So this is electrically equivalent to a 6SN7? Is it a dual triode and do you need two per side for balanced?
LampizatOr Baltic 3
- Thread starter VoicesInMyHead
- Start date
Thanks. I wonder if the adapter has resistors to strap it to triode mode to work in the 6SN7 position.
I've tried both National Union and Tungsol 6C8G - they have similar gain, maybe just a smidge more than the ECC32. No issues with them.
Hello All,
I am new to the community of Baltic 3 afficionados.
By chance I discovered that the factory in PL was offering a refurbished Baltic 3 with an hdmi/I2s connector. I purchased the unit since my streamer - Mano Ultra Mk III with Farrad 3 psu - does not implement USB and does I2S.
However, I turn to you to inquire about the tube complement delivered with the Baltic 3. I am not very familiar with vacuum tubes for which reason I seek to learn whether, in the eyes and ears of more experienced tube rollers, the complement in question is ‚quality’ stuff and/or how it can be bettered.
Thanks in advance,
Linlai E6SN7h
Philips JAN 5R4GA rectifier
Audioplated 12Au7/ECC82
I am new to the community of Baltic 3 afficionados.
By chance I discovered that the factory in PL was offering a refurbished Baltic 3 with an hdmi/I2s connector. I purchased the unit since my streamer - Mano Ultra Mk III with Farrad 3 psu - does not implement USB and does I2S.
However, I turn to you to inquire about the tube complement delivered with the Baltic 3. I am not very familiar with vacuum tubes for which reason I seek to learn whether, in the eyes and ears of more experienced tube rollers, the complement in question is ‚quality’ stuff and/or how it can be bettered.
Thanks in advance,
Linlai E6SN7h
Philips JAN 5R4GA rectifier
Audioplated 12Au7/ECC82
Welcome.
Welcome. The short version is that this is a great DAC and tube rolling is mostly a matter of personal taste and system compatibility. You might want to use the factory tubes to break in the DAC and get used to it's stock sound. While doing that, read through the older posts before plunging down the tube rabbit hole
Mourip!
Thanks for yours.
Of course, how else? My question about the tube complement is, so to say, theoretical: given the potential (of the DAC) is this tube complement a good choice?. (I find that the audio quality exceeds that of the Holo May presently consigned to a corner.)
Thanks for yours.
Of course, how else? My question about the tube complement is, so to say, theoretical: given the potential (of the DAC) is this tube complement a good choice?. (I find that the audio quality exceeds that of the Holo May presently consigned to a corner.)
Congrats to your B3!
Nobody ever wants to settle with provided tubes, whatever they are.... it's always more of a starting point.
I think the last year has been an experimentation with more adapters and converters than ever expanding the search for new tubes. some great discoveries has been made and I personally think we have seen some old favorite tubes being surpassed. some tubes mentioned in various Lampi threads here (Horizon for example) can also be used in Baltic, so keep an eye open in all Lampi threads.
My personal current favorites is ecc40 in the back row, c3g or e83f in the middle and a mesh az1 rectifier. now this is my current setup, but that is always subject to change. and yes, all of these require adapters. xulingmrs on ebay is our friend! unless you want to go premium, then (again) have a look in the Horizon tube threads and check in with @takacs75.
Anyway, B3 is a great fun DAC to own! Good choice!
For those who don’t need 5V power on their DAC ( Baltic ),…should also GROUND be taped ?
Should usb cable be taped on both ends independently of 5V and Ground ?
Thank you
I’m not familiar with the Baltic specs as I’m using TRP but so far I’ve had great results with a WW2 era JAN RCA 5R4GY. It easily outperforms the Sophia Aqua 274B rectifier that came with my dac.
My own experience is that I have no way of knowing how a given tube will sound until it is in my own system and has a few hours on it. In many cases it is a difference in "flavor" and not really "better" or "worse".
I do use personal accounts to add tubes to my short list to try but I am skeptical of anyone who says that one tube is better than another without giving many details about the rest of their system and sonic preferences. I tend to gravitate to posters who seem to describe their experience in a way that reflects my own preferences. Our hobby seems more similar to cooking and "reviews" are very listener dependent...
If it is "affordable then buy it and let us know how you liked it in your system.
PS. My favorites so far are a VALVO AZ1 MESH PLATES BULB GLOBE 1930's and a Brimar KB/FE 5Z4GY (CV1863) but each for different reasons.
Question.I bought a "ECC40 instead 6SN7 tube converter adapter" from Ebay a number of months ago. I am just getting around to using it and have a question. Does the glass "nipple" on the side of the tube line up with the black mark made on the 9 pin socket?
Thanks!
Thanks!
ECC40 are among the best tubes ever, althought they are (not arguably but statistically) the most prone to failure.
Have any of you had your B3 stop producing an output even though it shows up as available through software, in my case Roon?
I have owned it for three years but had not listened to music for a couple of months due to a change in my listening space. The tubes light/heat up and it shows in Roon as playing a song but I get no music. I do get music when trying a different DAC, another Roon endpoint and different cables. I tried swapping out tubes to no avail. I tested for high voltage on the tube sockets and that was OK. Yes, the USB button was pushed in.
My amp is an LTA Ultralinear which might have protection circuitry. Perhaps DC on the output of the B3? The LTA works fine with the other DAC.
I emailed Lampi NA but am still waiting for word back. Luckily I am still under warranty...
I have owned it for three years but had not listened to music for a couple of months due to a change in my listening space. The tubes light/heat up and it shows in Roon as playing a song but I get no music. I do get music when trying a different DAC, another Roon endpoint and different cables. I tried swapping out tubes to no avail. I tested for high voltage on the tube sockets and that was OK. Yes, the USB button was pushed in.
My amp is an LTA Ultralinear which might have protection circuitry. Perhaps DC on the output of the B3? The LTA works fine with the other DAC.
I emailed Lampi NA but am still waiting for word back. Luckily I am still under warranty...
If you are sure you're in USB mode, my next suggestion would be to try a different rectifier tube. Even if the other tubes are lit, a failing rectifier can cause you to have no sound in either channel.
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