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Have pity on someone just starting out...

152.163.207.76

Posted on March 30, 1999 at 14:07:59
JohnE


 
I picked up my new amp this morning, so you can't get any newer at this than I am.
Four tubes are marked Teslovak KT88S with a verticle no. 9730, the other two tubes are Sovtek 6922. What would help give me a good starting point, is if someone could describe the sound characteristics of these tubes. I tried looking this up for myself, but got a little lost. To be honest, I was lost before I began. Lastly, I will hit the bookstore tomorrow, if you could recommend a good beginners guide.
Is this a little like asking Mark Mcguire how to hit a fastball?
Thanks very much,

John


 

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Re: Have pity on someone just starting out...OK..., posted on March 30, 1999 at 15:44:44
DON'T READ ANYTHING, LISTEN AND LEARN ON YOUR OWN, FOR A FEW WEEKS FIRST. THEN GO FORTH AND LEARN WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY. ASK QUESTIONS AFTER YOU HAVE TIME TO REALLY THINK ABOUT IT. MOST OF ALL ENJOY IT. SOMETHINGS OTHERS HEAR OR FELL ABOUT KT88's AND 6922's WILL HAVE NO MEANING OR IMPORTANCE TO YOU, OTHER WILL. HAVING EXPERANCE FIRST WILL HELP YOU KNOW THE DIFERANCE.

 

Hmmm...., posted on March 30, 1999 at 16:11:33
Bryan F.


 
Tazsmonn does have a good point. As tubes are a personal choice. However I do have a little input for you. First of all the Tesla's are good KT88's. They remind me of the Sventlana 6550C. Which is also a good tube. I would stick with the Tesla's as you are limited to only a few brands of new production KT88's. Another route is the EL Yugo EL90 but it isn't a drop in replacement for every amplifier that uses KT88's or 6550's.

Now the Sovteks....well....they are the worst 6922's on the market as far as sound goes. They are very rugged and quiet. However they are bright, edtched, not as transparent as a lot of NOS 6922's and the likes........If I were you I would find some Amperex or Siemens if your budget allows.

Hey, what amplifier is it? Give it time to run in first!

 

Just when I thought you found the CAPSLOCK! (nt), posted on March 30, 1999 at 16:16:16
Rod M


 
.

 

Re: Have pity on someone just starting out..., posted on March 30, 1999 at 16:53:29
Rod M


 
I think Bryan makes good points. Just listen. Also check the FAQ page here. Joe's recommendations are online as well as other resources.

SND also has a lot of general info that is interesting on different tubes.

 

I enjoy your posts, Taz, but they are impossible to read!!, posted on March 30, 1999 at 17:44:58
Dave VH


 
Turn off the caps lock, you lazy bum.

;-)

Dave VH


 

Sorry, that should be Tazsmonn, posted on March 30, 1999 at 17:46:42
Dave VH


 
No need to butcher a good name.

Dave

 

Re: Sorry,DAVE FORGOT TOP UNLOCK CAPS AGIN !, posted on March 30, 1999 at 18:25:44
TAZSMONN


 
I am getting better at it, was finished typing that post when I noticed and didn't want to retype. Look for improved performance in the days to come.
Life is good, it hit 75 F today in Minneapolis. A rarity for March and the hotest day in 6 months !

 

You lucky dog!!, posted on March 30, 1999 at 19:11:35
Dave VH


 
Here in San Rafael, CA, where we should have had many days in the 70's so far this year, we have had none. Raining ATM, low tonight - 45F, high tomorrow 55F.

Oh well, I'll just stay inside and listen to some music.

Dave VH


 

Re: Hmmm...., posted on March 30, 1999 at 19:38:18
JohnE


 
Thanks guys. I've spent the last couple of hours listening, and trying to relax from the stress and excitement of buying and hooking up something very foreign to me. For some reason, the tubes made me nervous, so delicate. I felt like the bull in the china shop, I just knew I was going to break something. It even took me a few minutes to get up the nerve to turn the power on, I kept checking and double checking everything. Funny, I always charge right into everything I do, I wonder why I was so hesitant with this stuff.
I get your points in regards to spending time and getting to know the equipment, I'll take that advice. When I have some experience, and enough knowledge to ask an informed question, I shall return. Thanks again for your patience.
BTW Bryan, I bought both the Graaf 5050 amp and WFB2 pre. After coming from NAD gear, I've spent the afternoon trying to keep my jaw from banging into my kneecaps. This stuff is fun.

John



 

Re: Hmmm...., posted on March 30, 1999 at 20:04:18
Bryan F.


 
If you like them now wait until they run in. They should start opening up between 25-50 hours and flatline between 100-150 hours. Though some people claim that tube equiptment can take as long as 200 hours to run in. Personally I think digital equiptment takes the longest to run in and sounds the worst right out of the box.

Yes, spend many hours with the pair and get a feel for the sound then play with tubes. As for me I burn emmm in and even if I think it sounds perfect I have to roll the tubes. Hey, you never know until you try and tubes allow one to tweek away! Enjoy and remember to have fun....happy listening.

 

It's about 60...., posted on March 30, 1999 at 20:06:40
Bryan F.


 
....degrees here in Chicago. It is very still out tonight...not cold not hot....not many days anywhere like this....yet alone in the windy city!

 

cold in Bancouver, B.C., posted on March 30, 1999 at 23:00:28
Quest


 
We were having abeit of wet snow last couple of nites....cold and chilly tonite (-1C?) Weather forcast said it will turn sunny this weekend.

Quest

 

Re: Hmmm...., posted on March 31, 1999 at 04:37:35
Jack G


 
As Bryan said, wait till they burn in things will dramatically improve.
as for the tubes, the KT-88s are probably some of the best affordable ones out there at the moment(tho gelec will be making more soon). You may want to look into other 6922s tho. There's alot out there to choose from-give some a listen. While the sovteks are dirt cheap and extremely rugged, I've found very few folks who prefer thier sound which tends to be very ss like.
enjoy,
Jack

 

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