LampizatOr Horizon - Tube Rolling Paradise

[godofwealth]

Yes. It could be system dependent or even these tubes. I have the same configuration as you Steve, as I followed your advice (which is why I got the TS in the first place). I have KT170s and a Tak recti. To my ears the metal base Sylvania and ECC32/31 sound better. Maybe it’s to do with other elements in system. Maybe your Wilson’s are brighter than my Marten and so the darkness of the tube balances perfectly at your house and not at mine. Or perhaps something else. I trust that you are happy. That is what matters in the end… I would still love to hear what a shoot out between metal Sylvania and/or ECC32 resulted in at your house.

Looking at the curves of the KT 170s, think I’ll stick with the 300Bs in my Pacific.

https://frank.pocnet.net/sheets/084/k/KT%20170_TungSol.pdf

 

[Sampajanna]

I had the RK tubes in my Pacific,. They were excellent. I am looking to upgrade these Kt170s soon to some NOS tubes. Perhaps 6384s. Also looking at NOS TS 6550s. I dont know how to read the graphs in that link. What do those measurements tell you?

Maybe my tubes are different or not as good. Could be. Any sources for these TS 6SN7?

 

[Golum]

Looking at the curves of the KT 170s, think I’ll stick with the 300Bs in my Pacific.

https://frank.pocnet.net/sheets/084/k/KT%20170_TungSol.pdf

Not really sure what Kt170 could do in Pacific…

 

[Steve Rowan]

I had bought a pair of the TS 6SN7 GTB.
I used them with the Kron 5u4G (not the signature) rectifier and KT 170s.
I was very disappointed. The Melz 6sn7 sound much better and so do my pair of 6N1P with adapters. The sound was, flat, sterile and hard.
This was after I found the problem with my rectifier. (See below!) I find it interesting that the TS 6SN7 GTB is supposed to be the super version of the TS 6SN7. I was expecting quite an upgrade. Perhaps it’s the influence of the Kron 5U4G Vs the TAK that most use.

I’m interested in the TAK rectifier. I’ve read lots of great reports but also from one well known member that they don’t sound the best with Lampi being “dark and bass heavy”. Raise your right hand and foot if you use the TAK with Horizon. That way I can get an accurate count!

During the last week I noticed that my system was just not sounding correct. I thought it sounded out of phase, flat and no dynamics. The very opposite
that my system with Horizon or for that matter my Pacific sounds. I switched to an Auralic Altair just for grins. It sounded better. So I figured a had a tube going out.

I’ve been using the USAF 596 “Frankie” as my Recti. It’s always been a favorite. I switched in the Kron and instantly the problem I’ve heard was fixed.
So beware a bad tube.

 

[dminches]

There are many versions of the Tung Sol GTB. That designation doesn’t point to just one variety of Tung Sol 6SN7s.

 

[Steve Williams]

I had bought a pair of the TS 6SN7 GTB.
I used them with the Kron 5u4G (not the signature) rectifier and KT 170s.
I was very disappointed. The Melz 6sn7 sound much better and so do my pair of 6N1P with adapters. The sound was, flat, sterile and hard.
This was after I found the problem with my rectifier. (See below!) I find it interesting that the TS 6SN7 GTB is supposed to be the super version of the TS 6SN7. I was expecting quite an upgrade. Perhaps it’s the influence of the Kron 5U4G Vs the TAK that most use.

I’m interested in the TAK rectifier. I’ve read lots of great reports but also from one well known member that they don’t sound the best with Lampi being “dark and bass heavy”. Raise your right hand and foot if you use the TAK with Horizon. That way I can get an accurate count!

During the last week I noticed that my system was just not sounding correct. I thought it sounded out of phase, flat and no dynamics. The very opposite
that my system with Horizon or for that matter my Pacific sounds. I switched to an Auralic Altair just for grins. It sounded better. So I figured a had a tube going out.

I’ve been using the USAF 596 “Frankie” as my Recti. It’s always been a favorite. I switched in the Kron and instantly the problem I’ve heard was fixed.
So beware a bad tube.

I used the RK 5u4g initially. Very musical and open but things did not shine for me until I replaced it with the Tak 274B

 

[Steve Rowan]

Hi Steven,
I will probably end up with the Taks. They have a great rep. I’m being cautious. I’ve got a large (to me) collection of tubes that I’ve purchased for my Dude preamp, and Lampi Level, Big 7, Golden Gate, Pacific, and Horizon. I purchase most after reading about them here. They have all Ben good. But now what yo do with them? I believe most are still in excellent condition. But without a tester I’m hesitant to sell as I’d want them to perform well and not sell under false pretense.

 

[Steve Rowan]

There are many versions of the Tung Sol GTB. That designation doesn’t point to just one variety of Tung Sol 6SN7s.

Hi,
I’m sure there are many different variations. The ones I’ve used and reported on are Tungsol 6SN7. GTB. At least that’s all the label on the boxes say. And also the add I bought them from on eBay.

 

[Sampajanna]

I have enjoyed the Tak recti. I still love the Frankie as well. I think it depends on the tube configuration. In my system both are better than the KR and the blue Sophia I have here. What other drivers have you tried? As mentioned, so far I find the Sylvania metal base and ECC32/31 to be best. I like tube rolling and hearing all the differences. It amazes me. Some day I will try some NOS rectifiers as well. I used to have a Woo audio headlamp (I switched to Cayin) and had a real nice Brimar recti in there with a brown base. I think it was a 5UFG, but not sure. I had rolled many in that amp and it was best. I wonder if something like it would do similar magic for the Horizon…. When it comes to tubes, they dont make em like they used to.

 

[Tuckia]

Hi,
I’m sure there are many different variations. The ones I’ve used and reported on are Tungsol 6SN7. GTB. At least that’s all the label on the boxes say. And also the add I bought them from on eBay.

Until you post a photo of these TS 6SN7 GTB no one will be able to offer a meaningful comment. It’s like saying you bought a Ford. They’re not new production Tung-sol are they? Those are turds. If you don’t have a tester they could be spent too.

Generally the Tak rectifier works better in the Horizon than in the Pacific. Each model of dac will have it’s favotites.

Today I’m running a KR 5u4g with csf 5687 and KT170. Sounds just fine. Until I get my amp and speakers optimized I’ll be running the second string squad. Hardly suffering.

My best are the Tak with ECC32 and KT170 or KRkt88.

Occasionally I’ll drop in a GEC u52, or RCA globe 80, or Ken Rad vt244, or RK 5u4g rectifier too. But the Tak is best.

 

[godofwealth]

Not really sure what Kt170 could do in Pacific…

Thank goodness for small mercies!

 

[Willgolf]

I have met so many wonderful people online through WBF. I really value the insight I learn from the many threads that are posted.

Through WBF, I conversed with Ray from Calgary. We have talked on and off for the last year. Out of the blue, he asked if I was available for a visit to Arizona. That is a long plane ride. He wanted to hear my system and frankly get out of the cold.

He also has a Horizon. We decided to do a shootout of three conversion tubes. I already solidified the Sophia Electric Aqua 274B and the NOS Tung Sol 6550 from the 60's.

I completed an extensive tub-rolling exercise as penned earlier in this thread. We started with the Phillips Mullard ECC81, which is a new NOS tube for me. After an hour I put in the Brimar Yellow T 6060. Ray immediately said wow a major uptick in sound quality. Everything was just more vibrant with more bass and a wider soundstage. I did not tell him which was my favorite tube because I wanted to hear his comments.

The last tube I stuck in was the Brimar 13D9. This has been my favorite tube so far and Ray totally agreed. He absolutely loved the tube. I gave him a pair to listen to in his system back home, so I will be anxious to get his feedback.

It is amazing that Ray flew from Calgary to Arizona to hear my system and to meet for the first time. Thank you WBF for having such a great place to discuss our hobby and thank you Ray for your insight on my system.

 

[Sampajanna]

I have met so many wonderful people online through WBF. I really value the insight I learn from the many threads that are posted.

Through WBF, I conversed with Ray from Calgary. We have talked on and off for the last year. Out of the blue, he asked if I was available for a visit to Arizona. That is a long plane ride. He wanted to hear my system and frankly get out of the cold.

He also has a Horizon. We decided to do a shootout of three conversion tubes. I already solidified the Sophia Electric Aqua 274B and the NOS Tung Sol 6550 from the 60's.

I completed an extensive tub-rolling exercise as penned earlier in this thread. We started with the Phillips Mullard ECC81, which is a new NOS tube for me. After an hour I put in the Brimar Yellow T 6060. Ray immediately said wow a major uptick in sound quality. Everything was just more vibrant with more bass and a wider soundstage. I did not tell him which was my favorite tube because I wanted to hear his comments.

The last tube I stuck in was the Brimar 13D9. This has been my favorite tube so far and Ray totally agreed. He absolutely loved the tube. I gave him a pair to listen to in his system back home, so I will be anxious to get his feedback.

It is amazing that Ray flew from Calgary to Arizona to hear my system and to meet for the first time. Thank you WBF for having such a great place to discuss our hobby and thank you Ray for your insight on my system.

That is epic. Wish I was there and hoping for more such real life friendships around here!! The world could use more stories like this. Made my day!

 

[takacs75]

That is epic. Wish I was there and hoping for more such real life friendships around here!! The world could use more stories like this. Made my day!

It is! As Gollum said to me it is the Horizon brotherhood. Since I’ve had my Horizon I met a lots of kind people here. I am so grateful to be here with you guys. I got so much help from this community. I didn’t know anything about tubes. Now I am a junior expert on Horizon tubes. I will do my best to give it back to you, and help you to find the best tubes to your system.

 

[christoph]

The last tube I stuck in was the Brimar 13D9. This has been my favorite tube so far and Ray totally agreed. He absolutely loved the tube. I gave him a pair to listen to in his system back home, so I will be anxious to get his feedback.

Does this 13D9 type tube need an adapter in the Horizon?

 

[dminches]

Does this 13D9 type tube need an adapter in the Horizon?

For sure. It is equivalent to an ECC81 which is a 9 pin preamp tube.

 

[Bbock]

Does this 13D9 type tube need an adapter in the Horizon?

13d9 are a drop-in replacement for a 12at7. I’m currently trying a pair out in my amps in place of the GEC A2900, another 12at7 drop-in replacement.

 

[dminches]

13d9 are a drop-in replacement for a 12at7. I’m currently trying a pair out in my amps in place of the GEC A2900, another 12at7 drop-in replacement.

I love the GEC A2900 in my phono pre. Nice sounding tube.

 

[Sablon Audio]

I’ve done a fair bit of esoteric 12at7 rolling, albeit in a different application, which some might find interesting (post 5 in link below). On my to-do list is the ecc40 (am just waiting on adapters), for which I have high hopes.

www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/riviera-levante.34741/#post-791592

 

[Willgolf]

Does this 13D9 type tube need an adapter in the Horizon?

Christoph
Yes, I am using the 12AU7 /12ATZ to 6SN7 adaptor.