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AUDIO FORUMS >> Replacement Tubes >> New TUBE for Zen amps
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Message started by Steve Deckert on 07/04/06 at 02:42:19

Title: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Steve Deckert on 07/04/06 at 02:42:19

I have just purchased 200 NOS Russian tubes that I think Decware owner's will really enjoy rolling in their amplifiers!

It is a 6H2N, Russia's version of the 12AX7.  Almost identicle in specs but with a 6.3 volt heater on pins 4,5 just like the 6N1P, 6DJ8, 6922 tubes you are now using.  Difference is gain.  The 6H2N will have aprox twice the gain.

Should be here in a couple weeks and I'll list them in the catalog.

Steve

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by DirtDawg on 07/04/06 at 03:11:42

Steve,

That's interesting! I want to try them just because I can, but what do you expect the doubling of gain at that point will do to the overall balance, sound, tone, power, or anything else you can think of in a Zen C?


Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Hotsauce on 07/04/06 at 07:49:21

Would you consider cryoing a batch?

Bear in mind the improvement you heard in the cryoed power tubes.

John C.




Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by rmt on 07/05/06 at 00:54:12

Are these to be used in a CSP or Select in place of the 6922/6n1p/6bj8?

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by veryoldcat on 07/05/06 at 05:18:52


rmt wrote on 07/05/06 at 00:54:12:
Are these to be used in a CSP or Select in place of the 6922/6n1p/6bj8?



This, presumably, is the idea :)

Karl

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by ado420 on 07/05/06 at 17:45:49

How about the Zbox?

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Chas on 07/06/06 at 13:33:14

For those interested, you can get tubes cryo'd where I do  http://www.cryoplus.com/ at a cost of $5.00 per tube with $20. minimum order.  I am having four 6H2N-EB (Russian Spelling) 6N2P-EB or EV (English spelling) cryo'd by Kathi at CryoPlus.  Found my tubes on the auction bay place and was pleased with the photos which showed quality construction from 1974 when the CCCP Soviet Union was still a powerhouse.  Should be interesting.  My Torii could use some extra gain.  

Funny though, the spec sheets would almost have you believe the 6H2N/6N2P has half, not double the gain of a 6N1P as max dissipation in watts of each triode of a 6N1P is 2.2 watts and a 6N2P is 1 watt dissipation.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by mullman on 07/06/06 at 13:38:45

Steve,

bump this thread when they comes it, I'd like to try it along with turning my CDP's output to 750mv.


Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by rmt on 07/07/06 at 00:21:57

What will double the gain get you on the Select front tube?  Won't distortion become a factor?  I ask this question seriously because I do not know much about electronics.  What I do know is that my Decware gear sounds "fabulous" (term borrowed from boead) and if Steve recommends it I will probably try it out. I would like to know what to expect though.  Any comments?

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Chas on 07/07/06 at 00:41:35

rmt,

First, I would like to please have a confirmation from Steve that the 6N2P does indeed have twice and not half the gain of a 6N1P as my reading of the specs makes me wonder.

Steve - Have you actually compared the 6N1P with 6N2P (6H2N - Russian spelling) to hear the gain difference?

If the 6N2P does indeed have twice the gain of a 6N1P, it will make your Select compatible with some low output devices that can't drive the Select very well with a 6N1P.  Devices like low output customized CD players.  Also, if you use a pre-amp with low gain, it may make quite a difference in your LP listening.  What's possible are enhanced dynamics which are lost with lesser gain.

However, if you suffer no gain-related problems right now, I suspect you may find differences of flavor with this tube, but it will just be another tube to try among many others for what sound you prefer.  But if Steve says it's good, it is likely worth a go.  That's the fun thing about tube rolling -- it's generally fairly cheap and the results can be most interesting and every once in a while you stumble upon a tube that just seems right to balance the rest of your system sound.   :D

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by selmerdave on 07/07/06 at 01:58:03

Chas it's a 6H2P not a 6N2P, maybe that's the confusion.  6H2P appears to be quite close to a 12ax7 as Steve says, and it is quite different from the 6H2N as well.

Dave

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Chas on 07/07/06 at 03:06:50

Dave,

I searched under 6H2N and found that this is merely the Russian spelling for what in our alphabet translates to 6N2P and the 6N2P is stated as being a replacement for a 12AX7.

However, I would be pleased to be corrected for sure, if I have made a mistake in this.  The tubes I just bought read "6H2N" on them, but were advertised as 6N2P.

Anyway, glad to hear from you again Dave -- I was away from this site for two whole years!  Very nice to hear from old friends again.   ;D

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by selmerdave on 07/07/06 at 03:43:43

And good to hear from you too.  Well, I managed to confuse myself in trying to figure this out.  Trying to un-confuse myself: to the extent of my russian anyway, the 6H2N and 6N2P are similar or the same tube (as you just stated).  The 6H2P is quite different, apparently I looked it up in my own confusion.

6H2P:
http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/homepages/frank/sheets/113/6/6H2P.pdf

6H2N:
http://www.gstube.com/data/?mmm=561

6N2P:
http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/homepages/frank/sheets/113/6/6N2P.pdf

It appears that the 6H2N/6N2P have a mu of 100, so I would think the gain would be the same as a 12ax7 (100) compared to a 6922 (33), so that would seem to confirm Steve's comment.

Sorry for (my) confusion.

Dave

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Chas on 07/07/06 at 05:37:25

Dave,

Good research and good news - glad to hear the gain is about 3 times that of a 6922!  I REALLY look forward to trying my new tubes once they arrive (first they go from Bulgaria to KathiCryo in Ohio and from Cryo treatment to me - about two or so weeks before I'll have them).  My dear Torii I amp returned home to me after being away for 2 years with another owner.  As it doesn't have the extra gain stage, the pumped 6N2P-EB (military grade) vintage 1974 tubes may be quite alot of fun as the gain was "just good enough" using a modded Sony 685 CDP.  However, I run my modded Torii Testarossa without any feedback and it will really be interesting to see what these tubes can do.  Yes, the amp is stable without feedback and sounds much better without it.  But I also have extra filtering in this amp in the form of dual chokes per channel, so ripple and interstage supply problems are about nil.  New tubes!  This should be fun!  Of course, if it's a dud with my amp, so be it, but maybe, just maybe ......
hope springs eternal --   ;)

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by selmerdave on 07/07/06 at 14:56:49

Well do let us know your impressions, and enjoy the amp (again).

Dave

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Chas on 07/07/06 at 19:28:20

Dave,

Thanks.  Getting an amp back like this was a welcome and totally unexpected pleasure as I never did get the time to assemble myself another amp using the same schematic (and all cost-no-object parts).  Still have the parts sitting in boxes waiting for my attention.

Yup, for sure I'll post on what the cryo'd 6N2P-EB does for me.
I expect I'll hear a little soft white noise with the extra gain, but I actually like that "12AX7" tube rush -- just like a dog salivates when you set out a steak for him, I get this feeling of wonderful expectation when I hear those tubes come on line - the prelude to a beautiful experience with my music.  My mind has simply trained itself to look forward to a little tube hiss as in "yes, T-minus 5 and counting".  Sure hope it's not a disappointment.  My Torii could do with a little boost at the input.

Hoping all your listening experiences are as pleasurable.  ;D

Chas  

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Harana on 07/13/06 at 01:16:49

how about a batch of Cryod tubes

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Chas on 07/13/06 at 14:50:18

Hi Harana,

Let me say that I firmly believe everyone should have all of their tubes cryo'd for two reasons:  One, the sonic improvements are noticeable and sometimes striking; Two, the tubes should last longer due to the strengthening of the metals which have had their crystalline structures permanently transformed and "toughened" by the cryogenic process.  Many tooling manufacturers get their metal cutters cryogenically treated and these tools stay sharp in use up to three times longer.  I don't know how long a cryo'd tube lasts relative to non-cryo'd tube, but would be interested if anyone could comment on this.  To me, a tube that last longer AND sounds better is worth quite a lot - a whole lot more than the $5. per tube treatment costs.

The value of having a group batch of tubes done doesn't really have much savings involved anymore.  I get all my tubes cryo'd at http://www.cryoplus.com/ and Kathi charges $5.00 per tube with a minimum of a $20. order.  I've compared the sound of cryo'd vs non-cryo'd of the same batch and the cryo'd tubes are more detailed, refined and natural sounding to me.  My cryo'd 6N1P-EV input tubes on my Torii amp are two years old now and still doing fine.  I now have some cryo'd Svetlana EL34 tubes and I plan to plug them into the Torii to see if I can hear any difference compared with non-cryo'd EL-34s -  I expect there should be some difference, but no idea what, as yet.

So, if you have a Select amp, for instance, you can get all four of your favorite tubes cryo'd for just 20 bucks -- I don't see how a group order can do you better than this as the same $5.00 per tube charge still applies.  I think you'll agree that this is the best $20. you've spent on audio.   :D

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Steve Deckert on 07/24/06 at 16:48:10

The new tubes have arrived and are in stock.  These are NOS Russian 6N2P.  I've described them in the catalog as a high gain version of the 6N1P.

Using these in place of the 6N1P/6922/6DJ8 will add significant gain to the amp.  The sound has more dynamics and presence, it's a more live sound.

The tube catalog has been redone to include this tube and it is located near the bottom of the page.

https://www.decware.com/newsite/tubesets.htm


Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by DirtDawg on 07/24/06 at 17:35:26

Thanks, Steve,

I'm looking forward to them. I just ordered a couple, but I accidentally ordered Next Day Air service, but I don't need that at all.

DOH!

I'm hoping someone sees this or the email I sent to Devon, before the order is complete.
<:^( ... I'm a dunce.

Thanks for your help.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by gnat leader on 07/24/06 at 17:37:52

Which amp?  The CS?  We're not talking the CSP I'm thinking since it already has tons of gain.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by erimille on 07/24/06 at 19:21:34


gnat leader wrote on 07/24/06 at 17:37:52:
Which amp?  The CS?  We're not talking the CSP I'm thinking since it already has tons of gain.


I ordered 4 with the thought of swaping in the high-gain ones to compare (1 for CS and 3 for CSP).   Adding gain to the CSP might be an over-kill, but i look forward to finding out :)

--e

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Rap on 07/29/06 at 23:05:26

Why is the tube complement for a SE84zs 10$ more expensive then a re-tube of a se84cs? Though all tubes are listed as the same ???

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by bo on 07/30/06 at 19:32:03


Rap wrote on 07/29/06 at 23:05:26:
Why is the tube complement for a SE84zs 10$ more expensive then a re-tube of a se84cs? Though all tubes are listed as the same ???


Why does it cost $14 to ship a $16 tube? Why does it cost $14 to ship a tube - period! $16 is high enough for a Russian tube but $30 shipped?

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Steve Deckert on 08/05/06 at 03:28:25


Rap wrote on 07/29/06 at 23:05:26:
Why is the tube complement for a SE84zs 10$ more expensive then a re-tube of a se84cs? Though all tubes are listed as the same ???


The ZS ships with the 6p15p-EV output tubes whereas the CS shipped with standard SV83's.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Steve Deckert on 08/05/06 at 03:31:52


bo wrote on 07/30/06 at 19:32:03:
Why does it cost $14 to ship a $16 tube? Why does it cost $14 to ship a tube - period! $16 is high enough for a Russian tube but $30 shipped?



Our realtime shipping calculator used in the shopping cart has been undergoing updates for the past 30 days.  It has been having problems calculating the correct shipping.  We are working on it.  Meanwhile, as always, all of our orders are processed by DeVon who always makes sure the shipping is correct before the cards are charged.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by mullman on 08/05/06 at 23:33:09

Thx Steve for bumping this thread.

Going to order two for my beloved CS...

:D

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by bo on 08/06/06 at 01:36:32

I will order one too at some point but…

For the last couple of months I’ve been listening to my Select with the stock SV83’s and 6N1P. I really got use to it and I was really loving the 6N1P. I mean I rolled through lots of different tubes and found that I liked the 6N1P best or at lest I found it to be the best compromise for musicality. I was actually disappointed with my much loved 6922 Amprex PQ, I found it to be edgy and overly detailed.

Well I decided that after all this time; I’d switch back to the assortment I had used prior and for quite some time and get a fell for the difference. Again, it had been at least 8 weeks with the stock assortment of tubes. So the other day I put the GZ32, Mullard EL84’s and the 6922 Amprex PQ back in and nave been listening.

Now maybe it’s the mods EV and Steve did but the amp just takes on an entirely different character with these tubes. From the first moment and through all the hours that have passed I am more pleased with the systems presentation then the stock assortment. I really liked the stock assortment and I really think the 6N1P is best suited for the amp with the SV83’s. I have listened to hundreds of hours of music of all types this way, trying (like I said) different input tubes and was and can be quite happy with the amp.

However, the GZ32/EL84/6922 combination is richer in the vocals range, has more weight and authority, more detail without being edgy or harsh. The soundstage is deeper, more focused and/or layered better and the system is more dynamic or has that sparkle that I like. Unfortunately I can’t find anything that the stock assortment does better.

This tube assortment would cost about $200 for NOS or close to it and I think that’s a small price to pay for the difference. But again, my amp isn’t stock and the mods what I choose with Eddie were specifically for this assortment of tubes.

Mull, what mods did EV do to your Select?


Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by DirtDawg on 08/06/06 at 03:38:51

I got mine yesterday, but haven't had time to explore, other than lighting them up for a few minutes. Interesting! I will need to do some A/B-ing. I should get them good and hot tomorrow when I get back from the track. Don't worry - I wear earplugs and keep a "soundproof" radio headset handy. I'll still have healthy ears after the Brickyard.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by DirtDawg on 08/14/06 at 01:45:58

Well, guys, I still can't talk intelligently about Steve's new tube for the Zens, just yet.

I started this thread.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by erimille on 08/28/06 at 00:38:13


erimille wrote on 07/24/06 at 19:21:34:
I ordered 4 with the thought of swaping in the high-gain ones to compare (1 for CS and 3 for CSP).   Adding gain to the CSP might be an over-kill, but i look forward to finding out :)


I've listened to this new tube now for a few days and I really like it in my CS (Steve mentioned not to use this for the CSP). Using this tube I certainly notice more gain, but there is a bit more "umph" as well that I woudn't associate with just simply being louder.  Both vinyl and CD have more presence -  its a good thing :)

--e

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Jeff_Maxson on 09/06/06 at 00:56:03

Works fine in my 84Bs but won't light up in my Taboo. What up?

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Scotty on 09/06/06 at 14:47:23

Hey Jeff,

The Taboo uses a 12A_7 type input tube.  This new tube, as I understand it, is only to replace the 6n1P/6DJ8/6922 types, which your 84Bs use.

Steve says:
Quote:
Using these in place of the 6N1P/6922/6DJ8 will add significant gain to the amp.
 Though he also says :
Quote:
It is a 6H2N, Russia's version of the 12AX7.
, so it's a little confusing, but I don't think he means that it is a direct replacement for the 12AX7.  I could be wrong.

Hope that helps.

Scotty

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Jason_S on 09/06/06 at 14:52:42

I managed to score a handful of 6h2n (non eb/ev) and tried them in the Torii MK II.  At first listen, they seem like they have a lot less gain, but the soundstage broadens out and in some ways they seem to 'tame' the amp.

More listening later....

Jason

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Mr. Wrestling #2 on 09/06/06 at 23:11:26

Greetings everyone

I was probably one of the first people to receive this 6N2P tube and have had some discussions with Steve on this tube.  Steve said that this tube is will not directly replace the 12A-7 tubes because the 6N2P has a 6.3V heater similar to the 6n1p/6922 tubes whereas the 12A-7 tubes has a 12V heater.  When it says that this tube is Russia’s version of the 12ax7, it means that the 6n2p tube would produce a sound that would be similar to what you would get if your amp was wired to use the higher gain 12ax7 signal tube instead of the lower gain 6n1p/6922 signal tubes.

Hope this helps clear things up a little.

Best regards,
M W II

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by magicsound on 09/14/06 at 01:39:01

Before I join the flock of 6n2p'ers, I want to hear from others who used it in their zen c. Right now I'm using a cryo'ed 6n1p which I think is absolutely fabulous.

But to have additional gain for the amplification is good considering my speakers' needs.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Chas on 09/14/06 at 14:43:29

:-*  There are tubes and there are TUBES!

Previously, my favorite tube in my modded Torii was a cryo'd 6N1P-EV of which I've shared quite a few here with other Decware fans.

I've done lots of listening and one gamble has paid off.  I bought four vintage NOS 1974 6N2P-EV with the bomb logo and marked CCCP, as well.  The construction is a little different than later versions of the same tube type.  Anyway, I had these four cryo'd and I then bought a stash of 16 vintage 1979 6N2P-EV which have NOT been cryo'd.

To make a long story short(er),  ::)  my 1974 Cryo'd 6N2P-EV are the best input tube I've ever heard, bar none.  I've compared this tube with the 1979 non-cryo'd version which sounds uncontrolled and honks dynamic changes, by comparison (but is still very good).  I've compared it with the legendary 1964 Siemens CCa which is great, but not as good as this 1974 tube.  I've compared it to the rare and wonderful ITT Lorenz 6922 of Stuttgart, Germany which comes in a fairly close second to the cryo'd 6N2P-EV, but the tube made at the height of CCCP power and prestige is simply more "you are there" real.

When judging a close call, my test is simply this -- which tube makes me want to listen more and why?  The cryo'd 6N2P-EV draws me into the music and declares the performers to be real and right out there in front of me more than any other.

So, if like me, you liked your cryo'd 6N1P-EV tubes as a previous best, go out and get the oldest you can find of the 6N2P, have them cryo-treated, burn them in for 100 hours and listen to the magic -- these tubes are my new ne plus ultra and by quite a margin over the 6N1P-EV cryo'd which were not quite as good as the cryo'd vintage Lorenz 6922 gold-pins.

6N2P-EV (EV stands for special quality and long life with lower microphonics, too) tubes can be found all the time on ebay from sellers in Russia and Eastern Europe for less than $5. each post-paid when buying at least 8.  Cryo treatment adds only another $5. per tube.

Anyone want some cheap Siemens CCa tubes? (just kidding - they will go on ebay for about $100. each as will the Lorenz and Valvo gold-pins).

Enjoy the music and get real, as in "you are there" REAL with some cryo'd 6N2P-EV - a real WOWSERS best in class.   :D

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by gnat leader on 09/14/06 at 22:27:39

I have cryo'd 6N1P's in my CSP. But it looks like the 6n2p is equivalent to the 12AX7 so it won't work in my CSP, but it will work as input on my TABOO which uses the 12AX7.  Am I correct here?

thanks for the info!

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Scotty on 09/15/06 at 00:14:34

Hey Gnat Leader,

Mr. Wrestling #2 says
Quote:
I was probably one of the first people to receive this 6N2P tube and have had some discussions with Steve on this tube.  Steve said that this tube is will not directly replace the 12A-7 tubes because the 6N2P has a 6.3V heater similar to the 6n1p/6922 tubes whereas the 12A-7 tubes has a 12V heater.  When it says that this tube is Russia’s version of the 12ax7, it means that the 6n2p tube would produce a sound that would be similar to what you would get if your amp was wired to use the higher gain 12ax7 signal tube instead of the lower gain 6n1p/6922 signal tubes.

Hope this helps clear things up a little.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Chas on 09/15/06 at 02:56:47

The 6N2P, while it has a level of gain similar to a 12AX7, the tube works like a 6DJ8, 6922 or 6N1P.  Therefore, it is a perfect choice to replace the 6N1P.  12AX7 tubes use 12 volts to light the filaments whereas all the other tubes here mentioned use 6 volts on the filaments -- the two voltages are not compatible, but this is no concern to our use.  Go ahead and try the oldest, cryo'dest 6N2P-EV you can lay hands on.  Give it 100 hours of burn in and you could be wowed beyond your expectations as was I.   ;D

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by ado420 on 09/15/06 at 14:33:57


Chas wrote on 09/15/06 at 02:56:47:
The 6N2P, while it has a level of gain similar to a 12AX7, the tube works like a 6DJ8, 6922 or 6N1P.  Therefore, it is a perfect choice to replace the 6N1P.  12AX7 tubes use 12 volts to light the filaments whereas all the other tubes here mentioned use 6 volts on the filaments -- the two voltages are not compatible, but this is no concern to our use.  Go ahead and try the oldest, cryo'dest 6N2P-EV you can lay hands on.  Give it 100 hours of burn in and you could be wowed beyond your expectations as was I.   ;D


Supposing you have a compatible heating source, could you not simply wire up a switch to allow you to switch between 6.3V and 12V filament heaters so you could use both?
I think I have seen something about this elsewhere, but I know someone here probably has a product that has said feature in it.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by chrisby on 09/15/06 at 17:50:51

thanks Chas, now just watch the price skyrocket on your new favorite tube  :-X


seriously, any time a $5 - $10 unknown tube kicks ass like this is great

Mr Vaughn has his own "private reserve" list of unsung heros, many of which can cost less than the charges for safe shipping.  


BTW, there are other members of the 12A(_)7 family that can work very well in the Taboo, particularly if you don't need the full gain of the 12AX7.  I recently had a chance to audition one of the new anniversary style Taboos, and the sonic favorite of 3 input tubes we tried was an ancient Mullard 12AU7


Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by ado420 on 09/15/06 at 18:10:54


chrisby wrote on 09/15/06 at 17:50:51:
seriously, any time a $5 - $10 unknown tube kicks ass like this is great

Mr Vaughn has his own "private reserve" list of unsung heros, many of which can cost less than the charges for safe shipping.

Indeed, I do like the price on some of these signal tubes.
One such tip I got from him was about the AV7's, and by chance I was able to get the 2 which he suggested, and they are sweeeeet. And the shipping WAS more than 200% the price of each tube I got in that lot.


chrisby wrote on 09/15/06 at 17:50:51:
...and the sonic favorite of 3 input tubes we tried was an ancient Mullard 12AU7

I have to agree, the older Mullard AU7's are something special, they are just so well rounded in their presentation, good for any and all types of music IMO. They also seem to interface good with the input stage on my T-Amp, which is nice, because it can be tricky to find the right balance.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by fabjack on 09/28/06 at 13:08:51

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE,   I FINALLY HAD ENOUGH OF ALL OF YOU TALKING ABOUT YOUR AMPS SO I WENT OUT AND GOT MY OWN ZEN AND YES NOW I COULD REALLY SEE WHERE YOU ARE ALL COMING FROM! ONE PROBLEM AS SOME OF YOU ALREADY KNOW I HAVE AN INSATIABLE APPETITE FOR EQUIPMENT, AND HOW IT PERFORMS. SO MY PROBLEM NOW IS THAT I NEED TO KNOW IF SOMEONE COULD HELP EXPLAIN HOW I COULD GET THIS NICE LITTLE AMP TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH SOME OF MY VARIOUS VINTAGE SPEAKERS WHICH HAPPEN TO BE 16 OHMS? I HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE Z UPDATE AND IF ANYONE COULD EXPLAIN THIS AS WELL PRICE, DIFFICULTY, PROS AND CONS? THIS IS WHY I AM ALWAYS LOST WHEN AUDITIONING EQUIPMENT ALWAYS BELIEVE THERE IS SOMETHING BETTER HA HA! TO BAD I CAN NOT AFFORD TO REALLY QUENCH MY THIRST! MIGHT BE HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION THOUGH. DO NOT EVEN KNOW IF THIS IS THE RIGHT SPOT TO POST THIS OH WHAT THE HELL, THAT IS WHY ON SOME SITES I AM KNOWN AS LOST IN SPACE HA HA! THANKS  :-/

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Rap on 09/28/06 at 14:23:01


fabjack wrote on 09/28/06 at 13:08:51:
OHMS? I HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE Z UPDATE AND IF ANYONE COULD EXPLAIN THIS AS WELL PRICE,


I think your talking about theEX update ??? Costs 98$


Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Bill_c on 09/29/06 at 20:58:01


erimille wrote on 08/28/06 at 00:38:13:
I've listened to this new tube now for a few days and I really like it in my CS (Steve mentioned not to use this for the CSP). Using this tube I certainly notice more gain, but there is a bit more "umph" as well that I woudn't associate with just simply being louder.  Both vinyl and CD have more presence -  its a good thing :)

--e


I second your opinion. I was going to write my impression but you hit the nail on the head. This tube is definitely worth trying.

-Bill

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Doorman on 09/29/06 at 22:22:34

I'm getting occasional pulses of "white noise" with this tube in my Select-Ex. The bursts are soft, and only noticeable between cuts, but they are there. Anybody else?
Perhaps a faulty tube. With no tube tester----?
                                                     Don

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Sam in USA on 09/29/06 at 23:01:16

I  am using them in the CSP, no problem so far.

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by hdrider on 09/30/06 at 18:21:14

Gotta chime in on this new tube from Steve. I received my two 6H2N's from Devon two weeks ago along with two TAD El 84-STR, installed them but have not really had a chance to sit and listen until last night. WOW! This little SE84CS  (RCA 5U4) is driving my Klipsch FR-82's and sounding so sweet, detailed and lots of UMPH! Although last Tuesday my wife was watching a DVD and mentioned some kind of a staticy sound off the left speaker, which I did hear (soft white noise bursts like Sam in USA??) but it only happened that night. Yesterday I listened to about 6 side of vinyl, and my wife and I must of listened to five or six full cd's and this amp is now what I envisioned it would sound like when I build it two years ago. Been thinking about that Mullard 5Y3 from tube sales...any one running one in a SE84CS and want to comment?? Long live tubes!!!

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Doorman on 09/30/06 at 23:27:15

hdrider: As mentioned in my above post, this tube, in the Select-Ex is "the business". Still getting occasional "bursts" of soft static, though it's definitley a keeper!
                                                              Don

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by fabjack on 10/01/06 at 04:42:48

Hey Rap    Thanks for your help I am sorry that i could not answer sooner but I could not find where I posted that question. my stupid E-mail thing would not let me E-mail but on Thursday I called Steve and he explained all of that about the new tube and the ex mod well Friday my amp was in the mail for the mod and now I am waiting again! Steve seems really cool and very patient and helpful dealing with my stuff. From what I have seen this new tube is really fine! I still do not feel like I am in the right spot to post this. I guess thats why I am called lost in space on some sites because i really am on the internet ha ha!  One of these days I will become functional on computers until then I am in trouble ha ha! did not mean to interupt you guys!~     goodnight :-/

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by chris1 on 11/04/06 at 22:04:54

Quick question:  has anyone run this tube w/the zen c?  I've one on order, yet it seems one in this thread runs just the C. ???

Thanks,
Chris Evans

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by magicsound on 11/06/06 at 03:15:03


chris1 wrote on 11/04/06 at 22:04:54:
Quick question:  has anyone run this tube w/the zen c?  I've one on order, yet it seems one in this thread runs just the C. ???

Thanks,
Chris Evans


Yes...I'm using these tubes in my strapped c with good results. I got 3-5 % gain and dynamics.

Mon 8)

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Jason_S on 11/26/06 at 17:44:27

I find the 6n2p's in the Torii mk II are not right.  I'm still using  6922's.
In the original Torii 'C' with the the preamp stage, this is THE tube for it.  Anyone who has one of these amps and hasn't tried it, should.

Jason


Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by RobLikesTubes on 11/29/06 at 14:18:00

FINALLY !!......................

I  had  been  wanting  to try  these  tubes for a  while, but a  slightly  botched e-bay  transaction, a USPS mis-delivery, and an  elongated cryo-treatment  process had  me  waiting  for  weeks.

Last night, I discovered the wait was WELL  worth it !
I  slapped one  each  of these  cryo-treated  6n2p-EVs into my  pair of  Selects  with aging  sets  of cryoed 6P15P-Evs and  started  spinning. I  immediately  noticed the  need  to  lower the  gain on  my Shanling  CDP by about 8-10  steps for  normal  listening  levels.  

Before putting  these  tubes in,  I listened to a  few  tracks  off  Bela Fleck and the  Flecktones:  Hidden Land CD (one of my  favorite recordings  of late, highly  recommended) with  the  NOS Mullards  I  had  been using  for  months.
I'm  very  familiar  with this recording, perhaps  TOO  familiar !  It  sounded  great  as  always.  There are a  few  small  passages of  max  SPL  where  my  system  is  normally  pushed to the  edge  of  clipping  at higher  volumes  and this  is  where I  hoped these  new  tubes  would help. Once  I  swapped  out the  Mullards for the  new 6n2p-EVs and  let  them  warm-up for about  20min, I  knew this  was  going to  be a  loooonnnngggggg  night in the  music  room.

Everything, and I  mean  EVERY THING sounded  better with these  new  tubes.

HF - nicely extended,  smooth and  shimmery without grain. I  did  notice a  bit  more  sibilance  on  female vocals,  but  it  sounded more revealing, then  flawed. Cymbals  were  crisper,  tighter, with more  sustain.

MIDS - straight  butter. With the  added gain, I  was  able  to  get to more than  adequate  volumes  with  NO  hint of  being  on the  edge of  clipping  with  even the  most  challenging  passages.  They  also  seemed to  tame  the  slight  ‘shout’  factor  of the  Fostex  drivers.

LF - Detail,  detail, detail.  Victor  Wootens  bass lines,  especially  the cuts  with  6-string had  me  hearing a  bunch of  new  subtleties and  details. I  found  myself  cutting  back  my  usual  setting  of 0db gain on the  Sunfire sub, to  -2 or -3db.

Things  got  even  better  when I  loaded a  fresh  set of
6P15P-EVs  into the  Selects.  The  tubes  were only  about 5  months  old,  but  have  been  ON  most  of that  time, and  had  lots  of  playtime. I  ended  up  awake   in the  music  room until  almost  3am. Haven't done that in  quite a  while !


Knock on  wood, I  have  experienced  none of the  white noise bursts  some  folks  here have  experienced with this  tube. I  bought  a  lot of  25 from a  fellow  in  the Ukrane  for  $1.85/tube including  shipping !  add $5.00/tube  for  cryo  treatment  and  you  have no  doubt THE  best  bargain I've  come  across in tubeland.  

RUN, don't  walk,  to  get  yourself  some of these !

Title: Re: New TUBE for Zen amps
Post by Jason_S on 12/01/06 at 22:29:03


RobLikesTubes wrote on 11/29/06 at 14:18:00:
Knock on  wood, I  have  experienced  none of the  white noise bursts  some  folks  here have  experienced with this  tube. I  bought  a  lot of  25 from a  fellow  in  the Ukrane  for  $1.85/tube including  shipping !  add $5.00/tube  for  cryo  treatment  and  you  have no  doubt THE  best  bargain I've  come  across in tubeland.  

RUN, don't  walk,  to  get  yourself  some of these !


I think that's the best way to buy them.  At that price you can afford to cull a few of the bad ones.
Yes there are bad ones.    ;D

Jason



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