My 1st Venture into Tubes

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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited May 2007
    I can't say lowering the plate voltage / bias will prematurely end the life of your tubes. I can say this. During a recent call to Jolida concerning the issue of using short plate 12AX7's in my 801 led to talk of tube rolling with this amp. It was recomended that I lower my bias from between .45 - .55 volts to .40 - .45 for KT88's. This would extend the life of the KT88's (Gold Lion to be exact). I have noticed that by lowering the bias voltage on "some" amps results in a cleaner, well defined and more dynamic soundstage. Its like I'm not driving the tubes as much as before when the bias was set at a 1/2 way point between recomended voltage. I've also heard people here say that the "sweet" spot for most amps is reached at a 12 o'clock position for the volume knob. I find mine located somewhere around 1:30 - 2:00. But, my bias is set lower than spec'd.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2007
    See, all this stuff you guys are talking about is the reason I stay away from tubes. I love tinkering with my analog rig but all the stuff related to tubes to me is for the birds. I leave my preamp and amps on 24X7 (barring any storms), I clean my records and get them spinning or on a whim place a CD in the tray, sit in the sweet spot and away I go.
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited May 2007
    sucks2beme wrote: »
    There are quality changers out there. Not many. I messed up last month
    when a Arcam MCD6 was for sale used for $250.
    I was out of town when it came up, and waited till the end of the next day to go for it. Missed it by 15 minutes. :mad:
    Normal changers are not that great, and prone to breaking. That's
    why there are so many 300 disc changers in pawn shops.
    Always "as is"!


    I'll keep my eyes peeled for this Arcam. Didn't know they make changers. A quick check on the Bay and 'Gon shows one for $500.

    Andy-
    I've got a personal hang up with buying Sony gear, so I won't be looking in that direction.
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited June 2007
    So after this post I purchased a refurb NAD T572 which is an older dvd/cd changer and it ended up being defective, so I ordered another refurb and this one lasted a couple days before it died. I have to admit that before it died it sounded awesome! It sounded more refined and warmer than my old Onkyo. A night and day difference. For the first time in a long time, I felt very pleased and content with the sound of my rig because the harsh brightness was totally GONE! Finally. I always thought that it was the Rti's that made my rig so bright, but found out that my cheap source was the biggest factor.

    Instead of ordering a third refurb, I decided to order a New NAD C542, which is a dedicated single cdp. I figured that if a 4 year old refurbished DVD changer sounded that good then this newer model cdp with a Burr-Brown 24-bit, Sigma Delta DAC will be un-holly. It arrives next week.:D

    Wanted to say thank you all for your help especially Early B and Russman.
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