It is in the menu. Press the little button and scroll around.
Hello Frank, as Eric suggests it is in the setup menu. Press and hold the input button for 3 seconds to enter setup. Once there press the input button again to advance to the next setup function option. The counter is a few functions deep. Some functions can be changed, use the volume control to change something. Best, Kevin
Thank you Gentleman. I will have a look. There doesn’t appear to be any mention of this in the user manual.
I vaguely recall the feature being added during beta testing so may not have made the manual.
That is correct, it was added in response to requests from beta testers. It should be added to the manual.
The classic way to check is to buy a second set of tubes which will be your next, replacement set. Then periodically replace the current set with this new set and listen. When the new set is clearly better, leave them in.
ksquare saidDid they ever arrive? And how do they compare to the other tubes you've been auditioning?… while waiting for the tungsrams to arrive.
Can the tube time counter be reset? It would seem to me the software could be configured to allow the user to manually reset it to 0 time.
Read post 99, so I would say yes.
Indeed it can. Reset mine when I swapped the originals for the Tungsrams.
I just ordered four NOS (1971) Tungsram PCC88/7JD8 tubes from PartsConnexion for $29.95 each (plus 2x$5 for a ‘matching’ fee). Lets see how they work out
Mark A. Larsen saidDo I understand correctly that the Tungsram PCC88/7DJ8, the 7 volt version of the 6DJ8, will work?
Yes, even though the heater voltage is about 10% low, it works just fine and sounds sublime!
BHK
I’m just wondering if when you use the PCC88/7DJ8 do you leave it set to 6 volts or leave it at 12? It would seem the 6 volt setting is a bit low and might cause a performance issue.
I received my 1971 Tungsram PCC88/7JD8 tubes from Parts Connexion, and plugged them straight into my BHK 300s. I left them powered up for 3 days before I started listening. First impression was that they are totally silent - noticeably more so than the Russian Genalex ECC88 tubes that had been in service for the last year. Sound wise, I am hearing more detail - a lot more detail - most notably in the lower midrange and deep bass. Imaging seems to be better, but the sense of overall ambiance seems to be a tad diminished, and the extra resolution seems to be less and less in evidence as the music gets more complex. Tonally, the sound is cleaner and more analytic with intimate music, but less involving when it comes to orchestral climaxes. Also, the volume appears to be lower - is that a consequence of running a 7V tube at 6V? I’m no expert on this.
Since the tubes are still below 100 hours I’ll reserve judgement on them, but my feeling is that they are not delivering the ‘wow factor’ I was (perhaps unreasonably) expecting.
I also have a set of new unused Golden Lion 6922s hanging around, and at some point I should switch them in and do a comparison.
Leighton saidI’m just wondering if when you use the PCC88/7DJ8 do you leave it set to 6 volts or leave it at 12? It would seem the 6 volt setting is a bit low and might cause a performance issue.
Definitely set it for 6 volts.
Are the sockets in the Amps gold plated?
I’m wondering if it’s worth trying to get gold plated tube pins?
I’d like to try Mark’s suggestion of the Siemens. There is a gold version but very expensive.
Also confirming that the amp has no jumper setting options for bias and voltage?
In the BHKs? Yes, if memory serves correctly, I believe they are.
I’ve only had some NOS tubes in my BHK 300’s for a day, but I’m surprised how much of a benefit I’m getting. I thought it might be a nice improvement, but I wasn’t prepared for the impact.
I now realize this is the BHKs best kept secret. (That’s not so secret)
I’ve never heard piano so well fleshed out. Every aspect seems to benefit, though I don’t yet have a full handle on the bass improvement. It seems more finely delineated, but I don’t have much time on them yet.
Images seem to float more freely and are sweeter and clearer. No euphony, just real music.
Speakers like the TAD’s were just waiting for an amp like this. Any of my criticisms of these transducers have been vanquished thanks to these amps.
I’m puzzled to think how another amp could be better than this. More accurate, more musical? What other amps utilize the very best strengths of ss and tube?
Certainly I have no desire to find out, as any upgrading will be in other areas of the system. But if anything is better, my suspicion is just flavor as opposed to substance. Maybe others will follow with similar topologies at massively over built designs, but at 5 to 10 times the price. Maybe others will build budget versions that offer a nice taste of this amps capabilities. Who knows, but it’s clear to me Bascom has identified the key to great sound.
Sharing An irony only folks here could understand, I went to my mailbox to find the box of NOS tubes had arrived, but my enthusiasm was tempered after seeing a noted posted all over my lobby complaining about someone listening to music late at night… I guess I got a bit too enthusiastic the night before.
Which NOS tubes?
Siemens
Hi there!
A few words to share my experience. I am the happy owner of a BHK 250 signature since a few weeks.
Didn’t wait much to try different input tubes. I tried:
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the stock one
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tungsram NOS PCC88 (around 40 euros for the pair)
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Reflektor 6n23p (around 60 euros for the pair)
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Voskhod 6n23p NOs from the 60’s (around 15 euros for the pair)
On my system and to my taste the voskhod are by far the best. They sound big, smooth, extended, precise, they have weight, they are warm with a lot of air around the different parts of the soundstage which can be dicerned very naturally and easilly.
The second best to me are the tungsram. Compared to the Voskhod they display a similar big soundstage, similar amount of details, they are a little warmer but to the expense of some “fat”. They loose precision and sound a little messy compared to the Voskhod, especially when you play loud.
Then ex aequo the reflektor and the stock golden lion:
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the golden lion sound somehow the same as the tungsram but with a little less of everything
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the reflektor sound very precise, very nice highs, but lower impact in the bass region and a thinner soundstage that disturbed me.
I ordered a pair of siemens CCa (not the same price range oups), I will see if they are worth their reputation.
Then I plan to try holland made tubes, like amperex, philips, or valvo
At this point I can say that the Voshkod really make the difference, BHK power amp owners should try them, especially given their low price tag.
BR