Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[Musica Amantem]

I wonder if the rectifier/input tube combinations I've been using are not the ideal with my particular 6V6 tubes, as my gear does not sound as good with these as with the 6P3S-E and GL KT 88.

The RCA G ST can only be paired with the 80 rectifier (5Y3), and I need yet to try two additional 80 options I have. But, the RCA 6V6 GT I've paired with 5Z4, 5Z3 and 274-B, not one combination being as good as with the larger tubes.

Given the 6V6's modest power rating I always use the 6SL7 input tube types with these, but maybe I should trade off some of that gain (using the preamp) and apply some 6SN7's. We'll see. I'm also hoping to make the 6V6 sing with a Psvane UK 6SN7 input tube coming.

[FloridaBoy]

The Pope 6V6's are excellent tubes too. However, I have not heard the Visseaux 6V6.

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Musica Amantem

I wonder if the rectifier/input tube combinations I've been using are not the ideal with my particular 6V6 tubes, as my gear does not sound as good with these as with the 6P3S-E and GL KT 88.

The RCA G ST can only be paired with the 80 rectifier (5Y3), and I need yet to try two additional 80 options I have. But, the RCA 6V6 GT I've paired with 5Z4,5Z3 and 274-B, not one combination being as good as with the larger tubes.

Given the 6V6's modest power rating I always use the 6SL7 input tube types with these, but maybe I should trade off some of that gain (using the preamp) and apply some 6SN7's. We'll see. I'm also hoping to make the 6V6 sing with a Psvane UK 6SN7 input tube coming.

Did this occur after you got the new DAC?

[Musica Amantem]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

Did this occur after you got the new DAC?

It really does not have anything to do with it, IMO. The new DAC is so much better in all aspects, it enhances the sourcing in a very significant way no matter what tube complement I use. I believe my combination of loudspeakers and the Inspire setting happen to have more synergies with both the 6L6 (best in details) and the KT-88 (best in body), than any other output tube I have used.

The 6V6 sound just fine, better than I've ever heard them with my previous amp, but not as good as the mentioned, larger-sized, alternatives. Go figure!

[BearCityUSA]

Peter,

If I recall you had built some speaker wires from some WE wire. What were your results? If you posted elsewhere please send me a link.

Thanks,
Scott

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by BearCityUSA

Peter,

If I recall you had built some speaker wires from some WE wire. What were your results? If you posted elsewhere please send me a link.

Thanks,
Scott

I did. I can't say that I noticed anything significant. A fun project, I like how they look, and they add mystique to the system.

Jeff Day would argue that the bananas degrade the sound.

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Musica Amantem

It really does not have anything to do with it, IMO. The new DAC is so much better in all aspects, it enhances the sourcing in a very significant way no matter what tube complement I use. I believe my combination of loudspeakers and the Inspire setting happen to have more synergies with both the 6L6 (best in details) and the KT-88 (best in body), than any other output tube I have used.

The 6V6 sound just fine, better than I've ever heard them with my previous amp, but not as good as the mentioned, larger-sized, alternatives. Go figure!

I forgot that you got different speakers too

The Shuguang Treasure KT66z is the tube w/ the most body in my rig and it plays well with the UK CV-181/6SN7 detailed and extended top & bottom.

[Musica Amantem]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

I forgot that you got different speakers too

The Shuguang Treasure KT66z is the tube w/ the most body in my rig and it plays well with the UK CV-181/6SN7 detailed and extended top & bottom.

Is that input tube the high-priced (about double) alternative relative to the more affordable Psvane UK 6SN7? Have you compared those two paired with the GL KT-66z and found the price difference worth it?

[FloridaBoy]

Is that input tube the high-priced (about double) alternative relative to the more affordable Psvane UK 6SN7? Have you compared those two paired with the GL KT-66z and found the price difference worth it?

No, it's the same tube. When I am home next weekend I'll try it with the GL KT66 and the Treasure KT66z and post. I like the KT66z a lot and bought another quad for $242 from Hanshare Electronics on the auction site. Good seller. I got the UK 6SN7's from him. I have a lot of old production 6SN7's and the UK 6SN7 betters all of them with the KT66z.

I was tempted by a pair of 1952 Amperex/Mullard EL 37's. They went for $202. However, I *know* how the KT66z sounds and just went with them.

I am pretty much done with tube old production power tube rolling. Except for 6V6's the new tubes sound better. YMMV.

[nhparrot]

Have accumulated a number of tubes for my preamp and drivers, rectifiers and power tubes for my Inspire Firebottle that I have decided I no longer need.