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Welho
15
Jan 14, 2018
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OCBob
526
Jan 14, 2018
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WelhoThe version you get depends on the power where you live. In the user manual (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vsy9mnAwNpDccumB9El3yATeeGX_S7rL/view?usp=sharing) it is recommended that you don't leave the amp running constantly (during burn in). Rather, you should turn it off on occasion. Generally, I give my tube amps a break after the 4 to 5 hour mark. I also try to avoid turning them on and off constantly; in other words, if I'm turning it on it's going to be on for a while. The amp will get quite hot after several hours, but it also sounds better after it's nice and warmed up. The burn-in on this thing is also real. They do a factory test of the circuit, but they don't do and extended burn-in. You can use it during that initial burn-in period, but I also don't recommend you use it with your favorite cans. My first listen with any amp is with a set of $35 Porta Pros. As far as your electric bill, I really can't say how much of an impact this had on my bill. I'd probably cut the most off the bill if the kids and wife turned the lights off when they left a room.
jasonlook
11
Jan 15, 2018
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Welho110v or 220v depend on your country. If you are in US, 110v is the correct version.
The amp consumes about 30watt energy. That is not a high number, the light bulb usually consumes 50watt if not LED. In short it won't cost you much electricity.
But the problem you need to be aware is that this amp, like any tube amp, produce a lot of heat. You get burned if you touch it. So I do not suggest you use it continuously for more than 6 hours. Give it a break for 30 min after 6 hours.
jasonlook
11
Jan 15, 2018
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jotante220v should be good. I am not sure if it is exactly 230 or 240 or 220 in Australia.
jotante
10
Jan 15, 2018
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jasonlookSweet thanks. Btw, not sure if im barking at the right place, anyone here has thoughts on how well this tube amp will work with an audioquest dragonfly red DAC? Im using this DAC with the HD6xx now. Was thinking if the amp is worth getting too for at home listening. I'm also looking at the JAN 5654 tubes instead of just the stock.
Eli35
653
Jan 16, 2018
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jotante- I'll be a good match with the dragonfly red, just turn the dragonfly volume to 100% to enable the line out (according to Audioquest, it theorically skips the amp phase, giving you a "cleaner" signal to feed your amp).
- Little Dot MKII is a OTL amp, and it's a perfect match for high impedance cans like the HD6XX. I have the Little Dot I+, a hybrid version of this amp, and it works pretty well. The MKII is supposed to be even better for this kind of headphones, so it's definitely worth.
- Stock 6J1 tubes are crap, you HAVE to buy something better to replace them. Using the stock chinese 6J1 tubes would be like mounting economy tires on a Ferrari: ruining the whole thing for saving a few bucks. For $20, the GE JAN 5654 are a solid upgrade. And you can always buy some other tubes later to test and compare, just make sure to look for "matched pairs". My two favourite tubes are the Mullard M8161/CV4015 and Voskhod 6ZH1P, both great for the HD6XX, and both can be easily found on eBay for a low price ($10-$30). Some more info about tubes can be found here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/little-dot-tube-amps-vacuum-tube-rolling-guide.563884/
- Little Dot MKII is a OTL amp, and it's a perfect match for high impedance cans like the HD6XX. I have the Little Dot I+, a hybrid version of this amp, and it works pretty well. The MKII is supposed to be even better for this kind of headphones, so it's definitely worth.
- Stock 6J1 tubes are crap, you HAVE to buy something better to replace them. Using the stock chinese 6J1 tubes would be like mounting economy tires on a Ferrari: ruining the whole thing for saving a few bucks. For $20, the GE JAN 5654 are a solid upgrade. And you can always buy some other tubes later to test and compare, just make sure to look for "matched pairs". My two favourite tubes are the Mullard M8161/CV4015 and Voskhod 6ZH1P, both great for the HD6XX, and both can be easily found on eBay for a low price ($10-$30). Some more info about tubes can be found here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/little-dot-tube-amps-vacuum-tube-rolling-guide.563884/
jotante
10
Jan 16, 2018
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Eli35Hello, thanks so much this is really good to know. Yeah im still a newbie when it comes to amp tubes. I saw the rolling tubes guide and it seems that I will like both the JAN 5654 and CV4010; I tend to like warmer, clear details of acoustic mids and highs, other random instruments like the xylophones and the resonance ringing (love it!). Anyways, I think i'll go with the JAN5654 first since it's not as expensive as the CV4010, then get the CV4010/CV4015 next time through ebay etc.. Unless, if you reckon i should go for the CV4010, from the description in the guide it seems almost similar.
Also, im also thinking of getting a decent turntable which i hopefully i can make use of this amp too. That of course i can't use the dragonfly red. :D Please let me know if you have more two cents on turntables, and rolling tube amps. :D Would love to read/hear opinions. Thanks so much btw!
Also, im also thinking of getting a decent turntable which i hopefully i can make use of this amp too. That of course i can't use the dragonfly red. :D Please let me know if you have more two cents on turntables, and rolling tube amps. :D Would love to read/hear opinions. Thanks so much btw!
Eli35
653
Jan 16, 2018
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jotanteI'm glad to help :) I have no idea on turntables, can't help you with that. Just try to avoid feeding the Little Dot with an already-amped signal, that adds up more distortion and, if the other amp has a huge gain and you turn the volume up to 100% on it, you can experience some clipping (even burning your Little Dot, if voltage is MASSIVE, but that's not common).
About tubes, I've heard just four models: - Mullard M8161: zero background noise, a tad bright (in a good way), crystal clear, spacious and airy, amazing for female vocals. - Voskhod 6ZH1P: noisy until well burned-in (about 50h or so), neutral (not cold, not bright), super balanced, great midrange. - Valvo 6CQ6: a bit noisy, lacks some bass for my taste, mid-centric and intimate. - Chinese 6J1: crappy, noisy, looks fragile and poorly built, too bright, lacks body and definition, harsh, get rid of them ASAP.
Price/performance, and according to your preferences, the Voskhods are the best: you can find a matched pair for around $15 with shipping on eBay, and you'll love their sound, one of the best sounding EF95 tubes according to a lot of people (also me). Mullards M8161 are also great, I prefer them for my Fostex T-X0 planar headphones (T50RP mkII slightly modded) and, depending on the music, also for my HD6XX; but M8161 are a bit pricier and harder to find, I could buy my pair for around $30 a few months ago but couldn't find any matched pair for this price ATM.
And another important thing: the power tubes! There's a lot of soviet 6N6P tubes on eBay for ~$20 with shipping, and I read that they can improve the sound a bit. It's probably worth buying one pair and trying for yourself, worst case you got some spare tubes that you'll need at some point (you know, tubes don't last forever, they usually work for a few thousand hours and eventually they blow out).
About tubes, I've heard just four models: - Mullard M8161: zero background noise, a tad bright (in a good way), crystal clear, spacious and airy, amazing for female vocals. - Voskhod 6ZH1P: noisy until well burned-in (about 50h or so), neutral (not cold, not bright), super balanced, great midrange. - Valvo 6CQ6: a bit noisy, lacks some bass for my taste, mid-centric and intimate. - Chinese 6J1: crappy, noisy, looks fragile and poorly built, too bright, lacks body and definition, harsh, get rid of them ASAP.
Price/performance, and according to your preferences, the Voskhods are the best: you can find a matched pair for around $15 with shipping on eBay, and you'll love their sound, one of the best sounding EF95 tubes according to a lot of people (also me). Mullards M8161 are also great, I prefer them for my Fostex T-X0 planar headphones (T50RP mkII slightly modded) and, depending on the music, also for my HD6XX; but M8161 are a bit pricier and harder to find, I could buy my pair for around $30 a few months ago but couldn't find any matched pair for this price ATM.
And another important thing: the power tubes! There's a lot of soviet 6N6P tubes on eBay for ~$20 with shipping, and I read that they can improve the sound a bit. It's probably worth buying one pair and trying for yourself, worst case you got some spare tubes that you'll need at some point (you know, tubes don't last forever, they usually work for a few thousand hours and eventually they blow out).
Eli35
653
Jan 16, 2018
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jotanteAaand yes, if you get into this drop, you should definitely get the JAN5654 upgrade. They're (supposedly) good tubes well worth the +$20. You can always buy some other tubes later, but at least get a good pair to begin with. And, who knows, maybe after trying a few other tubes you end up liking more the 5654. It's always good to have different sets of tubes to swap and match your headphones/music/mood better. It's like clothes: even if you have one favorite t-shirt you don't wear it everyday, do you? :)
Spitfire417
4
Feb 13, 2018
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Eli35Best quote of the thread! "Using the stock chinese 6J1 tubes would be like mounting economy tires on a Ferrari: ruining the whole thing for saving a few bucks."
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