Denon AH-D5000 Mod
- Thread starter Rope
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soundhound
Well-Known Member
Input tubes have more influence on sound quality beause they always have voltage gain, where output tubes are always run at unity voltage gain.
I swapped out the Gold Lion's for a pair of very inexpensive Sovtek tubes. Spent the last four nights listening to a variety of music, and the Sovtek's hold their own comparted to the JJ's with a bit better midrange, although lacking in the low frequency region.
Next tubes will be "Russian Rocket" manufactured in Vaskhod plant, Kaluga City, Russia.
Rope
Next tubes will be "Russian Rocket" manufactured in Vaskhod plant, Kaluga City, Russia.
Rope
soundhound
Well-Known Member
Rope said:I swapped out the Gold Lion's for a pair of very inexpensive Sovtek tubes. Spent the last four nights listening to a variety of music, and the Sovtek's hold their own comparted to the JJ's with a bit better midrange, although lacking in the low frequency region.
Next tubes will be "Russian Rocket" manufactured in Vaskhod plant, Kaluga City, Russia.
Rope
Those tubes don't look all that well made.
OK, dumb question of the day. I know nothing about tubes. Years ago when I worked with tube equipment I always replaced bad ones with the same model. Can one of you guys please explain (keep it simple please) why switching tubes changes the sound? Are the tubes identical internally with different quality levels in the production process or are there significant internal design differences in how the tubes process the signal? Do you have some kind of a list of which tubes are compatible with the amplifier? Thanks.
p.s. Sorry - that's 3 questions.
p.s. Sorry - that's 3 questions.
soundhound
Well-Known Member
I wasn't referring only to the pins, but the internals too.GreatDane said:
Orbison said:
Not a dumb question(s), although SH would be much more knowledegible, since this is my first journey with tube rolling.
Different HP amp designs require different voltages, therefore different tubes to supply the needed voltages.
I'm using a hybrid amp with tubes on the input stage only, so the input tubes have more impact on the sonics, which has me completely amazed at how different tubes affect the sound. For example, the stock JJ tubes (6922) were recessed in the midrange and hyped in the treble. When I rolled in the Gold Lions, also 6922, the midrange moved to the front of the sound stage and they subdued the ssssssssss treble, bottom end was about 6's.
I know nothing about the actual materials/construction of tubes, however, that has to have some affect on the tubes sonic characteristics.
Rope
Here's a pair of tubes (6N1P-VI) I ordered from a Russian vendor. They're more balanced and sound better than all the other tubes I've rolled in to date. The only information concerning these tubes is they're military(OTK), and they were very inexpensive, including shipping.
Rope
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GreatDane said:
I'm reasonably satisfied with the 6N23P's, yet if there becomes a tube available which truly trumps the latter and is reasonable in cost, I would be willing to purchase more tubes. The problem as I see, it in regard to acquiring tubes that supposedly outperform the 6N23P, is the variation in HeadFi members gear. The only constant is the Lyr, and furthermore, there a lots of ears out there that hear things differently. The only answer is the ol' proof is in the pudding routine, buy um, try um. I'm hoping to find someone knowledgeable and trustworthy to be my guinea pig.
Rope
GreatDane said:
While the AKGs and Denons are not slouches, the HE-500s with the Lorenz tubes are truly amazing. Huge, deep sound stage with a three dementional sound. The Mullards pair nicely with the other cans, with frequencies being balanced from top to bottom.
If things get better, I may invest in a good DAC. Possibly the Bifrost.
Rope
GreatDane
Well-Known Member
I wasn't aware of the Bifrost. I haven't kept up with Head-Fi for 4 months. I did a quick search and found Jason's thread. I'd put my money on that DAC. I'm still using a Musical Fidelity V-DAC that I bought new a couple years ago new for $250. I don't plan to replace it.
GreatDane
Well-Known Member
Rope, Have you read Tyll's review of the HE500?
He does a video at the bottom of the page.
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/hi ... nes-page-2
He does a video at the bottom of the page.
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/hi ... nes-page-2
Thanks, Dane. I have read his review and viewed the video.
The only issue I have with the HE series is the use of JUNK ear pads. These people have built an excellent phone, then chose to cut corners with the ear cushions. One of my cushions is 3/8" thicker than the other. I liken the ear pads to the environment regular speakers sit in.
I'm working on my own design for a deeper better sealed ear cushion for the HE-500.
Rope
The only issue I have with the HE series is the use of JUNK ear pads. These people have built an excellent phone, then chose to cut corners with the ear cushions. One of my cushions is 3/8" thicker than the other. I liken the ear pads to the environment regular speakers sit in.
I'm working on my own design for a deeper better sealed ear cushion for the HE-500.
Rope