Crystallizing tube amps

Posted by carcass93 (A) on July 10, 2015 at 09:12:33

I acquired these Audio Mirror 6C33C parallel SET amps several months ago used, and had to send them for upgrades (balanced inputs etc.), and also because an issue with protection circuit in one of them.

All of that is finally over, and I am really enjoying the sound through my PBN EPS-2 speakers. To make it even more enjoyable, there are some crystals installed in "strategic" locations - the process that is not by any means over, of course.

In the picture, you can see Orange Calcite and Lapis Lazuli on the transformer covers, and Chrysoprase on 6C33C tubes (residing comfortably between "horns" of those heat monsters). Next step will be trying various rocks on small signal tubes, 6SN7 and 6SL7, with the help of small amounts of heat-resistant silicone caulk, to keep crystals on those flat/round tops. I'm sure it will work, since those tubes don't get all that hot.

Why those particular rocks, you may ask? No idea - it's just what sounds best, in those particular places, out of roughly 20 different kinds I have on hand. Make no mistake about it: the difference is easily audible, and with some crystals, the sound is noticeably WORSE than without.

On the other picture, you can also see battery/cap tweak (9V battery, 47000uF 16V cap) hanging from the binding post. If I had to compare the impact of crystals vs. that one, I would say crystals, when chosen carefully, make more dramatic difference.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Topic - Crystallizing tube amps - carcass93 09:12:33 07/10/15 (23)

Update (picture): - carcass93 06:05:29 07/13/15 (5)

RE: Update (picture): - Crazy Dave 09:50:37 07/13/15 (4)

RE: Update (picture): - Uncle Mike 01:48:20 07/14/15 (2)

RE: Update (picture): - Crazy Dave 10:57:36 07/14/15 (1)

RE: Update (picture): - aknaydenov 02:03:52 09/15/15 (0)

That's what conventional wisdom says - but in reality, it works best with.... - carcass93 10:33:32 07/13/15 (0)

Oh, Ohhhh....... - unclestu 12:23:31 07/10/15 (16)

balanced - Lew 07:29:42 07/11/15 (2)

Correct: circuit is NOT balanced, and balanced - more precisely, XLR - inputs are for convenience only. - carcass93 14:20:26 07/11/15 (0)

RE: balanced - unclestu 13:59:42 07/11/15 (0)

Thanks.... I like to think I'm firmly on the dark side. - carcass93 12:44:39 07/10/15 (12)

RE: Thanks.... I like to think I'm firmly on the dark side. - davidandcandy@gmail.com 14:16:45 07/12/15 (10)

LOL!!!! - unclestu 15:31:59 07/12/15 (8)

RE: LOL!!!! - davidandcandy@gmail.com 16:18:46 07/12/15 (2)

My apologies - unclestu 17:22:19 07/12/15 (1)

RE: My apologies - davidandcandy@gmail.com 19:49:39 07/12/15 (0)

Here's what's REALLY funny: 1 Lb of Chrysoprase rocks is $8.75 on eBay, with free shipping. - carcass93 15:39:11 07/12/15 (4)

RE: Here's what's REALLY funny: 1 Lb of Chrysoprase rocks is $8.75 on eBay, with free shipping. - SETguy 14:05:19 07/13/15 (3)

No - I only find blind testing useful under very narrow set of circumstances. - carcass93 14:32:07 07/13/15 (2)

By the same token,... - Lew 07:27:16 07/14/15 (1)

The fact that various crystalline rocks, of similar size, affect sound differently..... - carcass93 08:51:19 07/14/15 (0)

You are not alone - Lew 14:57:43 07/12/15 (0)

RE: Thanks.... I like to think I'm firmly on the dark side. - unclestu 13:29:02 07/10/15 (0)

Crystallizing tube amps

Post a Message!