C1000T with new Gold Lion tubes

[jdandy]

Yesterday morning I opened the C1000T preamplifier once again. This time it was to remove the Tung-Sol 12AX7 Gold Pin tubes that I enjoy so much, and replace them with the new Gold Lion 12AX7 tubes that arrived last week. When I opened the new Gold Lion tube boxes and removed the 12AX7's, I found them beautiful to look at with the Gold Lion logo on the glass, and gold pins protruding from the bottom. Using my trusty yellow Playtex glove I removed the Tung-Sols from the line stage tube window, and inserted the Gold Lions back into the empty sockets, then installed the two tube window covers and the C1000T top cover.

I energized the system, letting the C1000T and the two MC275's warm for an hour before auditioning any music. I selected Fourplay - Between The Sheets as the CD to audition. I have listened to this CD at least 20 times, and feel very familiar with its sound. My first impression of the new Gold Lion 12AX7's was they were brighter than the Tung-Sol tubes. Cymbals were noticeably more forward, as was the electric guitar and upper keyboard notes. The Gold Lion's sounded amazingly clean and detailed with the single exception of this brightness. I decided to let the tubes burn in, so I put the MCD500 in Repeat All Tracks mode, and left the system alone to play until the tubes had 12 hours on them.

I returned to the studio sweet spot yesterday evening. Playing the same CD, I could hardly believe my ears. What a metamorphosis the Gold Lion tubes went through. Wow. The initial exaggerated brightness was history. In its place was a smooth, ultra quiet, wonderfully balanced audio presentation. The tubes got even more impressive as additional hours were logged on them while listening last night. I did not turn the two channel tube system in the studio off until after 2:00 AM. I just couldn't make myself shut it down. I have been listening more today, and now have 25 hours on the Gold Lion 12AX7 tubes. What I am experiencing is the very best sound I have ever heard from the C1000T preamplifier, better than the Telefunken 12AX7's, and the Tung-Sol Gold pins. The sound has a genuine breath of real life. You can almost feel the musicians and singers body heat. Every CD I have listened to, even some Celtic Treasure discs have been awe inspiring in their sense of being alive in the room. I don't want to give the wrong impression when I use the word crisp, because there is no shrillness or sharp edge to any part of the sonic presentation, but everything is in crisp focus. The metallic bite of horns, the dynamic snap of drum sticks and vibrating skins, the impact of kick drum, the lingering acoustic guitar strings, the shimmer of vibrating cymbals and brushes sliding on cymbals are startlingly real. Vocals are so lifelike it is good that I have vision, or I would certainly believe that singers were actually standing in the room. The dimensional qualities presented, the spatial cues were all accurate to the nth degree. There were moments this afternoon and this evening that qualified as goosebumps and hair raising experiences. The sound stage was as wide as I have experienced on this sound system, with audible sounds that exceeded the width and depth of the room. I am very impressed.

Truly amazing audio performances have been presented to me with the introduction of the Gold Lions 12AX7 tubes into the C1000T preamplifier. After many different 12AX7 tubes rolled through this preamp, including Telefunken, Tung-Sol Gold Pins, standard Tung-Sol's, Philips, Mullard, and stock McIntosh tubes, I have found a new favorite 12AX7 that tops them all. The Gold Lion 12AX7 tubes offer crystal clear, solid top to bottom performance from an ultra black background. I can highly recommend the new Gold Lion 12AX7 tubes to anyone looking to improve the sound of their tube based sound systems. Give them some time to burn in, and they will reward you richly. These babies are the real McCoy.

[two dot]

WOW.. I think he likes them...

[vintage_tube]

I'm really pleased with the new 12 volt GL reissue tubes & haven't thought of NOS in quite some time.

IMO, both the 12AT7GENGP's and 12AX7GENGP's are excellent performers and for most tube rollers -- they eliminate the NOS sale pitch & exorbant prices those command.

Glad you find them pleasing as well Dan.

Bob

[jdandy]

Bob.......Thanks. You turned me on to them, and I am glad you did. Next stop is to try the Gold Lion 12AT7 tubes in the two MC275's. I can tell you for sure, the Gold Lion 12AX7's in the C1000T have absolutely floored me.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Bob.......Thanks. You turned me on to them, and I am glad you did. Next stop is to try the Gold Lion 12AT7 tubes in the two MC275's. I can tell you for sure, the Gold Lion 12AX7's in the C1000T have absolutely floored me.

You're welcomed & definitely try the 12AT7GENGP's -- besides, you can also use them in the MC2301's when they arrive.

Bob

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

You're welcomed & definitely try the 12AT7GENGP's -- besides, you can also use them in the MC2301's when they arrive.

Bob

Bob.......Oh the pressure.

[Masterlu]

I just bought a set from analogtubes.com

[jdandy]

Ivan.......I am done tube roling in the C1000T. For me, these are the tubes that thrill. I have been listening all evening, and still can't believe the 3 dimensional presentation and clarity. The two channel tube system has never sounded better. I wanted to have these tubes in the preamp in time for the Bryston 10b Sub active crossover. It is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Then a whole new series of listening experiences begin. What a blast this hobby is.

Good to see you made it to south Florida safe and sound. How's THE ROOM these days?

[PHC1]

Dan, good to know the GLs are impressing you. Thanks for sharing!

[hkval]

Hi Dan: Just ordered the Gold Lion AX7's based on your review. My new C1000T will arrive on Friday and I will set it up on Saturday. Analogtubes.com had the better price including matching so I followed Ivan's lead. Now, what do I do with my brand new Tung-Sol 12AX7's? Audiogon, here I come again.