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1st Tube Change Puzzlement

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Posted on April 23, 2000 at 08:39:44
albee33


 
After six blissful weeks of my new amp, I decided it was time for new SV83's. SO, I removed the factory 83's and popped in two new replacements. I was quite puzzled at what happened next. The well-balance sound of the original tubes was replaced by a more rolled-off and recessed sound of the replacement tubes. This is exactly the opposite of what I expected to hear: brighter, more brittle sound till run-in.

What's going on? The unit has auto bias and balacing. I was wondering if the replacements, from another source, were presenting a problem to the auto bias? Neither set is matched. Thanks.



 

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Re: 1st Tube Change Puzzlement, posted on April 23, 2000 at 10:53:09
joe


 
Did you use the same brand? Each manufacturer's tube may have slightly different specs. For instance, the sovtek tubes don't sound the same as Svetlana's. The manufacturer usually designs an amp. with a particular tube manufacturer in mind.
Hope this helps.

 

Que??????????????, posted on April 23, 2000 at 11:09:29
gjm


 
There is only one source of SV83's. Svetlana. Did they come in the original box, with the Svetlana logo on the tube itself? I've had people try to sell my EL84's claiming they were SV83's. If that's what happened to you, then that's the source of your problem. Otherwise, clean the pins with a light brush of steel wool. Wipe them down to remove any dust and try again.

 

Why are you changing the tubes so soon? (nt), posted on April 23, 2000 at 12:16:08
David W


 
!

 

Re: 1st Tube Change Puzzlement, posted on April 23, 2000 at 15:29:22
Dr. Al


 
Albee33,

You must be running a Zen amp by Decware. I, too, have one. I replace my SV83's after a year or so of use. My latest sst of replacement SV83's are fine (an unmatched set). I'm surprised that the new tubes sound more recessed and rolled off. I really don't think that you have to change the SV83's after 6 weeks. Perhaps after four months if you run the amp close to clipping often during your listening sessions.

I'm ready to get a new pair of SV83's as the second set is about a year old too (for fun, I've tried Sovek EL84's--less power, but the sound was fine). I'll pay particular attention to how the new set sounds.

Out of curiousity, I'd try another set of SV83's. You may also consider changing the rectifier tube (cf. Decware's forum for discussions on what tubes to try as possible replacements for the stock tubes that come with the Zens) to get a softer start to help extend the life of your SV83s.

Good luck,

Allan

 

Tube Change Puzzlement - albee33 style, posted on April 23, 2000 at 18:21:26
albee33


 
Thanks for the responses. The replacements are new in the box from AZ. I did not check the pins and will do so. Why only in 6 weeks? The sound had degraded somewhat, particularly noticeable in vocals, not so much in music. Although, I could continue to listen to them a while longer, the pure magical sound has diminished.

Before I purchased the amp, the builder actually said I would need to change tubes about every two months if I am a heavy listener. I believe this to now be the truth! I still have some volume reserve but the resolution and overall tonal extentsion has changed.

Just for a few minutes, several weeks ago, I tried a Sino 5AR4. It was not run-in and presented a brighter and flatter soundstage. Of course, without burn-in I can't positively say how it will sound.

Any other comments appreciated.

 

Re: Tube Change Puzzlement - albee33 style, posted on April 23, 2000 at 23:53:56
David W


 
I seem to remember someone either on this forum, or the Tube forum, or maybe on the Decware forum, mentioning the sound of the Decware deteriorating slightly at some point, before finally improving and burning in completely (this phenomenon was confirmed by another user, though I don't think Ive had mine long enough yet) - could this be what you are experiencing - it may be worth leving the originals in for another week or two to see what happens - or are you a REALLY heavy user, and clipping a lot? What sensitivity are your speakers?

 

tubes lasts only several months?, posted on April 24, 2000 at 15:50:29
Sans Nom


 
Although I'm holding back my suspicions of you having a Decware Zens but I just can't help thinking SV83 only lasting a few months..... That's obviously a bad sign. I know the material cost and labour in Russia is cheap but nevertheless such so little life from a tube would be more like a form of abuse more than anything else...

Sorry I can't help but rant a bit sometimes. For I see tubes from my 70 year old table top radio still sings with it's original tubes in it (1926 Rogers of Canadian)

Jacques.

 

Re: Tube Change Puzzlement - albee33 style, posted on April 28, 2000 at 08:55:26
albee33


 
I have been a heavy user and my speaks are supposed to be 96db. They are Kplipsch RB5's and do seem to be really efficient.

 

Re: Que??????????????, posted on April 29, 2000 at 17:42:05
Uncle Ned


 
I don't understand someone selling EL84's as
SV83's...SV83's are cheaper...

 

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