For all you 05 owners, what are the tubes that you use or mix of tubes that you use and on which locations? I currently have 4 popes in the system, mixed with 2 stock EH tubes in the right and left single ended negative sections.
I’m running balanced to balanced, so I’ll need six 6SN7. Should the tubes be purchased in matched pairs for the Left/Right?
I’m not interested in frequent tube rolling, so I’m hoping there’s a high quality NOS or new production option which delivers all around better resolution and darker background than the EH. So, not a tube known to impart a heavy handed, tailored sound onto any given recording.
@joey_v I meant the 4 tubes to the left - I can't remember how Cary numbers them.
I've
also used CBS GT's in the same spots - more speed and extension - nice
too but not as rich and full sounding as the RCA grey glass. It depends
on your tastes I suppose.
I've tried NU's in the balanced positions but found those a little dark sounding.
@mikey8811 how are you running 4 grey glass in 1-4? That would mean that you have it along the entire front row, and then on the left-most of the rear row.
Mullard GZ34 are consider one of the best rectifiers made and are typically considered as a substantial upgrade over the stock JJ 5AR4. I use a 1960 Mullard GZ34 "fat base" rectifier in my slp05.
NOS Mullards run between $100 - $200 depending on year, manufacturing plant, and tube source (vendor). I always suggest going with a well known trusted vendor, you pay more, but you get quality. Also, rectifiers last a long time, therefore, the initial cost amortizes nicely over the tube’s lifetime.
Hi- is this NOS rectifier a decent upgrade over the stock? Approx market value if condition is good?
Mullard (for Zenith) GZ34 5AR4 1969 UK
My SLP-05 had a problem with the left channel, but it was intermittent. Gave up for several months and put my back-up in. Came across the upgrade, which replaces 10 caps and 20 resistors and figured they’d find the problem. Sure enough, there was a resistor which had smoked. My SA-200.2 was also improved with the current inputs. Mine was an original model with noisy parts. So far so good! Can’t directly compare the sound since it was nearly a year since I heard it.
I gotta play with tubes again. I wonder if there's a better combo in my arsenal than the dual popes in xlr and then a mix of 2 popes and 2 EH in the four left.
I use a quad of nos Sylvania's and a pair of the W (war) variety in the xlr spot. mullard rectifier I keep the power supply and tube section on different shelves on audio points also use the revaluation audio umbilical really like this combo Tony
I run mine balanced as well and for that reason focus mostly on the 3 & 6 sockets. I have gone through many NOS as well as new Pavanes. My favorite is the CBS Hytron 5692. Rich yet still liner and balanced. Haven’t heard the Popes but have read good things.
Have you heard this DAC with the upgrade package? Wondering if it is worth the cash.
If you are running single ended, the tubes labelled 1,2,4,5 will have the greatest impact on sound as they are used in the gain stage. If you are running balanced, tubes 3 and 6 are used as buffers and also provide gain to the balanced section, therefore, don’t skimp on these tubes if running balanced.
Tubes 7 and 8 are used for the headphone. If you don’t use headphone, this is a good place to insert the Electro-Harmonix tubes.
Don't forget to upgrade the terrible JJ 5AR4 rectifier tube in the power supply.
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