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OLDER DECWARE GEAR SUPPORT >> TABOO MK III >> 7DJ8/PCC88 usage
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Message started by V-Duh on 04/12/13 at 18:36:00

Title: 7DJ8/PCC88 usage
Post by V-Duh on 04/12/13 at 18:36:00

Hello all,
I've noticed a number of people have used 7DJ8/PCC88 tubes in their Torii MKIII, SE84CKC, CSP2+, and other amps with good success.  Is their any reason to not try a 7DJ8/PCC88 in the Taboo MKIII?  My swag is that the circuitry design with respect to tube substitution would not be significantly different.  I am new to tube rolling so any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks much

Title: Re: 7DJ8/PCC88 usage
Post by Rivieraranch on 04/13/13 at 03:07:17

You can try it. Doing so won't harm anything. If it sounds good then go with it.

Title: Re: 7DJ8/PCC88 usage
Post by will on 04/13/13 at 18:27:49

Here is a quote from Kevin at Upscale Audio:

"A PCC88 is a 7-volt filament version of the 6.3-volt filament ECC88.  Aside from the difference in filament voltage, the two tubes are the same.  That means, no problem-o, bitchin’ sound, and less money.  There is never an issue substituting these into any 6DJ8/6922 position."

Quote from Brent Jessee:

"It is virtually identical to the 6DJ8 except for the heater rating, which is 7 volts. ............You may want to try a 7DJ8 for the longer heater life in a 6.3 volt circuit, and the lower price!"

I use them a lot in my Torii and was planning to see what they sound like in the Taboo once mine comes....which is soon!

You could always call Steve if you remain concerned.

From the write-ups and in my experience, it seems that Decware amps are built with a fair bit of tube flexibility. But there are areas that don't wash out. For example, I have had a hard time with distortion with 6N1Ps in my Torii MkIII, and in the end, Steve said that the 6N1P can be borderline in the Torii. This is technically different though, the 6N1P is more about different current draw - 600mah filament as opposed to 300mah.  I am ignorant about the details of what a 7 volt filament will do in the circuit relative to a 6.3, but I like the sound in my Torii. The Taboo is Taboo for a reason though....Steve played around with it outside the tech norm to get the sound he wanted. So it may have its idiosyncrasies too.


Anybody?

Title: Re: 7DJ8/PCC88 usage
Post by V-Duh on 04/13/13 at 21:32:50

Thank you two for the input.
It was Kevin's recommendations that pointed me in that direction but I wanted to pose the question to those with direct Decware experience.  Calling Steve is difficult due to work and the time zone difference.
If no one thinks the 7DJ8s will harm the amp then they do seem like reasonable options.

Title: Re: 7DJ8/PCC88 usage
Post by thegrobe on 08/05/13 at 22:06:45

Hi there, new member...first post. Very much enjoying my taboo mk III.
I'm curious about this as well, any further news on the 7DJ8?







Title: Re: 7DJ8/PCC88 usage
Post by ZYGI on 08/05/13 at 23:38:13

Hi thegrobe....My 7dj8's have been in my Torii for two years now....same tube, same amp, no problems.


I found he 7dj's sounding so good, I never had any inclination to make a swap. Even though I did have to check to see if it was still in there.

Welcome to the forum, you have a great amp there, I take it you are enjoying it?

Zygi

Title: Re: 7DJ8/PCC88 usage
Post by thegrobe on 08/06/13 at 01:13:54

Thanks for the reply Zygi. I'll grab a 7DJ8 to give it a try.

Yes, enjoying the amp very much. At this point it's strictly a headphone rig w/ an Audio-gd SA1.32 DAC > DH silver cables > mk III > LCD-3 w/ Norse Skuld 8. I haven't rolled any tubes yet but as is the sound is fantastic. Very transparent and natural. I can tell you already this amp is a keeper - not going anywhere!

Ah, the itch is getting at me though...Should I bite the bullet and add a CSP2+ (3+?) I plan on eventually using it for speakers but the pre may be beneficial for the headphone setup in the meantime.

Title: Re: 7DJ8/PCC88 usage
Post by toddathan on 08/13/13 at 16:24:03

I have the Matsushita / National PCC88 / 7DJ8 in my Taboo mk.III that I got from Upscale Audio, and I love it.  I was a little disappointed in the sound from the stock tubes, but inserting this tube, alone, and leaving the other stock tubes made a huge difference IMO.  Really openened up the sound and brought background details forward without flattening the front to back sound stage.  Just my experience, but it was a positive one.

Title: Re: 7DJ8/PCC88 usage
Post by funch on 11/13/14 at 04:36:08

I use the Phillips 7DJ8 from Upscale in my CSP2+ in the input position
only. Great sounding tube. Don't use it as output though. I tried that
and fried a tube. I have a TabooII so can't use it there.

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