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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> MINI TORII >> Voice characteristics of output tubes
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Message started by mnmax on 03/20/19 at 01:18:28

Title: Voice characteristics of output tubes
Post by mnmax on 03/20/19 at 01:18:28

Hello all,

Im having a hard time finding information regarding voice characteristics of the multiple output tube options listed on the minitorii page

I found a couple sites that give good info on the voice characteristics of the differing 12au7 tubes, but i cant find info on the 6?6 type.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? Or describe to me what you experienced between the tubes you have tried

Thank you

Title: Re: Voice characteristics of output tubes
Post by Ash on 04/11/19 at 00:10:11

I've a Mini Torii for less than a week and am so curious about output tubes. Tried some RCA 6y6 which put out more juice than the stock RCA 6v6, but were a bit leaner in the midbass. Expecting some 6k6, which seem to be a simpler less powerful tube than the 6v6....and thinking that it might sound very pure....they are cheap. Will report back.

Title: Re: Voice characteristics of output tubes
Post by Ash on 04/15/19 at 15:19:24

Well, I put in some Ken Rad black glass 6k6 ($15 pair on ebay) and the output is a tad less than either RCA 6v6 (that come with amp) or new Russian Mullards. But they are much sweeter.

What I wonder is does changing input tube from 12au7 or 12at7 affect the life of the output tube. A 12at7 put out more so does that "more" stress the output tube (6v6 or 6k6 etc.)?

Title: Re: Voice characteristics of output tubes
Post by Rivieraranch on 04/15/19 at 23:11:01

Try an 807 with the diabolical looking top cap. These are basically a 6L6 pinned pit differently with the top cap.

Title: Re: Voice characteristics of output tubes
Post by Steve Deckert on 04/16/19 at 03:36:19

In this cathode biased amplifier, the input tube can not harm the output tube nor can it effect its lifespan. The 12AT7 has more gain so the volume will come on sooner, but other than that, no problems.

So you are beginning to discover that if someone sends you half a dozen different amplifiers you are more likely to find that perfect sound for you.

Of course the potential combinations available while tube rolling with a mini-torii far exceeds half a dozen, so there is 100% certainty you will find the sound you want, probably that you didn't know existed until you heard it...and you will never grow tired of the amp because it is so easy to change it up. This is part of the magic of tubes that was completely lost when the world went to solid-state.

Steve

Title: Re: Voice characteristics of output tubes
Post by Lon on 04/16/19 at 03:43:33

Steve Deckert wrote on 04/16/19 at 03:36:19:

This is part of the magic of tubes that was completely lost when the world went to solid-state.

Steve

Absolutely, the exploration of the character of tubes in the circuits is a large part of the magic for me. And the influence of a tube is even more vivid in a Decware amp than many other tube amps, making this an even more magical process.

Title: Re: Voice characteristics of output tubes
Post by Rivieraranch on 04/16/19 at 13:15:39

I want to know the wattage of the various output tubes.

Title: Re: Voice characteristics of output tubes
Post by Ash on 04/16/19 at 16:40:45

Quoting from Steve's "Design Notes":
"Power of this amp is somewhere between 3 and 6 watts depending on the tubes used and the speakers you connect it to."
My experience so far is least to most: 6k6, 6v6, 6y6. I can hear the output level distorting more quickly with the 6k6. Guitar amp forums talk alot about the 6k6 vs 6v6 and it seems guitarists enjoy the different increased distortions--how unlike an audiophile for whom the decreased distortions are favored.
Steve's comments note "...the speaker you connect it to."
Soon I'll post pictures of my half dozen different 3 inch full range driver speakers.
I moved from the SE84 CKC because I needed just a tad more power for some of these which range from 82db/watt/meter to 89db. Just a bit more power the Mini Torri offers.
And since we are talking a hand full of watts vs a solid state amp much greater wattage, the percentage of output wattage, depending speaker load, is dramatic.