LampizatOr Golden Atlantic + TRP
- Thread starter Golum
- Start date
I still have the problem with the EL51's that I spoke to after getting the first pair. The Tesla EL51 seems to either hit a volume level or excites the room in a way that feels overloaded at a much lower preamp volume setting than, say, a GEC KT66. It makes it hard to go more than medium loud without losing some clarity.
Glad you're enjoying 'em D. I should have loaned you my gz480 which has been my favorite recti tube by far with the 51s....
Which recti is that?
In reading tube test results, does the term Reference refer to specs when new or the bad point? For example, if a tube measures 52/52 on a Hickock T7 with a reference of 40, does that it mean it’s measuring better than new, or used but still a little life left?
The latter.
I have been searching ebay for out-of-production rectifier tubes and for the types I am after many times 40 is indicated as minimum value in testing, which represents 65% of new. If you do your maths it means that new would be around 62. NOS tubes often measure even better than that.
Well, minimum value can be considered as a reference point too.
What tube is it?
I'm sure that the "reference" value of 40 is the minimum good amount here.
I'm thinking of getting a Fivre 5R4GY too. That, or a BRIMAR 5R4GY
There are a few Fivre on eBay right now, almost all from one Italian dealer, and all priced for a market that doesn't appear to exist (they've not sold in months). When I asked why what seem to be well used ones -- 50/50 and 52/52 with 40 as the reference -- were priced as such, he got quite huffy. But then I thought maybe there's something I don't get about the measurements. There seem to be quite a few Brimar's going for a fraction of the Fivre's.
How important is it to match all four tubes in a balanced DAC? It's hard enough finding a matched pair of EL51s much less a matched quad.
I would say it is pretty important. It puts you in control of your tone. Matching the plate current and transconductance allows you to set the bias with maximum precision for that optimal sweet spot where the tubes will sound their best and allow for more playing time. If quad is not an option, go with two pairs.
THE different and cool thing about the TRP VS THE GG/PAC is that for the balanced version, you dont need 4 tubes to play it. If you only insert the front 2 tubes its essentially a SE Dac and U can use that mode to test out new tubes to see if you like them in your system.You can also use TWO different matched pairs of pentodes in the TRP, as long as you have each side with one tube each of the pair, ie left side has one 588/6L6 tube and one EL34 tube. Now, how this will sound is Bal mode and if it is theoretically good for optiomal SQ, I have no idea, but its perfectly safe to try and may suit some people.
@wison Thanks for the info. The following is confirmation from Lukasz with some additional details.
- Is the GA TRP 2 auto-biasing so that it will adjust for different spec tubes? In other words, as long as I insert a tube with matching pinout, it won’t cause damage to the DAC? YES, EXACTLY. ANY PENTODE OR TERODE WITH SAME PINOUT WILL WORK JUST FINE
- How important is to use matching quad tubes vs two sets of matched pairs vs all unmatched? Is there a specific left vs right side that I should install them if they aren’t matched? EACH TUBE HAS THE PARAMETERS SET INDIVIDUALLY, SO THEORETICALLY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH USING 4 RADICALLY DIFFERENT TUBES. THE LEFT - RIGHT WORK AS “SEEN” AND REAR ROW IS BALANCED NEGATIVE, FRONT ROW IS SE AND XLR POSITIVE. WHEN YOU LISTEN TO SE YOU CAN USE ONLY FRONT ROW OF TUBES.
I thought this is possible with the balanced GG/Pacific DACs as well just that there it is the back pair of sockets to use as SE only?
Is this correct from my memory.
If not, please correct me
Has anyone experimented with PCs on the Lampi? I just put a Synergistic Research Galileo SX on the TRP and holy hell the stage just expanded exponentially with incredible bass tonality and texturing. I've never experienced imaging like this - 30 feet up in the air with wraparound!
I have a Synergistic Research PowerCell 12 UEF SE and PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant 12 Regenerator en route to me. I will report back once I've had a chance to evaluate.
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