If I am recalling correctly, Dennis Fraker of Serious Stereo said the same thing—tubes that are a bit microphonic can sound better.
Embrace The Joy Of Microphonic Equipment
Hi all,
Over the past couple of years I have been listening to a DIY - 4P1L Transformer Coupled Pre-Amp.
Kevin Carter of (K&K Audio) & Radu Tarta of (simplepleasuretubeamps) have both sold these pre-amps over the years.
The 4P1L when used in a transformer pre-amp application (4:1 stepdown) is still sensitive to being VERY microphonic.
Plenty of ways to reduce & divert vibration but in the end I have come to the conclusion the microphonic nature of this valve subjectively enhances the SQ presentation. The music sounds more dynamic and more sensitive to music changes.
In a nutshell, I like this subjective presentation, goes against my traditional thinking but who cares, sometimes you are better off accepting the valves limitations and working with its natural advantage, Being a directly heated pentode (4P1L) it has a slightly more aggressive presentation and when used upstream of DHT's provide a nice harmonic combination.
As with all things it's a balancing act, between pleasure & pain.
Cheers Johno
Over the past couple of years I have been listening to a DIY - 4P1L Transformer Coupled Pre-Amp.
Kevin Carter of (K&K Audio) & Radu Tarta of (simplepleasuretubeamps) have both sold these pre-amps over the years.
The 4P1L when used in a transformer pre-amp application (4:1 stepdown) is still sensitive to being VERY microphonic.
Plenty of ways to reduce & divert vibration but in the end I have come to the conclusion the microphonic nature of this valve subjectively enhances the SQ presentation. The music sounds more dynamic and more sensitive to music changes.
In a nutshell, I like this subjective presentation, goes against my traditional thinking but who cares, sometimes you are better off accepting the valves limitations and working with its natural advantage, Being a directly heated pentode (4P1L) it has a slightly more aggressive presentation and when used upstream of DHT's provide a nice harmonic combination.
As with all things it's a balancing act, between pleasure & pain.
Cheers Johno
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- 11 posts total
Microphonic tubes do not make a product sound better. Depending on the tubes and the design is what is needed to sound better. DHT microphonic tubes like 26/226/326/ 101D typically sound better to my ears but you have to isolate them from vibration which is tricky but it can be done. Happy Listening. |
I've always been disposed, as it sounds @tomic601 is also, to a more accurate (faithful/cleaner) reproduction, of the source and, hopefully: a well recorded, live event. That also takes careful choices, as regards ALL the components above mentioned. Especially: with tubed gear and their valves! But: like I said, "...I had many customers..." and, far as I'm concerned: they ALL were always, "right". YEP: a great hobby! |
- 11 posts total