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In Reply to: Need suggestions to tweak SFS40 posted by SeanC on July 31, 2002 at 17:03:00:
Sean,I own an SFS40, but run Duntech speakers. I have found that Sovtek 6922s can make the amp sound very brittle and hard (I hated the sound). I switched over to Ei 6DJ8s and found them much more musical. I also switch the EL34's to Svetlana 6550Cs. That really opened up the sound stage and gave a much smoother tone. So, in my experience, the amp can be greatly improved by rolling in some different tubes.
Best of luck!
Follow Ups:
Thank you for your suggestions.I read your previous postings regarding the Svetlana 6550Cs and will give it a try. I didn't know the SFS40 supports Ei 6DJ8s tubes.
So I will give that a try too if they are not too expensive.Because of my maggies, I will need to find other tweaks to improve the sound. Overall, it seems like most ppl don't think the SFS40
is very warmth.What pre-amp are u using btw? Speaker cables? Interconnect?
Thanks again.
Sean,Sorry about the delay! The only time I have found the SFS40 to be hard or strident is when there were Sovtek power and driver/input tubes in the amp (the amp originally came with Gold Aero tubes, which sounded wonderful(they are out of business)). I am using what I think are regular Ei 6DJ8 tubes, which I paid about $14/pair for. The largest improvement in the amp that I have found is going to the 6550s. It opens the sound stage in a big way. I found, with the EL 34s (Svetlanas) that the sound was much like listening to recorded music. With the 6550s, it is much more like listening to live musicians. There is more bass, the soundstage is spread out and there is a much greater sense of presence.
I am using a run of Kimber 8TC to the bass and 4TC to the treble. I use a Bryston BP-20 preamp (solid state) and I run Tara Labs RSC Prime from my CD (an old Arcam with a Musetex DAC (Gutwire digital cable)) and Kimber Silver Streak from my CD to my amp. I found the Kimber (I was using PBJ) really opened up the sound. I find the RSC to deaden the sound; when I can afford another set of Silver Streak, I will audition it.
I really don't think the SFS40 was meant to drive hard loads. But, I have found (the Duntechs are 4 ohm speakers, 89spl) that it is quite possible to get "goose bump" sound, using the amp. Be patient with cables and tubes... make sure your speakers are positioned properly, and it will work for you. I really, in my experience, recommend the 6550s. They will probably change your opinion of what the amp is capable of (I got mine at thetubestore.com).
Hey Chief, did you insert the Ei Elite goldpins or just the regular Ei 6DJ8s? I've been auditioning a matched quad of the Ei Elites in these sockets for the past few weeks and have had excellent results. They seem to be much better balanced, particulary between triode sections, than the standard Ei 6DJ8, and their sound is very reminiscent of the Bugle Boy. In some respects I actually prefer their sound to the Bugle Boy, so if you're considering price, the Ei is a hands-down winner. I paid about $11 a tube through AES. If you are using the Elites, let us know your opinion.
Foolno1,I got the Ei's from a local audio dealer and I believe they are regular production Ei's. What is AES? I paid about $18/pair for the regular Ei's (Canadian). Have you noticed a big difference with the Elites? I would be quite interested in trying them, if I can get them via the internet.
Thanks!
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