optical
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Post by optical on Oct 19, 2022 8:20:11 GMT
My current go-to DAC (or at least one in rotation) is one that uses a Chinese 6N11 (6N1P?) as a buffer on the output stage.
I'm running a Reflektor 6n23p in there at the moment (not an exact equivalent but sounds good) but I'm told a 6922/E88CC should be better. Doing some reading a 7308 (Amperex) would be the way to go but they are pricey.
I'd be leaning towards new production with future availability being a factor. This brings offerings from the likes of Gold Lion, JJ, and TAD into the equation.
(Although if the old NOS ones sound so good I'll try them as I only need one at a time and it doesn't need to be matched with another etc).
I'm not unhappy with the sound just wondering if I can possibly squeeze a little more 'tone/texture' by using certain valves. There is tons of inner detail and spacial nuance using the current valves so it may only be a side-ways or downward move, but I'd like to have a go.
Anyone have any experiences or recommendations considering the above?
Cheers
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Post by firebottle on Oct 19, 2022 8:49:31 GMT
Never heard of a 6N11?
Beware the 6N1P has double the heater current (600mA) of the others, if the Dac was designed with this no problem.
6N23P, 6922, E88CC are all in the right ball park regarding transconductance and mu.
I have a Sylvania 6DJ8 (equivalent to ECC88) you could try if you wish?
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optical
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Post by optical on Oct 19, 2022 9:12:25 GMT
Never heard of a 6N11? Beware the 6N1P has double the heater current (600mA) of the others, if the Dac was designed with this no problem. 6N23P, 6922, E88CC are all in the right ball park regarding transconductance and mu. Thanks Alan, I think 6N11 is just chinese for 6N1P. Yes reading around most of the Chinese DAC's only use this valve due to it's low cost and a lot of the DIY'ers use the same board and power supply with the referenced valves without issue it would seem. It's very quiet, doesn't get warm and sounds good running the 6n23p even after 5 hours+ of use so logically one would assume it's okay or is it more of a 'could go bad quickly and unexpectedly' if seeing more current than designed for? |
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Post by optical on Oct 19, 2022 9:15:08 GMT
I have a Sylvania 6DJ8 (equivalent to ECC88) you could try if you wish? Is it a "JAN" one Alan? Might as well give it a go if it's no trouble. Cheers |
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Post by jandl100 on Oct 19, 2022 12:29:25 GMT
I've a Brimar and an EH you can try if you like. Just PM me your name and address.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2022 14:04:57 GMT
I always liked Tungsram E88CC.
I have a couple, but Brexit makes it too complicated to send now.
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optical
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Post by optical on Oct 19, 2022 14:17:22 GMT
I always liked Tungsram E88CC. I have a couple, but Brexit makes it too complicated to send now. No worries, thanks for the recommendation anyway, Kevin. Yeah, probably pay about the same in postage fees and customs charges as the actual valves themselves. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2022 14:33:17 GMT
I should hope not. The red print versions I have are not cheap.
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optical
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Post by optical on Oct 19, 2022 14:44:11 GMT
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Post by lurch on Oct 19, 2022 16:10:09 GMT
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Post by antonio on Oct 19, 2022 17:29:38 GMT
Looking at the Watford Valves stock, £22 for a Phillips looks to be the one to try.
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optical
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Post by optical on Oct 19, 2022 18:13:24 GMT
Watford valves rarely get my business, I regularly get to the checkout and bang, pay some tax and postage cost on top of that. We're in the UK, put your prices inclusive of tax.
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Post by antonio on Oct 20, 2022 5:15:52 GMT
I never realised that, and yes, at the check-out VAT is then added.
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