly there, but it gets quieter the more I use/listen. extremely frustrating, but worth it for sure.
A community member
Aug 15, 2018
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NateBCool. I have a National Union 6sn7gt arriving tomorrow.
NateB
168
Aug 16, 2018
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CurlycatI made a mistake about the Ultron, Curlycat, I am still doing a burn-in (about 3 days), on this tube. I had changed out to my Sennheiser HD600s and hooked it up to my solid state. There is still some hum, but it has diminished since I started the burn-in process.
Curlycat
33
Aug 16, 2018
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NateBSorry to hear that. When you say you made a mistake about the tube... are you referring to the burn in that is persistent or you do not like the tube?
A community member
Aug 16, 2018
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CurlycatI just figured I would try the RCA VT-231 Gray Glass/Smoked Glass with my Tung Sol 7236 power tube...holy mother of God!!! That is THE power tube that you are going to want to use with the RCA VT-231. This has just taken the bass, lower mids and soundstage to a whole new level of bliss for me. If you haven't picked up that Tung Sol 7236 yet...this is a reason to definately do so.
A community member
Aug 16, 2018
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NateBThe NU sounded really good with the Mullard...but I actually liked it better with my CBS/Hytron 6AS7G. It gives them a little more "oomph". But it still sounded very good with the Mullard. The NU is an interesting tube as it looks very similar in design and construction to the Raytheon 6SN7GT that I have...but they both couldn't sound anymore different from each other. Tube rolling can be very interesting...
NateB
168
Aug 16, 2018
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Tube rolling should be an Olympic Sport. In two years my son turns 45 and I am going to get him for his birthday a tube amp for his guitars. I told him a little about tube rolling and I will be helping him with that amp. I will have to try out the CBS/Hytron NU set-up in next week. I am still burning-in the Ultron 6SN7 tube.
NateB
168
Aug 18, 2018
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NateBI like the Ultron tube, Curlycat, it has a nice “tube” sound. I was not paying close attention and plugged my headphones into my solid state. It just so happened at the time I was listening to the music, the guitars were using some kind of tube overdrive, thus adding to the confusion. I will try using my Beyerdynamic 770 250 ohm headphones next to check for the hum.
A community member
Aug 24, 2018
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NateBCool...those Brimar's are soooo rare and hard to track down. I really want one, but haven't been able to catch a good deal price wise yet. At the moment, I have the TungSol 7236 and RCA VT-231 Grey glass in the Darkvoice. A great song to listen to for vocals, instrument separation and timbre is "Killer Wolf" by Danzig. Killer combination.
Side note...I upgraded from the SMSL M6 to the Schiit Modi Multibit DAC in my chain. The differences are subtle, but I feel the Modi Multibit provides a tad more detail and quantity in the low end...in the 20 hz to 100 hz range. The SMSL M6 really was great, but I feel like the Modi Multibit meshes better with the Darkvoice. Better synergy.
Side note...I upgraded from the SMSL M6 to the Schiit Modi Multibit DAC in my chain. The differences are subtle, but I feel the Modi Multibit provides a tad more detail and quantity in the low end...in the 20 hz to 100 hz range. The SMSL M6 really was great, but I feel like the Modi Multibit meshes better with the Darkvoice. Better synergy.
NateB
168
Aug 24, 2018
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I got one of the Brimar tubes off eBay, (I know certain people don’t like getting tubes off eBay) for under $30.00. I really like the tube and what it adds to the NU tube, extra reverb sound. Also, this tube is from England, but it took eight or nine days for me to receive the tube. There are ten or more tubes available from this seller.