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MHDT Orchid with WE 396A Unbalanced

Hi everyone.

I recently picked up a used MHDT Orchid from Canuck audiomart. But I am yet to listen to it as my Tannoy MG15 in under refurbishment and I don't have anything else to listen it on. Orchid came with 4 tubes:

1) GE JAN 5670W NOS

https://flic.kr/p/2oy8t3b

2) Some 5670 made in USSR

https://flic.kr/p/2oy8Lc4

I got the next 2 tested and they were found to be unbalanced.

3) WE 396A

https://flic.kr/p/2oy7ox5

Triode a -93℅ at 100v
Triode b-84℅ at 100v 

4) Siemens Halske CCA 88 with adapter. 

https://flic.kr/p/2oy8t3g

Triode a -93℅ at 100v
Triode b-84℅ at 100v 
 

What do these measurements mean. Can they be used in the Orchid? Will an unbalanced tube cause any problem in the dac. Looking for guidance .

Thanks

aj_16

Showing 1 response by danager

danager's avatar
danager
883 posts
 

I have an Orchid and preferred the 6922  with adapter to the 5670.  The 7311 seemed to extend the top end for me while the NOS bugle boy D getters sure were nice. 

As good as the DAC is I replaced it with PSAudio DirectStream DAC.  It should be better it cost almost 5X the price of the Orchid new.

I did not do the GrannyRing capacitor and resister upgrade but still have it so it would be fun to try it and see how it compares.  Of course their is the DirectStream MK1 upgrade that is supposed to take it to the next level....

AHHH what a hobby.

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