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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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In Reply to: Ah! the 6H30-DR "Supertube" is becoming "Superexpensive" ! posted by Bambi B on September 22, 2008 at 08:17:19:
My used ARC LS16mkII has Sovtek tubes from the ARC factory with old brittle tube damper rings. The only reason I've been researching and thinking about replacing the tubes is because they are probably several years old. The preamp still sounds fine so I may just leave it.
You are correct. According to Leonard at ARC, they are supplying Sovtek 6H30. They match each triode section to within 1/4 dB, test transconductance and other parameters, then grade the tubes in 3 ranges. Cost is $64 per tube.
According to Leonard, "some audiophiles prefer the NOS 6H30 tubes but we have not heard them to sound any better in our testing". Well, I haven't heard NOS 6H30 but I suppose it can be argued that the NOS versions "sound better" or perhaps just "sound different".
I specifically sought out the LS16mkII with FET and 6H30 because I wanted a tube preamp that was pretty neutral and not too "tubey".
I once owned the 6922 based LS16 which was slightly rolled off compared to some other preamps I tried at that time - but not as bad as the CJ PV14L. The CJ was soft in the bass with very little sparkle in it's rolled off treble.
It seems to me that the LS16mkII has wider bandwidth vs the LS16 but I'm going on my "audio memory" and different gear from a different time period several years ago. However, I DO like the "hybrid" ARC LS16mkII mated with my EL34 based Manley Neo-Classic 250 monoblocks.
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Follow Ups
- I checked with Leonard of ARC this morning. - AbeCollins 09:07:46 09/22/08 (0)
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