New High-end 6SN7 Tubes

[Bigfish8]

 

Thanks Phil!

I don't know that I am really excited to hear more but being addicted to this hobby and especially tubes please provide the details after you spend some time with them.

Ken

[philotechnic]

OK, initial feedback:

System:
Modwright Transporter (EML 5U4G rectifier tube)
Modwright 36.5
Modwright KWA150
Salk HT3's (sorry, no veneer, just a black pearl finish)

As an opening caveat I find that tube rolling typically leads to change in sonic signature, the change might be positive in the short term but extended listening reveals if the change is beneficial and I can live with the change.  So I'll just give a first impression and follow up later with an extended update.

Packaging
The photographs don't really do the product justice, the box has a matte black finish and didn't show well with a flash.  It's a good start to get a professionally packaged product, as opposed to what I'm used to - old tubes wrapped in newspaper in a recycled box from an EBay seller

First Impressions
I've had my system in limbo for a few weeks as I'm waiting for a second KWA150 and have also moved the equipment location, while this has been going on I've lost interest in listening to music.  Even with Tung Sol RP 6SN7's in place the fun had gone.  Last night I put the Treasures in and immediately they are very special - very three dimensional soundstage and extremely musically involving .  Rolling the rectifier tube in the MWTP I find the TS 5U4G to be very clinical whereas the EML 5U4G is more organic and.  This phenomenon is repeated when rolling out the TSRP for the Treasures - but even more so than the rectifier tube.  I finished up with a 4 hour listening session, at crazy volume levels, these tubes are really smooth
I thought the top end may be a touch rolled off, but it may have been a more smoother top end?  More prolonged listening leads me towards the view that it's smoother.

Dan didn't share his listening notes with me, on the 'leading the witness' principle.  I shared notes with him last night and we're calibrated on our first impressions, he added that they are also very detailed - if he agrees with me then he must have good ears

I have tried adding a second EML rectifier tube in my system, in the 36.5, but the combination of two EML's is not good - to bloated.  The Treasures give me what I was looking for - the EML/Treasure combination gives me the best sound I've heard out of the TP.

I'll get back with an update, in the meantime this post is subject to client attorney privilege and cannot be used as evidence in a court of law (by Vera) when she divorces Ken for spending more money on audio toys.  Shane Sangster is the principle witness

[richidoo]

Thanks Phil! Allow at least 300 hours burning in, it will change more, for the better.

[philotechnic]

I left a message with Grant Fidelity with my initial feedback - and received a message back from Ian that they're currently at the HiFi show in China but to check out these also:

http://grantfidelity.com/site/TJ_Full_music_6SN7

A new 6SN7 from TJ Full Music.

Om the topic of burn in, I read the 300 hour recommendation but have never noticed tube burn in as significant before.  Maybe it's related to the new materials being used in Shuguangs manufacturing process?

[richidoo]

I don't know why it is so long either, or so pronounced, but I do like the results. Thanks for the TJ heads up.

[Bigfish8]

Audio Porn For Ken - EML 5U4G and Black Treasures Drool

A teaser - these tubes are something special Very Happy

Hi Phil:

Have you been able to spend more time with them and do you still believe they are better in the Transporter than the Tung-Sol Round Plates?

Ken

[philotechnic]

Audio Porn For Ken - EML 5U4G and Black Treasures Drool

A teaser - these tubes are something special Very Happy

Hi Phil:

Have you been able to spend more time with them and do you still believe they are better in the Transporter than the Tung-Sol Round Plates?

Ken

Yes, I do believe the Treasures are better - they are significantly smoother and more musical.  I've spent the last few days with the EML 5U4G and I need to work on the best rectifier/Treasure combination.  The Treasures are more detailed than the TSRP but having the EML/Treasure combo puts my system slightly warm of neutral.  What I've done this morning is try the Treasures with an old TS 5U4G, two reasons: to extend the life of the EML during the Treasure burn in and secondly to see if it takes the warmth out of my system.  I'll let you know how it goes.  My first impression, that the benefits of the Treasures are more significant than the benefits of the EML, remain - if I had to choose one then the Treasures would be the keepers.  This should give an idea how good they are.

[Bigfish8]

Phil:

You are going to give the ModWright Transporter Tube Rolling Thread over on AC a whole new lease on life!  I want you to know that you causing me to have another dose of Audio Nervosa.

Ken

[richidoo]

I want you to know that you causing me to have another dose of Audio Nervosa.

Excellent!!!