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In Reply to: RE: Excess Line Voltage vs Amplifier Sound posted by sayntjack on January 08, 2017 at 17:57:25
I can't comment on what you are experiencing sonically but I do know using the older transformers designed for 115VAC will give you a higher B+ if the B+ isn't dealt with by lowering it. That does shorten tube life but usually what I've always done with that is lower the negative voltage on the grid. As for sonics I do know if you overdrive a tube(which is what a lot of the so called "modders" do) it can tend to sound thinner with less attention to the bass. I don't think it's the bass that is compromised. I think it is more the upper ranges become more prominent. But I too am a novice with a small opinion but I do know what I hear.
Also, I was told by many in audio whom I respect that any type of device used to either condition the AC or lower it squashes the sound stage. Now! That I did experience. Not to a huge degree but in an A-B comparison I did hear it. I was always told the only units that should go through a line conditioner of any type should either be a CD/transport-Dac or a preamp. Anything needed to draw a lot of current should go directly to the wall outlet.
Follow Ups:
Just to clarify your statement (it can be interpreted two different ways):
"That does shorten tube life but usually what I've always done with that is lower the negative voltage on the grid."
Do you mean lower as in going from a) -55V to -60V, or b) -55V to -50V? For a given plate voltage, example a. will reduce dissipation (less plate current) and example b. will increase dissipation (more plate current).
I only ask because when many people see "reduce" or "lower" they are thinking in absolute values. In the case of negative values, they might assume you mean the second example (-55V to -50V).
Cheers,
91.
"Confusion of goals and perfection of means seems to characterise our age." Albert Einstein
Yes Sir,
Bad choice of words. I meant going from -55V to -60V but in essence that is lowering the voltage on the grid. But if you look at your response it is adding(raising) the negative voltage on the grid but it lessens the current draw of the tube and the total power supply.
I have modified many Dynaco ST-70 and Mark III amps and they sounded best running the tubes extremely conservative. I alos did very little to the power supply as far as adding Uf's to the caps and the such. It wounded better with almost the stock values. The biggest difference I found sonically was going from electrolytics to film caps in the power supply with oil caps as coupling. Many might not like the sound but I think it sounded softer and more natural.
Again, just my opionion!
Your choice of words was was technically correct - I was just clarifying for those that are less so.
Yes, although I run a different type of amp, I also run my tubes conservatively. For a desired power output, I'd prefer to have a higher dissipation tube run conservatively than a lower dissipation tube run near max dissipation.
I think we might have similar tastes in musical presentation.
Cheers,
91.
"Confusion of goals and perfection of means seems to characterise our age." Albert Einstein
Thank you for the kind words. Whenever I posted in the past I would get criticized in a big way so I just read and try to learn from the more informed.
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