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Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen (Read 17582 times)
doukhobar
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #50 - 01/29/18 at 14:43:36
 
Hi there, are the X280 and X380 globes, type 80 rectifiers? Thanks everyone!
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will
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #51 - 01/29/18 at 16:38:28
 
Yes they are. The ones I have labelled 80 are medium sized coke bottle shape, whereas, x280 and x380 are globes.
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Tapatrick
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #52 - 01/31/18 at 22:23:24
 
Thank you Kevin for alerting me to the RCA Radiotron Type 80's. I'm running a couple in on my SE84UFO3 mono blocks and they are very sweet indeed. I'm entering the world of serious rolling... much fun lies ahead. Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley
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Ace-Tone
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #53 - 02/02/18 at 16:24:12
 
Tried ST type 80's in the Zen-CKC.
I like the RCA's best, next the "made for RCA /Cunningham's", The NU came in last. When all said and done the Mullard & Mitsubishi GZ34 are my faves with 5R4GYS Phillips and RCA's just behind. RCA 5U4's next.
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Showme
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #54 - 02/11/18 at 19:17:45
 
What sort of price should I expect to pay for a Mullard GZ32 ?
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alper_yilmaz
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #55 - 02/11/18 at 19:51:08
 
Around $125 or so...

Alper
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Showme
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #56 - 02/11/18 at 20:54:53
 
Thanks, that's exactly the price I found one. Being new to buying tubes just wanted to know if that was within reason.
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Lon
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #57 - 02/13/18 at 13:12:01
 
I'm beginning to dip my toes into the Type 80 rectifier tube pool. I now have four to play with: an Arcturus/Crosley globe, a pair of RCA small bottle type, and a bottle type RCA.

So far I've just used the globe. . . and really like what I'm hearing.
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alper_yilmaz
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #58 - 02/13/18 at 17:27:13
 
Hi Showme,

I believe at the moment the most reliable source for NOS Mullard GZ32's is a company in Ontario which sells over eBay, and that is the price they ask for (plus S&H).  I believe they are a retailer for the SME tone arms as well.  I have dealt with them twice and they are pretty good to do business with.

Best,

Alper
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Lon
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #59 - 02/13/18 at 17:51:54
 
The Arcturus globe is a really nice rectifier. Warm and sweet. I can be very happy with this  one.

Now I have the bottle-shaped RCA in. This one has the same bass balance and yet is more detailed in spatial cues and more dynamic. It's only been in an hour or so . .  if this keeps up it may become glued into the Taboo Mk IV.

I'm using the RCA 12AU7 (?} that Steve sent with the ZROCK2 in the ZROCK2, and a Sylvania 7308 in the Taboo Mk IV as well as Svetlana SV82 and the Type 80 RCA. I'm leaving this tube complement in for a while, really nice sound.
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JOMAN
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #60 - 02/14/18 at 11:06:10
 
I’ve had the Sophia Electric 274B in my UFO2 for some time now so I believe it is now burned in to the point that I decided to roll the Mullard GZ32/CV593, Cunningham CX-380 Globe, Majestic Type 80 Globe and the AWV type 80 ST.

The objective was to see if there would be an immediate discernible difference since I am now used to the Aqua 274B.  Therefore, this is not an exhaustive review of the tubes.

It was very obvious and the Aqua 274B is now my rectifier of choice in the UFO2 but not the CSP3.  The best way I can summarize the difference is that each of the others have their own strengths, a little more detail vs a little more warmth vs a little more dynamic.  The Aqua has it all with great balanced of each of the qualities.  In addition the scale of presentation is larger and the separation between instruments and vocals far more obvious.  The Mullard would be my runner up.

But it all comes at a price.  So if budget is a consideration the type 80 are great alternatives.  In a case where budget is a consideration do not try the Aqua 274B.  If you get used to that one there’s no going back.  

I would emphasize that this is in the context of my system and tube complement.  I did try the Aqua 274B in both the CSP3 and UFO2, I have two, I always keep a spare.  I did not care for that combo so I have it in the UFO2 only.
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Lon
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #61 - 02/15/18 at 17:27:33
 
I'm hesitant about the Aqua for several reasons, chief among them that I really am not a big fan of the Valve Arts 274B and suspect this tube may hold similar traits. I could be wrong, and when I've had the SE84UFO3-25 Monoblocks I've ordered in hand and broken in I may consider investing in a pair.

Right now I'm enjoying the three different Type 80 that I have purchased, each has their charm and I'm hard-pressed to name a favorite. The small straight ones being a matched pair will get a trial in the Monoblocks when they arrive and have a very compact and detailed, warm sound. The Crosley/Arcturus globe has a big resonant sound. The RCA ST-type shares a lot of the characteristics of the globe but with more spatial cues, seemingly more "resonant." Great tubes to have. I'll be keeping an eye out for different types in pairs while waiting for the Monoblocks.
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JOMAN
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #62 - 02/15/18 at 20:00:05
 
This is terrible Lon.  I don’t have an Arcturus Type 80 to compare and I’ve blown the tube acquisition budget.  You’ll just have to get an Aqua so we can know the difference between it and the Arcturus, right??? Wink
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Lon
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #63 - 02/15/18 at 20:04:30
 
Ha, we'll see. I bet it sounds like one of the tubes you have. All three of these types sound pretty similar, with distinguished characteristics separating them. . . but much more similar than different.

I'm thinking I'm going to want a matched pair of globes to try in the Monoblocks. . . that will be my first target.
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alper_yilmaz
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #64 - 02/15/18 at 22:36:10
 
Hey John,

How would you compare the Sophia Electric 274B to NOS Mullard GZ32?  I am in love with the latter, yet the GAS never goes away!  :)

Best,

Alper
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JOMAN
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #65 - 02/15/18 at 23:42:36
 
Hey Alper,

I would need to spend more time comparing the two.  I’ll see if I can spend some time tonight or tomorrow and get back on this.

Now if only we could get Lon to compare with the Arcturus Roll Eyes.
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JOMAN
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #66 - 02/16/18 at 03:26:16
 
First, thanks for asking Alper as I’ve enjoyed an evening of music which I desperately needed.

The difference between the the GZ32/CV593 and the Aqua 274B was readily evident and it’s not that small.  The Aqua has more prescence in the mids and comes across as more complete more coherent across the frequency band, although sometimes a touch heavy on the mids, depending on the recording.

This makes the Aqua more engaging, more organic.  For the first time I found myself trying to sing along with the singer(s) (kind of embarrassing for me but there it is).

Accompanying instruments are far more discernible and present.  Piano, string instruments, wind instruments are more complete never blending never competing and always presented in more evident layers.

In live recordings the venue is more evident.  Vocals are breather, strikingly present.  Some wind instruments, blues harmonica for example, came across a touch... raspier? More bluesy, made me want to find my harmonica (yes I have one and I’m not that good at it).

The GZ32/CV593 is a little more back where as the Aqua seems to surround one in a sphere of sound, not forward though.

Lons comment about the Type 80’s is right on, except that I have not heard the Arcturus and by the looks of it I will not know the difference Cry.
Of the Type 80” that I have the Aqua is also quite different from them.

However a word of qualification is in order here.  My associated driver tubes are Siemens and Valvo, these, as described by some, tend to be somewhat less “warm” than say Amperex or RCA’s.  I do have an Amperex Buggle Boy 6DJ8 and a Mullard 6DJ8 and 7DJ8.  Going by memory, these did tend to bring more mid prescence to the GZ32/CV593 but not in the same way as the Aqua and in the case of the Mullard, a little dry for my liking.  I also have a ZR2 and that component did make a significant difference.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that my system is not the same as yours and so I cannot say that the Aqua will make the same difference in your system.  So if this causes you to acquire an Aqua and you do not like it as much as the GZ32/CV593 let me know, I have a spare NOS GZ32/CV593 I’ll swap for it.  I can always use another spare if you would want a spare as well. Cool
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Mcanaday
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #67 - 02/18/18 at 16:48:11
 
Hi Joman - does the Sophia Electric tube require an adaptor with the Super Zen?  If so, is it the same adaptor that works with the type 80 globe rectifier?  Thanks...Margot
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busterfree
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #68 - 02/18/18 at 18:43:00
 
No adapter is required to use the Sophia Electric Aqua 274 in a Super Zen.

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Mcanaday
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #69 - 02/18/18 at 19:26:40
 
Thanks, Buster.  What other tubes are you using there with the Sophia Electric?

Thanks! Margot
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busterfree
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #70 - 02/18/18 at 21:58:28
 
Original output tubes that came with the amp (less than a year of use) and an expensive Telefunken E88CC that I got from Upscale Audio. When this tube goes bust, I will not be replacing it with such an expensive tube again. It is a great tube, but I have learned my lesson. I would rather put that money into more music to listen to.
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JOMAN
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #71 - 02/19/18 at 16:37:28
 
I’m using Siemens E88CC grey shield for the driver and NOS Svetlana SV83 for the power.  The SV83 are the “older” version.

I got the Siemens at a very reasonable price and so picked up 4 spares so that should do for quite a while.  I think I got them for about $50.00.  Last I looked they were crazy expensive.
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JOMAN
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #72 - 02/19/18 at 16:38:45
 
Correction on my last post re: Siemens E88CC grey shield... that should read &50.00 for a pair
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Mcanaday
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #73 - 02/21/18 at 01:40:00
 
Thanks, Buster and Joman.  The tube I have on hand is a Phillips Dario Miniwatt (Green Label) 7308.  Is it your sense this would be too rich with the Sophia Electric rectifier tube?  Thanks!  Margot
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JOMAN
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #74 - 02/21/18 at 02:46:02
 
Couldn’t say as I have had no experience with that tube.  Only one way to know for sure.  I’ve often taken the comments of others as a start.  But only first hand experience will tell for sure.
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alper_yilmaz
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #75 - 03/01/18 at 17:55:42
 
I just received the Sophia Electric Aqua 274B today.  I am hearing it from the other room, yet what I hear is quite fine so far.  I need to get in front of it and spend some time after another 30-40 hours maybe.  Then I will post my experience here...

But is that tube ugly or not, man?  It changed the whole mojo of my SE84UFO!  A weird blue on black?  Does not match my furniture!  :)

Cheers,

Alper
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Showme
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #76 - 03/02/18 at 14:22:18
 
Alper, I dropped in a Sophia Aqua Wednesday. Pulled the GZ/32 to do it. They are both great tubes I'll have to get some hours on them to decide if I even have a preference.
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alper_yilmaz
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #77 - 03/02/18 at 21:01:16
 
OK, here are my initial impressions of the Sophia...  

I do not know if this makes sense, but this tube seems to increase the headroom of the amp.  In comparison to the NOS Mullard GZ32, which has been my favorite rectifier tube, the bass is a bit tighter and more controlled.  In some albums, the album with the GZ32 could sound slightly, but just slightly, boomy.  I have attributed this to no room treatment more than anything else.  But with the Sophia, it sounds a little less so.

I am not hearing the mid-forwardedness of the tube that John has observed.  But I believe our tube complements as well as sources and rooms are significantly different, so one on one such comparison does not make sense to start with.  At the same time, the deemed increased headroom might be due to the improved (and increased mids) that I claim not hearing...

The trebles of the amp are also  tad better, I believe...  All in all, the Sophia is a better performer than the GZ32.  Not by a lot, but just by a hair...  However, I cannot get over the fact that it is one ugly tube!  :)  What's with the blue, man?  I think I saw some explanation on their website, but tubes have this visual charm as well; looking at them in the middle of the night make me so happy.  So I will force myself to use this one for a while.  But the GZ32 is already so good as well, I might go back to it any day!  :)

Cheers,

Alper
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Showme
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #78 - 03/02/18 at 21:30:37
 
Ah come on Alper it's not that ugly.
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JOMAN
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #79 - 03/03/18 at 13:21:08
 
Well I would have to agree with Alper on the appearance of the Sophia when it is installed amongst the associated tubes.  Kind of seems out of place, but I can live with the appearance.  

I would also stress the point that Alper made and try to in my comments about system synergy.  I do not believe it’s a matter of how one tube ‘sounds’, rather it’s the combination and of course the components.

In my case the rectifier in the CSP3 makes a significant effect on the UFO2.  I have rolled too many to list.  I did so to get a first hand understanding of what one can expect from rolling tubes and the limitations of doing so.  Otherwise as much fun as it can be initially, rolling tubes can become an unrewarding distraction.

After inserting the Sophia in the UFO2 I rolled rectifiers in my CSP3 with ones that I have kept in my inventory of rectifiers to see what the overall result would be.  The result changed quite significantly as the rectifiers in the CSP3 were rolled.  It was the combination of the AWG 5AS4 in the CSP3 with the Sophia in the UFO2 that produced the end result and not one or the other alone.  

The interesting thing is that I always seem to prefer the AWG 5AS4 in the CSP3 in combination with whatever rectifier I put in the UFO2.  So now I have settled on that  one one the CSP3 and roll only the rectifier in the UFO2.  That also has now come to a conclusion, after all this is about music and the musicians for me.
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alper_yilmaz
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #80 - 03/03/18 at 17:30:26
 
Thanks for the update, John, and also your reviews of the NOS Mullard GZ32 and the Sophia.  

I just wanted to mention the tube complements in my system, by the way:

- SE84UFO - 6n2p bought from Decware; TAD EL83-STRs; and Sophia Electric Aqua 274B
- Copland DAC215 DAC/Preamp - a pair of NOS Siemens 6922s

Amazing sound...  I cannot imagine what the new Anniversary would sound like, hearing this one!

Best,

Alper
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #81 - 03/03/18 at 18:26:03
 
I feel the same way about my UFO2.  But, I’m in for the A-Amp.  Largely because the system has exceeded my expectations to a degree that left me with this feeling that a lot more is possible with the 2 watt amp with the right high efficiency speakers.  Getting the ‘right’ mating components is always a challenge whether it be high or low efficiency.

At times I still have to get my head around the speed of the system.
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #82 - 03/03/18 at 19:20:23
 
The truth is that all these amps and preamps respond to tube-rolling to a degree I have not encountered in other amps because of the simplicity of the circuits. Each tube's characteristics interact with the others. There are endless variations possible! I tend to anchor a complement around a rectifier. . . but then I can fall for another rectifier and the rotation begins! Right now I'm really enjoying a small RCA type 80 rectifier with a GE 6DJ8 (the ones that appear blacked out). Never enjoyed the GE before with any other rectifier, but this combo is really something.

There was a time about six years ago where I felt that tube-rolling was about to drive me mad. I swore off it for a spell. . . but now I notice I have a cabinet of tubes again and I'm back in the game. I'm holding off on further rectifiers though till the 25 Anniversary Monoblocks arrive and I cycle through the tubes I have.
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alper_yilmaz
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #83 - 03/03/18 at 20:06:12
 
Tell me about it Lon!  Among the four tube amps I have, I have enough stuff that would carry me for another 30-40 years!

I am not even getting into bass amplification at this point, as I have mostly SS stuff and only some of my recording gear has tubes.

The good thing is three of the four amps are Decwares (SE84UFO, TABOO mkIII and SE34I.2+) so there are a lot of common tubes, at least the input and rectifier tubes, so that is the only point that I economize!  :)
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #84 - 03/03/18 at 21:59:43
 
Right. I've been lucky and haven't rolled many tubes in my guitar and bass amps. . . and my favorite two these days (Fender Jazzmaster Ultra-light SE, no tube; Fender Bassman TV Fifteen, one tube) don't really require rolling.

But man. . . the endless possibilities when you have three or four dozen tubes.
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Kevin
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #85 - 03/03/18 at 22:16:02
 
I picked up a Sophia Aqua this week based on the reviews here. So far I've only used it in my Yamamoto amp, where initial impressions are that its not quite as good as the 40's RCA JAN 5U4G that it replaced. The Yamamoto 45 is quite different from the SE84UFO though.

I'll try it in the UFO this week coming and report back.

Thanks for the tip, this is one that wouldn't have been on my radar otherwise. I think the blue color is a kickback to the 1920s Arcturus tubes which had blue glass.
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #86 - 04/23/18 at 16:49:52
 
Kevin, what are your impressions of the Sophia in the Zen amp?
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #87 - 05/23/18 at 18:46:21
 
Sorry for the delay.

For me, the Sophia Aqua 274B brings more focus and firmness to the presentation than the 80 globe does. That said, I still prefer the 80 globe with its warmth and spread. It’s friendlier, for want of a better description. Still sounds best to me.

Now that its got some hours on it, I find that like the Sophia tube a lot in the Yamamoto 45 though.
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #88 - 05/24/18 at 22:34:58
 
Interesting. I have both tubes and 80 globe has been in for quite a while. I may give the Sophia another try since I've been listening to the 80 for so long.
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #89 - 05/25/18 at 14:43:14
 
I really like both of these tube types, the Sophia Electric 274B Aqua and the Type 80. I have type 80 bottle shaped in RCA and Tungsol pairs and I have a third RCA, and I have one globe 80, an Arcturus. I slightly prefer the 274B Aqua in the Monoblocks though I might prefer the Arcturus globe 80, its sound is a bit less focused but a bit warmer . . . but I don't have a pair of globe 80s to try. I'll hang with the 80s in the Monoblocks and the Arcturus in the Taboo Mk IV and I have RCA 80s in the Torii Mk II and Tung-Sol 80s in my CSP2+ and Taboo Mk III in my second system. I'll keep an eye out for a reasonably priced pair of Type 80 globes. . . .
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #90 - 06/12/18 at 02:29:11
 
I am done for now with the type 80 globe tubes. Over the last year, I have used several tubes to failure in a variety of amps. Some were from eBay and some were from a reputable vendor. I have one type 80 globe remaining to use in a stereo amp.

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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #91 - 06/12/18 at 19:09:05
 
Sorry to hear that busterfree. Those things are not cheap.

I too have joined the club and I've got a bunch of different manufacturers in all the bottle shapes. I'm using the newest ( straight glass shape ) in my SE84CS and my ZP3. I love the sound.

That said, however, the globes especially won't go in there until I modify the power supply. Historically the data sheets list a max cap value after the rectifier of 30 uf. The ZP3 is 47uf and my SE84CS is 40 uf. That stresses the tubes. We're all taking a chance, but especially with the globes as they were the the earliest ones made and probably more fragile.

I need to get into the SE84CS and change the PS config to make it safe for the type 80 rectifier. I really do like it a lot, even more than my EML 5U4G mesh plates, and that's saying a lot. Great tubes.

Cheers,                             Crazy Bill
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #92 - 06/12/18 at 19:36:25
 
Sorry to hear also Busterfree. I have been using the same Philco Globe in my CSP3 pretty heavily for eight months or so. The others I have tried, globes, coke bottle, and straight all sound good in their own ways, but I generally prefer the globes in my setup. No troubles yet, fingers crossed. The main CSP3 power supply uses two 47uF electrolytic caps. Mine is heavily modded, but at present still stock power caps, though bypassed.
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #93 - 06/12/18 at 20:50:27
 
I too have not encountered any problems or failures with Type 80. The only globe one that I have, an Arcturus, actually has a base that is a little loose and I treat it with careful kid gloves, and it has not given me a problem at all. The others are all bottle-shaped with the exception of a pair of small straight-shouldered RCAs and they work flawlessly. I admit I don't have months and months and months of use, but I've been using them. I'll keep an eye out for trouble.

Though I have the Sophia Electric Aqua 274B back in the Monoblocks and they'll probably stay there. . . . My CSP3-25 just went to packing and we'll see what sounds best in that component. . . .
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #94 - 06/13/18 at 02:35:07
 
I like the type 80 globes, but I cannot run thru them as fast as I have been. They sound good but not at this rate of failure. I have a few straight and bottle shaped globe 80 that were not as expensive or hard to find. They will get their turn when I put a stereo tube amp back into my TV system.

I like the Sophia Aqua, but I only have one. The monoblocks are main listening amps right now.
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #95 - 05/30/19 at 06:25:35
 
Lon,
How does the 80 globe rectifier sound in your ufo25 compared to the Sophia Aqua 274b??
Thanks!
Jared
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #96 - 05/30/19 at 11:11:29
 
The Type 80s (I have tried four different brands and types) generally sound a tiny bit thicker, warmer, slower. As a result they sound slightly veiled in comparison to the Aqua 274B.
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #97 - 05/30/19 at 13:40:57
 
I provided my impressions of the Globe 80 here along with the 274B.
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1557290083
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #98 - 05/30/19 at 16:33:11
 

Loose Bases are a common ailment with NOS tubes because the glue between the base and the glass tube dries out.  This can be easily repaired with the exact right adhesive.  The adhesive is called Weldbond.  It is a dries clear poly-acrylic.  Available at hardware stores or online.  Put a bead of glue around the crack between the base and the glass, then go around it with a wet finger and wipe off the excess.  Let dry for 1 hour or more.

Steve
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Re: Try a type 80 globe rectifier in your super zen
Reply #99 - 06/04/19 at 20:00:52
 
Recently my tube rolling took an interesting turn with unexpected results which has given me a new perspective.  Both my Sophia tubes gave out one after a year and half and one after minutes at best.  So I had to find something in my inventory as an in term solution.  Of the type 80’s that I had, one type was left, AWV Type 80 (ST Bottle).  Never really gave this tube a good try.

I popped this in my UFO25 and after a few hours things started to come alive so much so that I picked up a couple more made in the 40’s.  For the price, a fraction of the Sophia, I felt that this was a really good back up.  At the same time another tube caught my eye, AWV 5AS4G.  I have been using The AWV 5AS4GB in my CSP3 and that, up till now, has become my go to tube for the CSP3.  So, at the price, I picked up a couple of those and boy oh boy am I glad I did.

With the AWV 5AS4G the tonality, transients and decay are shockingly good and yet to be equaled.  The speed of the system is that of an electrostatic speaker based system.  Not only do the speakers disappear, the whole system seems to vanish and what’s left is this expansive sound stage filled with beautifully layered and completely captivating music.  When listening to violin passages I am left with a lump in my throat, I kid you not.

As I thought about what was happening I realized that this tube, the AWV 5AS4G, was doing something that none of the others were able to do or at least had done.  It was connecting all of the components and tubes into one harmonious ‘unit’ bringing out the best of each.  Recently I settled on a Raytheon 5814A WM Getter in my ZR-2, I could really hear what it was contributing without drawing attention to itself.  So too with the Type 80 in my UFO25, and all the other tubes and components.  I look at this tube as I would a view the roll of a ‘Conductor’ in an orchestra.  

That is my new perspective of what a tube can do.  So if I’m right, then I should be able to replace a tube and still end up with similarly engaging results even if the character of the presentation changes somewhat, somehow.  That’s what I did next.

Earlier, I tried a National /Matsushita 7DJ8 and really didn’t care for the results, so much so that I put it in my ‘sell’ pile.  Took it out of the ‘sell pile’ and put it in the driver position of my CSP3 to see what would happen.  The perspective of the presentation changed but, I really, really liked it.  In the end I took the National 7DJ8’s out of the sell pile because I could easily put one of these in for an evening of a different perspective of engaging music.  We don’t eat the same meal every night no matter how much we may like it.

In the end I’m back to the Type 80 in my UFO25 that cost less than a quarter of the Sophia and I doubt that I’ll buy another tube that is that much money.  As Busterfree said... better spent on music.  

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