Cryogenic Tubes - Time for a Change


Well it finally happened, one of my (four) EL34 tubes in my Willsenton R8 blew up last night. I knew it was coming. The bias meter had been telling me for about three weeks that this particular tube was loosing its mojo. Before you ask, yes I kept adjusting it's bias to match the others, it just wouldn't stay there for long.

Based on curiosity I just purchased (4) EL34 cryogenic tubes. They should be here by Friday.

I'm curious what folks (with actual direct experience, not your usual "everything new is snake oil" folks) think of cryogenic tubes in their systems?

 

The benefits listed are: 

Expanded dynamic range

Smoother and more refined high frequencies

Increased Bass depth, definition, and articulation

Deeper and more focused soundstage

Lower dynamic noise floor 

Reduced micro phonics

Smoother midrange 

Lower operating temperature and extended tube life 

 

Thanks for your feedback (pun intended) and Happy Listening .

 

128x12869zoso69

Showing 2 responses by mulveling

Over the years, several times I’ve opted for Upscale’s cryo option at $8 a tube. I’ve also opted NOT to cryo for several sets (many of the same tubes). I’ve not noticed any difference with the cryos, other than the cool sticker on the boxes. I no longer order cryo. Their plain “Platinum” grade has always been fantastic, and easily sufficient for my needs. I’ve also tried ARC Select and Kevin’s Stash. All I need is Platinum.

"Since tubes are composed of various materials, all of which expand and contract at different rates, one might think that cryo-treating tubes may cause micro cracks, fissures, or gaps where two or more materials meet, causing deleterious effects on the sound and possibly the longevity of the tubes. How does your process address these effects?"

@69zoso69  I bet they’re going to say they control this by cooling VERY GRADUALLY, and SLOWLY over time (several days?), and that their totally proprietary, patent-pending (lol) process is better than any competitors because <fill in the blank, but expect some aerospace credentials to be flashed>.

That said, I agree it’s a very good question, and no amount of "we just do it really slowly" is going to 100% assuage all doubts. The reality is they’ll probably test & match again AFTER the cryo process, which will screen out tubes that might have been negatively affected by the process.

Anyways, just to reiterate I made my own determination over many years' of tube purchases, and I no longer seek to purchase cryo-treated tubes.