I Hate New Gear

Ricardo

Why don't manufacturers brake in equipment and stop shipping with those lousy chinese tubes?????

Up to yesterday, my system was part of me; I knew exactly how every note/passage would sound and followed it on my mind (smiling).

Today, I have a new CDP with electronics and a new tube to brake in, and a second hand pre, but with POS chinese tubes...it just doesn't sound right.....

Oh well, today the Belles and tubes for the pre should come in.....patience...patience.....is there some "accelerated brake in process"?

I hate this (in a good way though....I know that things will start shining slowly...)

organ

Some companies do break-in. I agree, it's a pain waiting for gear to break in, but sometimes it's fun to wait. One day, you're sitting there and everything just clicks.

Not all Chinese tubes are garbage. Many are getting a lot of respect (12AX7 9th generation and KT88). The Chinese 6SN7 beat the Russian Electro Harmonix in my mono blocks.

Main reason they ship with Chinese tubes is availability and price. They know you'll be tube rolling anyways:).

Ricardo

Organ, my AES pre uses two 6SN7's; I got a pair of RCA's (not the red base ones); any thoughts for these vs. the Chinese?

organ

RCA made a few different versions. From what I've read around audioasylum is that the wafer base are some of the worst sounding ones ever (pictured here...http://thetubestore.com/6sn7.html). From what I've heard, the NOS stuff are usually a tad softer while the new production are more dynamic and lively. For $11 a pop, you should give the Chinese a try. But expect your ears to get tortured for the first 20 hrs or so as they break in:). Once they've settled, you'll be treated to very nice, neutral and smooth sound with a big soundstage. The EH are a little 'richer' but don't have the magic of the Chinese.

Sorry, I've never heard an RCA 6SN7. I've only compared Electro Harmonix, Chinese, and old Russian military stuff. I like the Chinese ones most. Hell, they're the best looking current production with the sexy metal base.

Have you rolled any other tubes in there? NOS 6SN7 are getting very pricey and rare.

Ricardo

have the pre since yesterday; it came with chinese (no metal base), and with the little experience I have in tubes, so far the chinese have been the worse.

I git the RCA black plate also from The Tube Store (Picture). Good to hear the chinese 6SN7 are good; once the RCA's are burnt in I can do some comparison.

Thanks!!

organ

The only other place I've seen the non metal base Chinese is at upscaleaudio.com
Do you know if they're broken in already? They're really bad before they break in.

If you really like the RCA, better stock up. I've been watching the exact same ones at the tubestore. They were out of stock a few weeks back and just recently got them in again. Don't know how long they'll be there for. Maybe I'll give them a try when I get extra money. I need 4, so it's a bit of $ there.

Do the internals of your non metal base Chinese look like this?

Ricardo

Not exactly like that, but very close, it has all those bridges; what, good or bad??

organ

Don't know if it's good or bad but was just wondering if we're talking about the same tube. The ones I have are just like the one pictured above but written "Made In Chian" in white instead of red. They made the spelling error, not me:).

Ricardo

Well, the internals are pretty much the same after looking again...so I guess that if you like them, it's good

organ

Wow. I think I need to give those RCA a try. Can you give the Chinese another listen when you're used to the pre's sound signature? I want to make sure the RCA sound that much better before I spend a lot of money on them.

RuSsMaN

Let me know what you need broham.

Maurice, you feel lucky? You've got tracking info headed your way tomorrow.

organ

YEAH!!!:D :eek: :cool:

Thanks a lot, Russ. I owe you one, man.

Ricardo

organ wrote:

Wow. I think I need to give those RCA a try. Can you give the Chinese another listen when you're used to the pre's sound signature? I want to make sure the RCA sound that much better before I spend a lot of money on them.

I can say now that the RCA's are much better than the Chinese I have (again, mine are not metal base); RCA's have better bass extension, tighter, and smoother highs.
The tube store has now some Sylvania's....but at $180 each.... I could almost grab a new pre for that cost....:eek:

reeltrouble1

organ wrote:

Some companies do break-in.
Main reason they ship with Chinese tubes is availability and price.

+1

Companies who take the time to listen to each piece get my vote and generally my dollars, of course it is going to cost more.

I suppose Polk does not do this but I am claiming an exception because I am at heart a Polkie.

Enjoy the new gear.

RT1