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Embrace The Joy Of Microphonic Equipment

Hi all,
Over the past couple of years I have been listening to a DIY - 4P1L Transformer Coupled Pre-Amp.

Kevin Carter of (K&K Audio) & Radu Tarta of (simplepleasuretubeamps) have both sold these pre-amps over the years.
The 4P1L when used in a transformer pre-amp application (4:1 stepdown) is still sensitive to being VERY microphonic. 

Plenty of ways to reduce & divert vibration but in the end I have come to the conclusion the microphonic nature of this valve subjectively enhances the SQ presentation. The music sounds more dynamic and more sensitive to music changes.

In a nutshell, I like this subjective presentation, goes against my traditional thinking but who cares, sometimes you are better off accepting the valves limitations and working with its natural advantage, Being a directly heated pentode (4P1L) it has a slightly more aggressive presentation and when used upstream of DHT's provide a nice harmonic combination. 

As with all things it's a balancing act, between pleasure & pain. 

Cheers Johno


johno520

Showing 3 responses by rodman99999

rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
       I've always been disposed, as it sounds @tomic601 is also, to a more accurate (faithful/cleaner) reproduction, of the source and, hopefully: a well recorded, live event.

       That also takes careful choices, as regards ALL the components above mentioned.     Especially: with tubed gear and their valves!

        But: like I said, "...I had many customers..." and, far as I'm concerned: they ALL were always, "right".  

                                                YEP: a great hobby!
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
          So many ways to season one's sounds and please one's aural palate.

                                             What a great hobby!
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
       The same reason that some have swapped out quieter resistors, in their phono, preamp and amplifier circuitry, for carbon compositions.   Or: choose Paper-In-Oil for coupling capacitors.   Then: there are those British small-signal valve lovers.

        There's something about that extra warmth they find comforting.  Perhaps: embracing?

        When in the business: I had many customers, seeking that presentation.
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