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Request: I know a few things, but please pretend that I really don't! I just joined this drop for my Sennheiser 6xx (less so for AKG K7xx). Could someone provide a tube primer answering the MOST basic questions specific to this 336SE? I think it would benefit people. I've scrolled and scrolled and scrolled and even when I hit a post that isn't about delivery, shipping, comparison, etc. it's difficult to self educate by filling in the missing pieces.
Please explain to someone assuming nothing is known....
What are each of the tubes? Are there size designations I need to know? Or model numbers include the size? How does one go about shopping for different tubes to tube roll? Do you get both sizes at the same time? Do you just replace the big one? Hahah...see I don't even know what it's called. (the big one, the small one)
MickxalYoutube
18
Mar 12, 2018
MarriedinorlandoThe big tube is an 6AS7G tube. The small is a 6N7 tube. If you want to tube shop. Go with a GE 6AS7G and a RCA 6N7 tube or a Western electric tube from the tube store. Older tubes sound better 50' 60'. They are called NOS
Alexi
11
Mar 12, 2018
MarriedinorlandoI got one of these not through massdrop, but as a gift. I didn't know ANYTHING about tubes whatsoever prior to that, so I had a lot of the same questions. I'll do my best to answer.
In order: "What are each of the tubes?" There are two tubes. The larger one in the back is the power tube, whereas the one in the front is the actual amplifier.
" Are there size designations I need to know? Or model numbers include the size? " There are model numbers actually printed on the unit itself, immediately beneath each tube socket. The power tube is "6AS7", and the amplifier tube is the "6SN7". As far as I can tell, as long as you get a tube that is a 6AS7, it's gonna fit in the 6SN7 socket, period.
" How does one go about shopping for different tubes to tube roll? " Research and ebay. The default tubes aren't bad by any means (at least for me), so at least start with them. (Note: my tubes were a bit corroded upon receipt so even though they worked and sounded great, they would have failed sooner rather than later.) Also, the keyword you're looking for is "new old stock", or "NOS". This means that the tubes are "new" in the sense that they've never been used, but have been "in stock" (on a shelf) for a while. Like 40 years a while. To replace my tubes, I did a fair amount of research. I got myself an RCA Military 6080 for the power tube, and an Electro-Harmonix Gold for the amp. My research suggested the EH was a very good choice, whereas the RCA military tube....I probably could have gotten something better, but oh well. It sounds nice, but bass isn't QUITE as punchy as I'd like. But it still sounds fantastic.
" Do you get both sizes at the same time? " You mean both tubes at the same time? Yes, they both come in the box. You mean "do I have to replace both at the same time"? No, you don't.
" Do you just replace the big one? " See above.
Some final notes: - This thing runs HOT. It shouldn't be an issue, but just don't grab the tubes when they're hot. I have a small USB fan (a quiet one) that is blowing on the side of this and things are MUCH cooler. - Sometimes when you get tubes, particularly the preamp tube, you might hear some hum/buzz. This does NOT mean you have a bad unit, or even a bad tube! When tubes haven't been used for a while, air leaks in VERY slowly. After a few days of use, or a solid day of burnin, the hum should dissipate/disappear. (Basically you're burning off the air. It's complicated and I'm not good at chemistry.) - This thing is awesome, and make sure you have a good audio source! Your 30c DAC in your phone is NOT a good audio source. If you're buying a tube amp I assume you already know this, but it's worth mentioning.
AlexiThanks a bunch. I think I’m way more clear With perhaps a few questions I’ll ask later If I can’t “Google it myself”.
My only DAC is the Creative e5 I actually got here. My iPhone X is my source which I thought has a decent DAC. I’ll have to look into that next. I think output from iPhone requires a compatible DAC.
Danbstein
306
Mar 12, 2018
MarriedinorlandoI posted a list of tube combinations I like (with pics). Scroll down a little... not too far down
Assimilator702
184
Mar 12, 2018
AlexiIsn't one tube the preamp tubes with the other being a power tube? I know the seller 6SN7 is a double triode which which would make it the power/output tube. The larger one would be the preamp tube? I'm still learning tubes but I have a general knowledge of solid state amplifier design.
DanbsteinThanks. I’ll have to try figuring out how that post is organized. It is still confusing me with the A and B and the numbers. I need to figure out the numbering schemes.
Danbstein
306
Mar 12, 2018
Assimilator7026sn7 is a driver tube. The 6as7g/6080/7236 is the power tube.
Danbstein
306
Mar 12, 2018
MarriedinorlandoThe "A" list is the 6sn7 tubes I prefer with a 7236/6as7g power tubes. The "B" list is the 6sn7 tubes I prefer with the 5998/6080 power tubes. Yeah the formatting options for these discussion forums leaves alot to be desired
DanbsteinGot it now! Lots of letters and numbers for newbies. Especially factoring in equivalencies and compatibilities.
Assimilator702
184
Mar 14, 2018
DanbsteinIs a driver tube actually in the preamp section or is it closer to the driver transistors in a solid state amp that provides a slight voltage increase before the output transistors ? Just trying to compare to my Little Dot MK II which has 2 dual Triode 6N6P for power tubes and 2 EF95/91/92 Pentode tubes for driver tubes.
Danbstein
306
Mar 16, 2018
Assimilator702I'm not sure about the first part of your question....I can talk tubes, but I'm less knowledgeable about HOW amps actually function. Regarding the second part of your question, both the DV and the MkII are OTL tube amps with driver and power tubes (although they use different types of tubes). So, I would imagine the tubes work similarly (electronically) in both amps.
I actually have both amps--and they SOUND completely different. The DV is a much more powerful amp, plus it uses FAR better tubes. That being said, I like both amps BECAUSE they sound different. They both work well with different headphones which is another reason I use both.
BTW, I'm sure you've experimented with a variety of tubes with the MKII (it's such a great tube for tube rolling). If you want to take the amp to another level (assuming you haven't already), try the following tube set up: 1. For the driver tubes, get c3g tubes (you will need a c3g to 6ak5 adapter). While the c3g's are expensive (about $75 for a pair and about another $30 for the adapters), they are outrageous tubes. It's like getting a much higher end amp....the sound difference is stunning. 2. For the power tubes, get a pair of inexpensive 6sn7 tubes (I have a pair of Sylvania 6sn7gt tubes, early 50's vintage, that work really well that only cost me $30 for the pair). You will need 6sn7 to 6n6p converters.
The pictures below are of that set up.
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DiMora
263
Oct 17, 2018
AlexiYessir, I just learned about this. Google "vacuum tube getter" and learn about how the "getter" works. In short, it is inside the tube and it collects all the impure gasses in the vacuum tube. The contaminants are what are causing the hum with new / un-burned in tubes (or tubes that have been sitting around for years).
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