Hi all - With my CSP3 I was trying to rectify a situation wherein I used an Amperex 7308 when listening through the Omega CAMs, but preferred a red-tipped 6N1p from Decware when listening through ZMF Atticus headphones. I was also switching between two Emotive CMX-6 power supplies - one with a copper power cable for headphone use and one with a silver clad copper one for speaker use.

After email consultation with Don, I tried a Wathen ECC88 in the input position of the CSP3. Long story short, I keep the plug in the silver-clad copper power supply and don't switch tubes. The tube has given blacker backgrounds, more sound-stage and a nice micro-detail.

Two issues - the mids sound is a little recessed or more neutral now (Amperex made them sound boosted) and the pacing is a little slower. I'd say the Wathen tubes got me over the need to switch and are 90% there. Overall, I'm enjoying them. I may try the 12AU7 with an adapter next to see what that does.

The Wathen tubes are not perfect, but they are surprisingly good. For now, I'm enjoying that one tube. I don't feel a need to switch them all out - as I worry about it going maybe a bit too clinical for my tastes, but I know I will certainly keep trying them as I go and see what happens. It's nice having another option out there that does something more than hype. Cheers - Scott

Though I have very limited experience with 300B tubes, I think the Wathen version is a major step up from what I’ve heard before. My amp running 2 Wathen 300B tubes, a couple of Don’s 6SN7’s, a red base 5691 & a pair of flying “C” 5U4G’s is singing sweetly to say the least. But I was surprised to hear Lon mention Guitar Center as just the other day I did some digging in old guitar “junk”. There in a clear tube was a pair of 6L6-GC tubes from when Grove Tubes was a new thing. Early 80’s is what I’m guessing with a receipt showing me getting change back from $35. Well I have been REALLY (am I shouting?) enjoying the Wathen 5670-WC tubes in a 6L6 amp. But it was time to roll in some 6H3n-EB (6N3P) tubes that Don had suggested I try. In the past I had much preferred JAN 5670’s over the 6H3n-EB labeled tubes(in a cute blue & yellow box with a rocket). But after a few sessions these Wathen 6N3P tubes started to deliver the mail, so to speak. Now let’s add the 40+ year old Grove Tubes. To my surprise, the old girl is sounding terrific. Of course there’s no accounting for one’s personal tastes.


subscript on keyboard

Quote:

Great service from Wathen and Don. Just ordered 5AR4 rectifier for my upcoming phono preamp upgraded power supply. Everything should be here in a couple weeks.

HK

I have been loving my sound with EL84's and a 5AR4 rectifier.




online raffle generator

Malcolm, let me check--I should have three OC2 that I can send you on hand. I'll let you know later this evening after I get through the dinner hours (I'm cheif cook and bottlewasher and it's about to start).

Malcolm, I do have three 0C2, two Raytheon (long a staple sent with amps by Steve) and one 75C1. That will set you up and get you going. PM me if that would be helpful. I'll let you have them all at the prices I paid on eBay, which is pretty cheap.

Well that's great news, you're right, I could get these in the mail Priority tomorrow but those should reach you earlier or the same time. Glad they are on the way.

You're welcome. I always try to have tubes on hand for my own backup or to help others. Picking them up over the years I have boxes of them.

I'm eager to hear your impressions when the SEWE300B is up and running! I suspect it will sound fantastic.

Hi Danny,

I also had to wait to receive the delivery of my CryoTone tubes. I attribute that to a backup of orders. Perhaps Don at Wathan needs to create a waiting list like Decware has done so one knows where they stand. When the tubes arrived, I was more than pleased with their performance, so I had forgotten how uncomfortable the wait was. Hopefully, that will be your experience as well.

One thing to consider, I called Don and asked for an estimation of how much longer the wait would be. That was helpful. He is very personable, as you might already know. In the process, he was instructive on changing my tube selection from one tube type to another, which worked well for me.

Thanks, guys. I was interested if anyone had a long wait. I received my order months ago, and now I am waiting for EL84 replacements, and a replacement 5AR4 rectifier. One of my EL84 tubes gives a static sound when warming up, and the 5AR4 rings and hums. I love the sound, and I don't wish to change anything about it. I really want the issues I currently have to go away.

Patience...

Cryotone 12AU7—WCL Long Plate

Holy Shit.  I’ve rolled the following 12AU7 (or equivalents) in my Sarah:

Sylvania
Mullard
RCA Clear Top
Siemens (probably my second fav now)

This Cryotone input tube grabbed me instantly. Damn. Dead silent, rich and resolute with a wide open soundstage, which I tested with my door open (see my Reflecting on Sarah thread for more context) and even sitting two ft behind the sweet spot.

I just can’t get over the resolution of this tube.  This was worth the wait.

With the exception of the 6SN7 and 5AR4 tubes which I immediately and continuously disliked strongly, Cryotone tubes have really elevated my SEWE300B and ZROCK2 and CSP3. I can't seem to replace my Aqua rectifiers and 75C1. . . but if Cryotone ever cryos 75C1 I'd go for them. . . but that seems unlikely due to supply.

I have never tried the WE300B tubes, but I was surprised at how much more I preferred the 300B-WC in comparison to the Tataksuki that James leant me, I think you'd like the 300B-WC a lot after a few hundred hours Kam.