yeah, this is a pretty good video…
however, I haven’t listened with headphones on so I’ll reserve judgment on what sounds best.
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I’ve made a few changes since my previous post in this thread, figured I’d do my part in keeping the thread active (it’s a favorite thread of mine, on any forum) and post a few pics
Main changes are the Accuphase amplification and some upgrades to the turntable (3D reference tone arm, Quintet Black cart (a big dynamic improvement over the Quintet Blue) and perifial ring)
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Purchased and installed some tube risers (socket savers) to raise the tubes “out” of the chassis. This greatly reduces the internal heat soak in the preamp. Not that that is an issue, but less heat the better I say. Plus it just looks better being able to see the entire tube instead of only half of it.
And the end result…
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can you hear any difference in how it sounds with the risers in there? If no difference, is there a reason NOT to do it?
I hear zero difference with the risers installed. And I “hot swapped” them in, meaning the tubes had very minimal down time. They were rather toasty when I pulled them, and still toasty when I reinstalled them. Listening to familiar recordings before and after, no differences at all other than visual.
And on another note, chassis temps have dropped some as well. It’s still rather warm to the touch, but not hotter than the amps, which it was before.
Do you know to better not move tubes when they are still warm? At least that’s what I was told. With a cold tube you can play soccer, but a warm tube should be kept still.
I do. Basically the same as an incandescent bulb as the filament is more pliable when hot. Mind you, the tubes were turned off for about 5 minutes before I removed them, but still somewhat toasty.
Trust me, I won’t do that with the NOS ones I’m getting in, which I have several pairs coming in.
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It looks good. Old school tubes sticking out of a new school device always has a nice visual appeal for some reason. Maybe its because many of this group remember when vacuum tubes were all that there was.
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Indeed, @Chops is right. I’ve got my M700 monos separated and it indeed made a slight difference. I’ve got them separated by John Boos maple butcher blocks on tiptoes spike feet with isoclean footers.
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Ahh… Now I remember why I loved these old Raytheon/Baldwin 6SN7GTB’s so much.
Not only do these tubes look like they just came out of the factory, they are also quieter than the stock JJ tubes. The JJ’s offered up just the slightest bit of hiss with my ear up to the tweeter. These Raytheon’s produce even less!
Where the JJ’s have just a touch of bite to vocals and the treble, the Raytheon’s completely polish that bite out. The highest treble extremes might be pulled back just a touch, but still well extended and accounted for. Bass still extends all the way down, yet has slightly softer edges to it now, but still punches easily.
However, these tubes being probably 60+ years old are still brand new with maybe a few hours on them at most by now, so they should settle in a bit more before it’s all said and done. Right now though, they are giving me that ever satisfying “tube” sound.
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nice. Was interested when I watched a few of those tube-comparison videos, and I see that the only tubes that were swapped were the two on the right, as you’ve done.
What’s the difference in the purpose of the two locations, and why are we only changing the right-side ones?
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Other than what it says in the manual…
Left Tubes - cathode follower output stage
Right Tubes - differential voltage gain stage
I figure the left tubes are on the output stage and the right tubes are on the input stage, and from what everyone says, the right side tubes have the most influence on the overall sound, though rolling tubes on the left side help some as well, like a 30/70 ratio, the 70% being the right hand tubes, or the input tubes.
This is most likely true and probably why PS Audio’s very own BHK preamp only has tubes on the input side of the preamp and not on the output side. Partially because the tubes have more influence on the sound on the input stage, but I’m sure there’s also more reasons as well.
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It’s taken a while to get the system together. I had a plan but lots of changes along the way. Women played a role, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It sounds amazing and I feel blessed.
Used the flash, it’s much more subdued in here. Hard to get the colors right…
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I have the predecessor to the Kef Reference 1 the 201/2’s. Your 1’s are great speakers. Very nice set up.
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OMG, those wooden towers with ribbon tweeters are absolutely stunning!!!
I look forward to some more info, looks very good:)
Michael I was wondering where you were hanging out lately, in the shed it seems performing true artwork!
Those speakers look magnificent! And as it looks like you don’t like half work, I trust they sound good.
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Thorens TD 124 with the PS Audio NuWave Phono pre amp / converter?