Steve if you look at your spec sheet - at the end of it you should have data about output voltage. If you have numbers for low and high - you have the switch inside.
Pacific dac: Lampizator's new top of the line dac
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Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
I reached out to Fred and here is what he told me
"On DACs without volume control there is a "ln internal two position with for a high and low output level"
That's why I guess I hadn't heard of it as mine has volume control
Many of us are less tarnished by drinking more.
They just have a bit strange way of showing their mutual love feelings - all is good in La la land
I'm not sure I had them both at the same time but the difference remains the same.
The 242 is more transparent and has (even) more gain, the RK PX25 is more robust sounding with a tiny little bit better/more soundstage depth.
Try the RK PX25 in your Pacific Steve, you have nothing to lose
But give them a proper burn-in procedere for a fair compare.
I use this method from the EML Labs website:
http://www.emissionlabs.com/diversen/FAQ.html
Do the tubes need a burn in?
Yes they do! Good Burn-in will assure maximum lifetime and develop the final sound. Lifetime of EML tubes is exceptional long, as you can also see from our guarantee conditions. This also means, the burn-in process may take longer as compared to other tubes. Burn in may take 100…300 hours under normal (home) use conditions. Specially when it seems, burn in takes place only slow, the tubes rather need 300 hours than100 hours. It is better to switch off the amplifier after each use, for best formatting of the cathode. The tubes benefit from the cold periods in between. Some occasional blue glow effects will disappear during burn-in, or may stay. This is not gas, and it is normal. Use different loudness levels from the beginning, and increase the maximum loudness gradually. If tubes were switched off longer than 18 months, is may be necessary to repeat the burn in.
Some background: These tubes are burned-in initially, because factory testing can only be done after the tube data has become stabile, and after a tube has developed strong emission. However emission of the cathode is still not homogenous at this moment. After full burn in, emission is build by many small islands, overlapping each other. Though initially, these islands do not fully overlap. This slow development of a homogenous layer, is the final burn in process. The tube should be give time for this, and not stressed into it. This is why we advise to do the burn-in process under normal use conditions. Many short use periods have a better result than few long periods. Switch off the amplifier after each use, and in the beginning not use the tubes longer than 4 hours at one time. Many short use periods have a better result than few long periods. The tubes need the „cold“ periods in between for best formatting. Use different loudness levels from the beginning, and increase the maximum loudness gradually.
If tubes with very little use were switched off longer than 18 months, it may be necessary to repeat the burn in. So tubes that were not used for some years, may sound unpleasant, and simply need a new burn in.
If tubes with very little use were switched off longer than 18 months, it may be necessary to repeat the burn in. So tubes that were not used for some years, may sound unpleasant, and simply need a new burn in.
Yes, Please get adapters, this is just too interesting not to do and compare the various options you have
And see if you can get the RK 5u4g rectifieres as they really sound quite a bit better than the regular KR 5u4g.
Yes, you should give the 242 a try. If the 242 works in your system, then it is magical
I think my Pacific has that internal gain switch but I haven't found the neccessity to try so far.
Next time I have it open I will have a look...
I think it would be best to ask Fred Ainsley if your exact Pacific has that switch but I guess your unit has it as well.
Chris units with VC don't have it as Steve rightly said...I don't have VC so i have it
I feel your reply is spot on cris. Knowing me I like brutality more lol.I first had the regular 242 in my (ex-)GG1.9 and they were the perfect match
Later (with my Pacific) I got the RK 242 and gave away the regular ones, so not a direct comparison, then
But from memory, I would say the regular 242 is a little more "brutally" transparent with a little more gain and the RK 242 is a bit more refined and has a tad less gain. This is with a pinch of salt, obviously.
Let me say this. I had a unit with no volume on low it for me hurt dynamics on high it was as it should be. If I were you use the volume in the player to adjust for balance
It does not have any negative affects until it’s lowered let’s 20 % but this is player sensitive. May I ask what player you are using ? Also Roon vol control is not a good one where I river or hq player are good ones
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
as all of you know my amps are pure class A and as big as they are they are only 32 wpc. I have found that the KR242 with its raw brute strength has awakened my system and brought the sound quality to a level I never thought I could achieve. That is why I have been lazy as to trying the RK-KR PX25 tubes
The 242 reflects more the recording soundstage, while PX25 has more of a fixed stage. The 242 stage can therefore be quite gigantic and rise and fall. It also shows much more concert hall ambience, has the highest dynamic range per note and maximum inflection and nuance. Heihei's Pac 242ed into the stern and Heisenberg is the best source I have heard, period.
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
For me the KR242 is a must have "in my system"
The realism it creates never ceases to amaze me
PS..Don't forget to use Herbie's tube damping rings though
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
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