Joe,
I haven't changed the 6em7 tubes (not many choices available). I've tried the RCA and Sylvania rectifier tubes and there's little difference. The intriguing rectifier for me is the EML 5u4 version. Good comments are made about it but they're very expensive (they're very large tubes as well).
Charles, |
Hi Snopro,
This is the normal break in pattern and it will continually improve, there's substantially more to come. Remember that those superb transformers Israel chose simply need sufficient time, this is a gradual process. The EML XLS tube gets better as well. This is a very neutral 300b, but you'll gain a bit more warmth with additional playing time. There are warmer 300b tubes available but the EML will reveal the true tonal color and body of instruments without embellishments. It's a great match for the Frankenstein as both are transparent, , uncolored and very honest (but not clinical at all). You'll get the pure organic character and realism without the gratuitous fluff.
Charles, |
Ok, with more hours logged in the amp is starting to open up nicely! First off they drive the speakers with plenty of power. They are dynamic, fast, transparent, and extended at both ends. No warm fuzzy rolled of sound here. Tonal balance is very good.
The EML XLS are very extended and linear, hopefully they will get a little warmer with more hours on them.
The amps still need some more time, but are improving steadily. The midrange hasn't yet fully developed that palpable presence I'm looking for. I'm sure once the amps are fully broken in and some tube rolling in my preamp,I'll get there.
Did anybody try different 6em7 and 5u4g tubes? My amps came with Raytheon 6em7's and RCA 5u4gb tubes. The RCA's were structured a little different from each other. One was taller and had a side getter the other was shorter and had a top getter. I put in my taller black plate straight glass 5u4gb tubes and got a little better focus and the highs became airier. |
Crubio,
Speaker tap preference is trial and error, you don't know until you try. My choice is the 16 ohm tap (more open, spacious and dynamic). My speakers are a 14 ohm load so that likely explains my results |
One thing I have been doing lately is using the 16 ohm tap instead of the 8 ohm tap, my speakers are 8 ohm. Changed the sound quite significantly. Much more separation. I'm not saying it's better but definitely work trying. Israel Blume says it has no detrimental effect on the Franks.
C |
Joe ,
Believe me I understand.I thought the Franks were"good" right off the UPS truck and they just kept improving with time.Your First Watt J2 amp is a different sound but makes a very good reference point.I moved from a 100 watt push pull tube amp, again diferent sound for sure.
Best of Luck,
Charles, |
I'll be patient, Charles. No knee jerk reactions, just giving my first thoughts.
The amp is very quiet and the sound is grain free,which is a good think.
After all these years I know it will get better, just wanted to know how much better. |
Joe be patient, these amps need roughly 200 hours to burn in. They will steadily open up.The tubes need some hours also.Germanboxers and I gave you our honest opinion, we both find the Franks wonderful. Too early to say but perhaps you may not feel the same. These things are impossible to predict.The First Watt amp may suit you more but I`d avoid rash judgements.If you search the archives, the Franks are nesrly always praised and admired. No component will please everyone all the time.
Charles, |
I received my Franks to other day. I have around 15 hours on them the sound is pretty good. How many hours before it fully opens up?
Hopefully, the soundstage will expand both in width and layered depth and the sound will really flesh out, as of now my First Watt J2 sounds much better.
I am using the EML 300b XLS tubes. On my amps the 300b sockets ( big pins face the back) make the front of the tubes face the back of the amp.
Is anybody else's that way? I would like it turned around, so you can see the light and nice label.
Joe |
Hi Joe,
I purchased mine about 5 months ago (just getting around to using them recently).They came from tube usa.com the price has increased since then unfortunately. Still a bargain relatively speaking. George offers very good service, I'd buy from him again.
Charles, |
Thanks Charles for all your input! My first tube purchase will probably be the EML's. Where did you get that price? The price I've seen is $720.
Once I have some time on the amps and extra money put on the side, I'll spring for the takatsuki's.
Thanks for all your help!
Best,
Joe |
Hi Snopro,
Congratulations on the Frankenstein purchase, I think you'll be very happy with it. The EML XLS has been an unexpected surprise for me. Yes it has a very good reputation and I thought it would sound well in my system. The result bettered my expectation, it mates beautifully with Frankenstein and is a joy to listen to . The music just flows. Vocals and everything else are reproduced wonderfully.
Snopro, the high quality 300b tubes bring out the best in the Frankenstein. These better tubes aren't cheap but honestly this amplifier is worthy of
them. Israel is a no nonsense guy and candid so I believe that the Psvane is a very good match as well. The splendid Japanese Takatsuki-TA 300b has been my very best choice for the Franks but they're so darn expensive (1800-2000 per pair). The EML at 685.00 is by no means inexpensive but relative to the Takatsuki they are.The Takatsuki is pure organic bliss with excellent dynamics and everything else thrown in. The EML is a"bit" more dynamic and not quite as organic-fluid (but surprisingly close). The EML XLS is a exceptional value for a truly premium 300b. Takatsuki is the ultimate price be dammed choice but it doesn't embarrass the EML performance, no sir!
The AVVT 32 SLis another top tube but are no longer made and very hard to find.
The Sophia Royal Princess sounds excellent in the Franks also, at 1200.00 I cant say they're better than the EML XLS.To be fair I didn't have them together at the same time to compare.
Any of these top tier tubes will allow the superb Franks to just sing toits full potential.
Charles, |
Hi Charles,
Does the EML render vocals with lifelike presence?
I went ahead and just ordered the Frank's without hearing them, but from all the feedback and fellow audiophile opinions I'm sure I'll love them.
Thanks, looking forward to receiving them!
Joe |
If Israel uses the Psvane now it must be quite good (I've not heard this one). I can tell you that the EML XLS sounds fantastic in my Frankenstein. Powerful, dynamic yet very organic and involving. Likely can't go wrong with either tube.
Charles, |
Has anybody heard the new psvane 300b-t mk.II tube in their amps? How
do they compare to the EML 300b XLS?
I spoke to Israel the other day. He said the amps now ship with the clear
glass Psvane's and sound very good.
Joe |
Joe,
It's good you get a chance to audition the Frankenstein. I bought mine
direct from Israel Bloom unheard prior to the purchase 4 years ago. It
worked out fine to say the least. It was love at first listen and my admiration
and joy has only grown. Good Luck.
Charles, |
Thanks everyone! Waiting on the gentleman from Audio Loft in Manhattan
to call for an audition. He said in couple of weeks after he relocates.
I'll let you know what I think.
Joe |
Snopro,
Your situation is a perfect example of the first watt sound quality princciple.Given the high efficiency of you speaker and preferred listening levels(which are very realistic without risking hearing loss).Much of your playing will be drawing only fractions of a watt( when you listen in the 75-85 db SPL range).The Frankenstein sounds beautiful in this low power range,very pure,organic, nuanced and completely transparent.Some amplifiers struggle in this low power region(closed in and congested).Germanboxers summed up the Frank`s attributes very well as usual. |
Hi Snopro,
I have used the Frankensteins Mk2 with my Zu Def Mk4's for several months. The Franks were revelatory for me in this system. I was using Atma-Sphere M-60's. The tone density, palpability, 3D imaging, micro dynamic shadings, and overall coherence (space and musicians cut from a single cloth) were all improved. Transparency is also very very high. Unless you routinely hit peak SPL's greater than 105, you won't even think about not having enough power. I'd be far more worried about hearing loss if those SPL's were normal for your listening sessions.
The Franks are top notch amps (and extraordinary values) that I would continue to use if only I hadn't stumbled on a little better match for my system, Audion Black Shadows. |
Hello Snopro, I held off of being the first respondent to your thread. I was not sure if you already had the speakers or the amps. I did a quick web search of the Druid V. By my research, I could very happily live with them!! I would assume that your proposed match with the Franks would be very musically fulfilling!!! Of course, my amplification choice is slightly better.... but who is splitting hairs? HA (kidding) |
Hi Joe,
I`ll be glad to share my 300b tube rolling experiences with you. I`ve had the good opprotunity to hear a fair number of them.The Frankenstein is exceptionally revealing and exposes the differences quite easily.Although it is full body,natural toned and open,its not a warmish,dark or colored SET amp at all.
Charles, |
Thanks Charles and Iramirez.
Yes, I use a Undertone sub and the pairing is excellent. IMHO, the sub is almost mandatory. The deep bass of course is better, more importantly the tonal balance is fuller and more fleshed out. The soundstage also opens up nicely and the sound is effortless.
I'm using a First Watt J2 amp which sounds wonderful. I love female vocals and I am hoping the 300b amps will give me that spooky real palability.
Thanks for reassuring me they will drive my speakers with aplomb.
Charles, if I decide to purchase them be prepared for me picking your brain and which 300b to use. ;)
Joe |
Snopro,
With your speakers and listening levels you`ll hardly use more than one watt and very often much less power with these high sensitivity Zu Druids. My speaker is 94 db sensitive(less sensitive than yours) and volume,scale and driver control are not an issue with the Frankenstein(and I came from using a 100 watt PP tube amp).This 8 watt SET has excellent transformers and power supply design.
Charles, |
Snopro,
I run a pair of Zu Audio Essences with my Manley 300b amplifiers. I run my amps single ended, meaning they put out 11 watts. The Essences are not as efficient as the Druids, still, the Manley amps drive them with gusto. You should not have any problem driving the Druids with the Frankensteins. You should be able to listen at your preferred volume levels and still have plenty of headroom left.
I don't know if you have considered this, but I strongly suggest you acquire a Zu subwoofer with the Druids. I use a Zu Mini-Method with my Essence speakers. Zu subs are lightning quick and integrate seamlessly with speakers. My Mini-Method sub is an integral part of the system. It is key in delivering a full spectrum presentation of the acoustic image. I could not live without it. |
Snopro,
Germanboxers uses this amplifier with his Zu DEF IV. Send him an audiogon email for his thoughts.He`s a very experienced listener.
Regards, |
