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AUDIO FORUMS >> Replacement Tubes >> Tube rolling in the Taboo
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Message started by msa on 02/20/06 at 21:39:55

Title: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by msa on 02/20/06 at 21:39:55

After a 40 hour break-in I've come to the following conclusions: Mullard GZ34 rectifier; Tesla (60's vintage) el84's and RCA 5751 as the driver. The sound is outstanding! I hope everyone has the same pleasure from their set-up.

This amp configuration is driving HDT's with an added super tweeter (Radio Shack's 40-1310); preamp: DeHavilland's Ultraverve; CDP: Ayre 5-xe.

Enjoy!

Title: Re: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by Sam in USA on 02/20/06 at 21:48:10

My tube set up as follows:

Mullard 5y3GT
Russian military 6n15n-EB
Mullard 12au7 (1950's)

Title: Re: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by msa on 02/21/06 at 02:18:15

Is that Russian tube the same as their military EL84 that gets a lot of good press?

I didn't have a good 12au7 to try, but an RCA 5814A, which sounded great in another amp, didn't quite make the grade "hear".

Fun, isn't it?

Title: Re: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by Sam in USA on 02/21/06 at 02:23:06

msa wrote on 02/21/06 at 02:18:15:

The military EL84 is 6n14n-EB, the SV-83 is 6n15n-EB. I have not tried the EL84 in my amp. I find EL84 a bit forward in Taboo.

The advantage of using 12au7 is I can crank my CSP volume all the way up without any distortion.

Title: Re: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by tybee on 03/05/06 at 17:57:58

Can a 5Z4GT or GZ30 rectifier used in place of a 5Y3GT?

It is my understanding that the GZ30 has same ratings as 5Y3GT, but is indirectly heated like a 5AR4.

Title: Re: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by Sam in USA on 03/05/06 at 18:21:10

It can be used.

Title: Re: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by msa on 03/05/06 at 18:29:48

Since starting this thread, one of my Tesla's died, and I switched to nos Russian military el84-M. They are as good or better. The reviews of this tube are as I have found: balanced, tight bass, excellent mid and extended. They are "military grade" because of the heavy glass; at least twice as much weight as a standard el84. I've also switched to an Amperex bugle boy AT7. All great!

Title: Re: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by Sam in USA on 03/05/06 at 18:31:15

You should try the military SV83 then. You may be surprised ;D

Title: Re: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by msa on 03/05/06 at 22:50:45

I'll look for a pair. Do you have a source?
Thanks.

Title: Re: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by Sam in USA on 03/05/06 at 23:26:48

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5875459900&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

Title: Re: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by msa on 03/08/06 at 22:16:50

I have a pair of military sv83's after your kind suggestion and reference. Right out of the box they sound very good. After some hours, my guess is that they will be the equal or better than the Russian military el84. Thanks.

Title: Re: Tube rolling in the Taboo
Post by Sam in USA on 03/08/06 at 22:59:24

They will sound much better as they break in. But difference will be in that they will be more laid back than the EL 84. I am glad you like them. Here is what Steve says in his design note for Taboo

In the Taboo, the SV83's used in our Triode amps sound very good. Glass smooth with great micro detail. A good pair of EL84's have more spank and presence. The difference between the two is fairly large while on the Triode amps the difference is only nominal.