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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: my tube comparisons posted by waterfall on June 12, 2017 at 19:15:58:
I guess I opened myself up to various thoughts and questions unawares.
For years I had a friend with an excellent ear, that was the manager of a high end store. When I had the time I drove to his store and listened. He had an excellent ear and taught we how, and what to listen for when comparing equipment. It was he that taught me how to mix certain tubes to produce a certain trait in the sound. His store was a ways away, so I chatted on the phone with him whenever I could. He had an incredible knowledge of audio equipment. I could call him and ask him the difference between 2 preamps and he could give them without hesitation, and let me know which was better sounding ( in general ) and which was built better.
The above is where I learned to listen and compare tubes.
Can I remember exactly what a tube sounded like in every piece of gear I tried it in? No- But let's face the facts. CJ manufactures their gear to sound like CJ. It has a distinct CJ sound. Same with Cary, ARC, etc. The same with tubes. No matter the year or manufacturer a 12AT7 will give a certain 12AT7 type of sound to the music. Did the manufacturer plan this, or simply employ that tube for it's electronic attributes? Remember, they are trying to make money. We are the ones that make it into a science.
What is sweet? I guess all tubes have a sweet sound to them. SS burns my ears! It's that different order distortion business you know :) But a EL34 to me will always be sweeter ( more euphoric ) than a 6550. But instead of " sweet " try easy listening. The EL34 has always been at the top of the list for tube lovers to produce that magical mid range at a good price. Most SS is cold, and analytical. Note I said most. At least to my ears. If you still don't get the meaning of sweet. Find a VAC CLA1 and hook it up to a pair of Quicksilver Mid Mono blocks running Tesla EL34's, and a pair of Vandersteen speakers. You will find out what sweet is in a hurry!
Consonance gave themselves a bad rap. Their equipment is attractive, and well built. Unfortunately they didn't make it very easy to use for the average user, tube roller at the start. Plus they didn't advertise here in the U.S. But I like the sound of what I have heard. I never had the chance to roll input and driver tubes in my Cyber Signature 100 as my collection of tubes was in storage in another city at the time. I will say I have heard a at least as much difference in the sound, by changing the input, driver tubes in a amp, as I would by changing the output tubes.
Hope this makes sense (~_~)
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Follow Ups
- RE: my tube comparisons - waterfall 05:27:13 06/14/17 (0)
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