Sennheiser PC37X randomly goes bad after disconnecting the cable ?
Greetings, Yesterday I was using my headset like normal with my macbook, just listening to music and on a call with people like usual, and the headset was perfectly fine. The stock wire that came with the headset is extremely long and yesterday it annoyed me very much that it kept getting tangled with itself, so I decided to see if the cable is replaceable. I pulled out the cable from the headset and saw the adapter, and looked online for a replacement. Upon plugging it back in, the audio sounded extremely muffled and washed out. Im not sure what I did wrong to make it mess up like that as I've always taken good care of it, ive had it for about 2 years and its always just been chilling on my desk, but anywho I thought the cable just went bad and ordered a replacement. The replacement came, and the issue is still persistant, so I am not sure what the issue is I've tried multiple different headsets and the issue is not with the port, and I also tried it with my windows laptop and...
Apr 23, 2024
I've spent many an hour going through those epic headfi threads as well as Brent Jessee's website...then learned alot through trial and error. It's become an obsession of late :). But, yes, sifting through the BS can be overwhelming. If you do end up buying this amp and want additional recommendations let me know. Good luck and enjoy the 6xx's. The best thing about those cans is how they have the seemingly limitless ability to improve in quality depending on what source is used.
Only mods I did on the HD6XX were the Venture Electronics balanced cable upgrade offered here (to pair with CEntrance HiFi M8 for a portable, SS option) and I swapped out pads with a Brainwavz HM5 Angled Hybrid set, much more comfortable to me and the increased space inside the cups moves the drivers further from my ears, but the stock pads are quite sufficient.
Just got the Massdrop O2 + SDAC this weekend and it sits perfectly atop the DV for a more compact footprint. Doesn't need to be hooked up to power when using it this way, the signal from the Mac is sufficient to power the DAC. I run Amarra Luxe 4 for streaming Tidal or playing local albums, or I'll use Amarra sQ+ for other streaming sources, but even bypassing those pricey signal mod programs, a direct line in to the O2 sounds very nice, open and detailed with the DV/Senn combo.
It's all made for a fabulous trifecta of sound about 2 years and $550 (minus the mods) in the making... DV 336SE, Grace Design 02 + SDAC, and the Senn HD6XX. Plus there is still plenty of opportunity for tweaking things to dial in to your preferred sound. I've auditioned set-ups 100 times that expensive at RMAF that don't sound any better. Great job, Massdrop!
a customer: can be use for audeze lcd 2? shenzhenaudio's support: it can use for audeze lcd 2.But i suggest La Figaro 339 Headphone Amplifier + Tube Amplifier .http://www.shenzhenaudio.com/la-figaro-339-headphone-amplifier-tube-amplifier-2013-upgrade-version.html
Can I ask you which headphones have you tried with it so far? Thanks.
In response to your question about headphones I've used....Most of my headphones are vintage, so not sure how helpful this will be, but here goes: Headphones that worked well with the DV: AKG models 240DF, 240 sextett, k340, k141 (600ohm), k551, k280, k270 (playback and studio)Sennheiser models 6XX, hd540 (600ohm), hd530, pioneer monitor 10.
Headphones that worked well with the DV (but sound better with my little dot mk2 or my solid state amps): AKG k702, hifiman 4XX, thinksound on2
Headphones that did not pair well with the DV (all are planars/orthos):. Fostex models TR50rp (Mayflower version and my own heavily modified version), T40, T10, T20, Yamaha models hp1, hp2, hp3, yhd3
If you have planars or low impedance headphones you may want to consider the little dot 1+ (under 100) or the little dot mk2 (130 on massdrop). To get amazing sound from them you'd need to upgrade them. I really like both of these amps (I use the 1+ at work and the mk2 as my bedroom set up). Here's how I upgraded them:
1+ : changed the opamp to burson V5i (the opa2107 is a good inexpensive alternative). I like the c3g tubes (with c3g to 6ak5 adapters), the mullard 8100's, or the Sylvania gold pins.
Mk2: c3g tubes (with adapters) for driver tubes and 6sn7 tubes for power tubes (with 6sn7 to ecc88 adapters)
PS: I've just seen there is also the little dot mk3 and 4. Do you know if they are even better - compared to the mk2? Or would they sound different, since from I've understood they are hybrid amps?
The LD 3 and 4 are both full tube amps (I believe the 4se is hybrid). They have better circuitry and a higher output voltage than the mk2. Depending on how much you want to spend, the 3 (and moreso the 4) are better than the mk2 (although as a second amp, I really do like the mk2.. and with the price difference, I was able to invest more in the c3g tubes (which run about $70/pr). Since I have the Darkvoice, I already had 6sn7's for the power tubes.
The hd650 works "ok" with the LD. I actually like it with the 1+ better. Still, neither compare to the DV.
Again, not sure what your budget is, but you may want to do the DV for your hd650 (this may become your go-to setup) and the 1+ (with the opa2107 opamp) and mullard 8100 tubes for your other cans. Having both would give you more versatility for your (likely) growing headphone collection :)
By the way, going back to the amps, if you say that the DV kills the LD mk2 at the end, I guess I will just wait a bit more and buy the Darkvoice. I was just wondering if I will enjoy it also with other headphones and not only with the HD 650 (even if you and other people say that combo is really good, if not the best).
About the 6sn7, didn't you say before it's actually possible to use on the LD mk2 as well (using adapters)? And, if yes, do you think the sound is still better on the DV?
PS: I've just seen the LD mk3/SE is back, which looks really nice with its full balanced output port. I just wonder if it's a tube amp as well (like the LD mk2 and DV) or an hybrid one..
I'm sure either (or both!) will suit you fine, though, and if you aren't in too big of a hurry, you can check at Head-fi.org to find out when the next CANJAM near you is scheduled. Then you can take your headphones/music source there and give everything a listen before you decide.
Best of luck.... and sorry about your wallet.
By the way I looked for canjam in Italy on head-fi, but sadly couldn't find anything.. :/
However, meanwhile I've been looking on ebay for some good (but not so expensive) tubes for the DV and I ended up with these:
_ "6as7 RCA = 6080, t.1: 62ma/t.2: 62ma = 100%, bene. lgnr. r4364" _ "6080 GE USA Scatola Verde Stampa Selectron NUOVO VECCHIO STOCK VALVOLA TUBE 1PC A17D" _ "6as7ga GE USA bianco stampa 6080 NOS VALVOLA TUBE 1pc j17b" _ "6sn7wgta Jan PHILIPS ECG non." _ "Sylvania JAN CHS 6SN7WGT Tested Double Triode Tube Gitaar Fender Amplifier"
What do you think? Do you know any of them? And do you think they will be fully compatibles with the DV?
Thank you again for your help.
Nice start!
However, is that specific Sylvania's tube the one a few weeks ago you said to be the best pair with the Tung Sol 7236 (which so far I've been not able to find in Europe:/)?!
For the 7236 have you tried eBay in the US? there's a dealer who's been selling them for $35 (US) and seems to have a large stock of them. If I remember correctly he accepts"best offer" and took a$25 offer from me. I've purchased several through that seller and have had no problems. There may be other 7236's available in US. they seem to come up regularly
About the 7236, I know in USA market is pretty easy to find it, but due to extra costs for shipping and import duties, I preferred to stick with the European one so far.
Also, I wanted to ask you if you know any 6sn7 tubes which are taller and bigger than the Ken rad I've just bought or even the Sylvania/Philips's ones.. like the one is already in the DV's package. I'm asking that only because I think it looks cooler and sexier (whereas I don't know if bigger and taller means also better regarding sound signature) :D
Tung Sol tubes from late 50's to 60's tend to be tall boys. In order of preference, I'd look for 6sn7wgt brown base, 6sn7gt mouse ears, 6sn7gtb tall boy (all Tung Sol). All are decent tubes, readily available, and should be cheap (especially the 6sn7gtb).
I will attach you also some pic of my 'Ken-Rad Jan-Ckr 6sn7gt' - which seems to look fine from the outside, after I've cleaned it up:
I thought of another option for a tall driver tube. The 6f8g (sometimes labeled as vt-99) tube is the tube made prior to the 6sn7. Its a gorgeous tube with a small coke bottle shape. It's electrically identical to a 6sn7 (so it's an even swap). You will just need a 6f8g to 6sn7 converter (which are about $13 shipped from Hong Kong...go with HK not China).
These are fantastic tubes and generally cheaper than equivalent 6sn7s. If you can get your hands in a tungsol (6f8g or vt99) that's the cream of the crop. There are plenty of other makes out there (RCA is certainly a safe bet). If you are looking for"sexy" looks WITH brains this is the way to go
If you search my posts, I wrote a bunch of stuff about power tube rolling for the DV. So for details go there. A quick answer to your question:
Different power tubes pair well with different driver tubes. In order of preference: My favorite power tube is the tung Sol 7236 (a seller I've used and trust has a bunch of them on eBay for $35). This pairs particularly well with warmer tubes. (RCA or Ken rad vt231, Sylvania 6sn7gtw or 6sn7gt, etc).
6080's are hit or miss. Most I'd skip. However, the Sylvania gold brand is excellent (make sure it's gold brand.. not the standard one with green lettering). This is a warmer tube than the 7236 and works very well with brighter or drier tubes like the Tung sols you just purchased or a Sylvania vt231, etc. If you can find a GEC or mullard 6080, those are on another plane (and cost anywhere from $70-200 which is a little nuts)..if you can get them for $50 grab one.
I've been liking the 6as7g less lately. They sound fatiguing over long listening sessions. Still, everyone's ears are different. For the 6as7g I'd recommend the tungsol/Chatham ,(best) or RCA (JAN or grey plates... both are inexpensive and good starter tubes).
The tungsol 5998 (or 2399) is considered to be one of the best of this family of tubes. I have both the 2399 and the 5998. While they are fantastic tubes, I like the 7236 better. The 5998 is not as clean as the 7236 IMO. Plus they are absurdly priced.
Well this was longer than anticipated. Once I get talking about tubes.... hard to stop.
I also looked for the tungsol (6f8g or vt99) on ebay and the only one I found in Europe costs 80 euros + shipping + converter (so pretty expensive, I guess) and it's kinda a 'black glass version'..whereas I prefer something 'all transparent' to be honest..where you are able to see every tube's details :) I will post you a pic of it though, just to be sure it's the one you had in mind..
I also like very much the 'Chatham 6as7g' you were suggesting to MrNefarious, if it's this one:
Other tubes I've found: _ 6080 CV2984 MULLARD NOS (30euro) _6080 CV5008 GEC NOS (140euro)
And one of this for 80euro..
So, a quick answer to your question (hopefully quick...I don't seem to do that well): Historically, tubes were made for a variety of reasons: consumer electronics (radio, TV, medical, audio) and for military applications. The ones made for military applications had to pass more rigorous quality control checks and are therefore more reliable tubes today (in general). The "heyday" for 6sn7 tubes were the 40's and 50's. By the 60's they started to be replaced by smaller "mini" tubes. Once solid state circuits became widespread, tube production faded out (although tube use continued well into the 70's). Once the military stopped using tubes, many of the major tube companies moved/sold their operations to companies in the Soviet Union (and later Russia) and China. Both China and the Soviet Union used tubes for military applications well after western countries stopped doing so, mainly because of being behind the technology curve. SOME of the early Soviet tubes (not 6sn7's) are decent tubes, but most are not. Today, Russia and China mass produce tubes for numerous audio applications (stock tubes for guitar amps, headphone amps, tube amps, etc are often Chinese or Russian). The quality control in these factories aren't any where near the quality control in the original western factories. This is why the reproductions are not even close to being the same as the originals.
Some people insist that this is audio snobbery (which is certainly rampant and something I avoid at all costs), but in my experience, the quality of Russian and Chinese tubes aren't even remotely close to the vintage tubes. These views are shared by people like Brent Jessee and "Skylab" who, as I said, I completely trust.
Hope this answers your question somewhat.....
The more I learn about tubes, the more I realize how insanely complicated they are. But I also find them endlessly fascinating and enjoy reading about them. For a while, I focused entirely on tubes that worked in the Darkvoice and Little Dot amps (which was PLENTY). I recently purchased a "Project Sunrise 3" amp (made by Garage1217) which redefines tube rolling (the number of possible tubes you can roll in this amp is truly staggering). It's almost overwhelming how many different tubes there are, never mind which ones sound the best (for a small taste, go to audiotubes.com and click on 12ax7 and then on 12at7.....scroll down and read the endless varieties of tubes for just these two tube types). BTW, the Project Sunrise is a PHENOMENAL amp and fun as hell. It's a wonderful compliment to the Darkvoice.
DEFINITELY pick up that Mullard 6080....that's a great price for a truly phenomenal tube (this particular tube is tough to come by in the US, so I haven't listed it among my favorites, but this is a very special tube and is one of the best of the 6as7g/6080 tube types). While the GEC is supposed to be amazing (I personally haven't heard it b/c it is VERY rare in the US and VERY expensive when it does come up for auction), I've read that the Mullard is better (and that one I can vouch for). Plus, I personally wouldn't spend more on a single tube than you have on the amplifier...140 euro is quite a lot, especially since you will likely notice little improvement, if any, over the Mullard.
DO NOT get the Sylvania's. The GTB's are late vintage (60's I believe) and are "average" tubes (IMO). They are worth maybe 8 euros....definitely NOT worth 80!!
I think I will put together a list of my favorite 6sn7s paired with various power tubes and will post that next. Perhaps that will help (and may be of use to others as well).
A. With power tubes Tung Sol 7236 (better) or Tung Sol 6AS7G:
1. National Union (CNU 6SN7GT) Grey Glass
2. RCA VT231—Grey Glass
3. Ken Rad VT231—Black Glass Staggered plates
4. Sylvania 6SN7w
5. Sylvania 6SN7GT “Bad Boy” (1952 vintage, bottom getter)
6. Brimar 6SN7GT Black base
7. Brimar CV1988 Brown base
8. Tung Sol 6SN7GT Round plates
B. With power tubes Sylvania Gold Brand 6080 or Tung Sol 5998/2399
1. Sylvania VT231
2. Raytheon VT231
3. Raytheon 6SN7-W-GT Brown Base
4. Tung Sol 6SN7GT—Mouse Ears
5. Tung Sol 6SN7WGTA Brown Base
6. CBS 5692 Brown Base
7. Sylvania 6SN7GTA (“chrome dome”)
8. Sylvania 6SN7GT (1950’s vintage, bottom getter)
Also, in what way does the Project Sunrise compliment the DV?
Sounds like for pairing with the hd6xx you like the DV?
The project sunrise is for all of my other headphones. It is a ridiculously versatile amp. Every tube I put in there changes the sound significantly.... making it ideal for a wide variety of headphones. It works best with lower impedence cans, but was able to drive some of my 600 ohm headphones. It also has output RCA jacks which allows me to use it as a buffer for my Kyocera 451 receiver. That will give me plenty of juice when needed. Best of all, my planars sound amazing through the sunrise. Better than any other amp I have. The hifiman 4xx sound especially good with the right tubes.
Regarding the 'Project sunrise', I've never heard about it yet, but it seems to be a really interesting product. As you probably already know, I like 'transparent things' (lol), so I like the option to choose the PS in black version or all transparent. I just wonder if there are already some converters which will allow us to use DV's tubes on the PS. If not, we will need to buy all new tubes for it (which means we gonna spend even more money, rip). However, when I purchased the DV, I knew it wasn't really good with planars as well as with low impedance cans. That's why I'm pretty interesting to the PS as a future purchase. Also, the fact that its sound signature change a lot according to the the tube we are using, I think it's also a (big) plus! I looked at their site though but I couldn't find PS's cost. So I don't know if it's more on the cheap or expensive side (as well as the tubes which will fit in it), nor if is it a full OTL amp or an hybrid one.. And used as buffer, you find it to be even better than the DV? If so, why do you think so?
Even if I used it for few days and only with stock tubes (I want to use them at first so that I will be able to understand the differences in sound signature compared with the other NOS tubes I'm buying) I finally felt in love with my HD650. They've never sounded better to be honest and I finally understand the quality of these headphones as well as how much their sound change according to the amp they are used with. I also tried the DV's preamp section with my Yamaha CA-2010 and I was really surprised how much the sound benefit from the tube's magic. Of course it didn't sound like a full tube amp, but in some areas it was really closed. So..I'm really really satisfied! The only 'flaw' maybe was that my planar monolith 1060 didn't sound great with it, but I wasn't expecting planars to sound well with an OTL tube amp. So that's not really an issue. I guess I will have to buy the Project Sunrise soon or later..hahah
About tube rolling, before I will make any mistakes, in the front hole I read '6SN7', whereas on the back '6AS7'. So I guess I have to put my NOS '6SN7GT JAN-CKR KEN-RAD' on the front whereas the '6080 GE' on the back. And, if that is true, I guess the tube I liked to be bigger should be the 6080/6AS7 one and not the 6SN7 (as I previously supposed) - since I prefer to have the bigger tube on the back, like with the stock tubes. And so far I've bought x3 6080/6AS7 'little' tubes, so..rip me lol.
PS: Oh, I forgot the main flaw I found mainly with the HD650..the bass were almost completely gone! The HD650 already doesn't have much bass, but with the DV there were even less.. so I hope it's mostly because of the (shitty) stock tubes, even if I know that solid state have more impact basses compared with tube amps.. but now it's like there aren't at all! :/
Clearly not the super pickup like the early Tung-Sol's but this combo does sound pretty darn good with my HD650's. I've also been eyeing a Sylvania 6SN7 for the sound stage and a Hytron/CBS 6SN7 as there are a lot of comments about it being a "soft and sweet" tube. I was a brass player in a symphonic orchestra and we're getting pretty close!
Also now I can't stop researching Project Sunrise. I'm officially addicted.
Glad my recommendations helped. That tungsol GTB is a great "sleeper" tube. Should pair well with the RCA.
My recent tube obsession for the dark voice is the 6c8g tubes (with adapters). These are pre 6sn7 tubes. I just got a nos national union (military grade) for $15. It's one of the best tubes I own. Great thing about 6c8g or 6f8g is they are much cheaper than 6sn7s and in some cases better. I'll put up pics later ..
No Bass? Definitely should be the opposite. The Ken rad should solve that. Are you using a DAC from your source (what is the source btw). That could play a huge role.
The 6080 tubes are certainly larger than 6sn7s, but they are smaller than the 6as7g which are coke bottle shaped. I'm not crazy about the GE 6080 tubes. No "magic" and pretty muddy with the 650s. It will likely sound even more muddy with the Ken rad. You should be able to get a RCA Jan 6as7g NOS for about $20. That will fit your large tube asthetic and will give contrasting sparkle to your Ken rad. I definitely recommend a that.
6080 tubes are quite different from 6as7g tubes. They tend to be warmer, but IMO more sluggish. Less "air." That said, I do like the Sylvania gold brand 6080 and the mullard 6080. They are fantastic with more clinical (less warm) driver tubes (like the Sylvania vt231).
6as7g tubes are completely different. Generally punchier, clearer, more expansive soundstage. The RCA JAN 6as7g is a great start. One of the better 6as7g tubes is the Tung Sol (sometimes labeled Chatham). These are generally around 40 to 50 dollars.
The adapters are almost entirely from Hong Kong or China. I'd go with a HK seller. I believe I got mine from a seller called tubemalls. You should be able to get one for about $15.
If you go for the 6c8g, hold out for a NOS JAN version national union. It will blow you away (pairs better with a 6as7g or 7236...I didn't like it with the 6080).
Regarding the RCA tube, do you mean this ?
PS. Now that you said that '6c8g tubes (with adapters) are better than 6sn7s, I guess I'm gonna start looking only for them (and no more 6sn7s).. lol
The RCA you show is a 6080. The 6as7g is completely different.
Oh rip..it was written RCA 6080/6as7g, so I thought they were the same..but I guess they are not and you meant this one..
For power tubes for the DV you can use any of the following: 1. 6as7g 2. 5998 (all are Tung Sol or Chatham) 3. 6080 4. 2399 (same as 5998) 5. 7236 (all are Tung Sol or Sylvania) 6. 5998a (same as 6as7g) 7. 421a (supposedly same as 5998, but like anything audiophile, it's debated... don't bother with these...waaay overpriced)
I'm sure there are a few obscure ones I'm missing
Which one do you think is better tough between RCA 6as7g, Chatham Electronics JAN CAHG 6AS7G and SVETLANA 6AS7G WING 'C'?
I'm pretty sure both tubes are used in the preamp section (just read that somewhere). Makes sense since you won't get sound with one or the other missing