Tube Rolling w/Crack
- Thread starter Dr. Toobz
- Start date
JamieMcC
Active member
I am really liking the Mullard 6080 and its giving my 5998's a real run for the money at a fraction of the price. I wouldn't like to do a blind test and I nearly didn't even try it!
It was in a box of three mixed 6080 I picked up for a few pounds brought really just as spares in case of problem with the build, 1xrca 1xtung sol (which I dropped and broke) and the Mullard which was just ignored as at the time as I could not make out the markings which were left on the tube at all. Then the 5998's and GEC brown base arrived and I never got round to plugging it in. I was having a round up of a few tubes to move on and pulled it out had a look with the magnifying glass identified it plugged it in and suddenly hmm its got me questioning the need and cost of the 5998's. It even sounds good with some of my cheapie 12au7s.
It was in a box of three mixed 6080 I picked up for a few pounds brought really just as spares in case of problem with the build, 1xrca 1xtung sol (which I dropped and broke) and the Mullard which was just ignored as at the time as I could not make out the markings which were left on the tube at all. Then the 5998's and GEC brown base arrived and I never got round to plugging it in. I was having a round up of a few tubes to move on and pulled it out had a look with the magnifying glass identified it plugged it in and suddenly hmm its got me questioning the need and cost of the 5998's. It even sounds good with some of my cheapie 12au7s.
Caucasian Blackplate said:
I finally received a pair of Philips E80CC and a pair of Tungsram E80CC from Ukraine after 1 month of shipping time. When I plug the E80CC, the same (very) loud buzzing sound was heard through the headphone. Similar result with the Sylvania 12BH7 and Tungsram E80CC.
I replaced the TS 5998 with a Bendix 6080WB. No buzzing sound at start up, and the music is fine. Swapped in my second (spare) TS5998, and the same loud buzzing sound is back.
Could it be a compatibility issue between the TS 5998 and 12BH7/E80CC?
The TS 5998 works with 12AU7, 7316, and 6SN7 (with adapter). Extremely loud buzzing sound with 12BH7 and E80CC, even with the volume turned down.
Anyone with similar experience?
What're the voltages at terminals 1, 5, 7, and 9 with the BH7 and 5998?
Can you post what they are?
Okay, new discovery. The buzzing is only present if the volume is at 0. As soon as I move it away from zero the amp goes silent. That is interesting.
Sorry to bring this into the rolling thread, I had already mentioned this in another thread, but i just saw that someone else had a similar problem...
Sorry to bring this into the rolling thread, I had already mentioned this in another thread, but i just saw that someone else had a similar problem...
Thanks for the input. Unfortunately, I'm not able to verify the voltages right now because I just loaned out the 5998 to a good mate for a couple of weeks to try out in his amp. Really strange phenomena, I am suspecting if there is something wrong with my pair of 5998.
My initial voltage check was near perfect, but it was done with the stock GE 6080 + 12AU7 tubes. Would a different type of tube pose a different set of voltage readings?
Running in the Bendix 6080 + Philips E80CC right now. Sound is very similar to the 5998 + 7316, and I may like this new combo a bit better because it is a shade more dynamic and has better bass slam.
My initial voltage check was near perfect, but it was done with the stock GE 6080 + 12AU7 tubes. Would a different type of tube pose a different set of voltage readings?
Running in the Bendix 6080 + Philips E80CC right now. Sound is very similar to the 5998 + 7316, and I may like this new combo a bit better because it is a shade more dynamic and has better bass slam.
bdr529 said:
Not particularly, no.
NightFlight
New member
I can't seem to beat the stock tubes.
I got an RCA WA6080 and a some USA made white labelled 5814A, but all white silk screen has been mostly rubbed off.
I've tried:
I'm pretty happy with my stock input tube. I'm fairly certain its a halo getter GE 1960-61 5814A seen here:
In both cases of the input and driver tube I keep going back to the stock tubes for a sublime listening experience. My original complaint with the RCA 6080WA is that it was too intimate and muddy. The speedball seems to have cleared up the mud - but it remains a hair intimate for my liking. In retrospect I also slightly preferred the stock Crack over the speedball - it seemed slightly more honest.
I'm picky, I know.
Is there a output cap thread? I'm looking to retrieve a little more detail from the crack. I'm on a budget for the next year or so otherwise I would be building a mainline by now. What mods can I make? I'm thinking the component upgrades. What are the best suggestions - or is this a thread on its own?
I got an RCA WA6080 and a some USA made white labelled 5814A, but all white silk screen has been mostly rubbed off.
I've tried:
- Tung-Sol 5998 - Wide soundstage, but insufficient "weight" in the bottom end.
- RCA clear top - Too bright
- CV4003 - completely flat response, no fun at all
I'm pretty happy with my stock input tube. I'm fairly certain its a halo getter GE 1960-61 5814A seen here:
In both cases of the input and driver tube I keep going back to the stock tubes for a sublime listening experience. My original complaint with the RCA 6080WA is that it was too intimate and muddy. The speedball seems to have cleared up the mud - but it remains a hair intimate for my liking. In retrospect I also slightly preferred the stock Crack over the speedball - it seemed slightly more honest.
I'm picky, I know.
Is there a output cap thread? I'm looking to retrieve a little more detail from the crack. I'm on a budget for the next year or so otherwise I would be building a mainline by now. What mods can I make? I'm thinking the component upgrades. What are the best suggestions - or is this a thread on its own?
bdr529 said:
Yes
bdr529 said:
I've given up trying to figure out the cause of the buzzing sound at start-up. I pair the TS 5998 exclusively with the Amperex 7316, and the Bendix 6080WB with the Philips E80CC. Both combinations sound excellent.
Has anyone tried the Svetlana Winged C 6H13C? These are relatively cheap on ebay, I wonder if they are any good in the Crack.
ashneel said:
I got the Bendix off a seller from the HeadFi forum. Its a really hard tube to find, I'm also looking out for another one as a spare.
The Bendix has better dynamics and bass slam compared to the TS 5998. It also sounds more linear and clean as well. On the other hand, the TS 5998 has a fuller mid range and is airier and more transparent at the top. Much like triode vs ultra-linear modes in an amp. I'm perfectly happy with either one, both are excellent tubes in their own rights.
Caucasian Blackplate said:
Okay got voltages. This is with the 1.2K resistor mod. Speedball is installed.
With the BH7 and 6080. No problems.
1 - 108
5 - 105
7 - 130 no change with volume
9 - 125 no change with volume
With the BH7 and 5998. Buzzing at 0 volume.
1 - 105
5 - 105
7 - 114 volume > 0
7- 109 volume = 0
9 - 112 volume > 0
9 - 100 volume = 0
Thanks
NightFlight
New member
Mike B said:
Sorry, to dredge this up but I came across it as a result of a search.
I couldn't disagree more. I believe tweaking existing circuits can bring about sonic improvements that are not otherwise possible with design changes. You can have the best circuit design in the world, but if you use crappy parts, your going to muddy the water and you'll never realize the full potential. It's a cumulative effect. Alternately, one bad part in the signal path can impact the whole circuit.
Good design with good parts is the way to go.
