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45 tubes for Yamamoto A-08s

I am new to this type of tubes, i said to myself never buy tube amp anymore, but it was hard to resist when Yamamoto A-08s (from my old wantlist) turned up for sale at affordable price, finally. And i bought it (no more cartridges this month for sure, i am saving on new tubes). 

So many amazing reviews online, especially from people who use same speakers like my Zu Audio Druid.

Damn, why do i need another amp if i already have First Watt praised as much as the Yammy with same type of speakers. Maybe for my final comparison of the best Solid State vs. SET ... who knows.

Anyway, my unit comes with used tubes supplied originally (NOS) by the manufacturer.

I know nothing about 45 tubes and i wish to learn quickly.

The most popular NEW replacement is Emission Lab 45s ($648 for a pair in USA now, the price will be higher soon).

Maybe there are some cheaper NOS tubes available ?


Please recommend me something, especially if you have same Yamamoto A-08s amp

Thanks!


chakster
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
No, they do mods only for those who’s buyin’ an amp from them.
I got my amp from Japan, i want to use what i have without any mods in the tube sockets.

So i’m looking for RECTIFIER tubes that i can just plug and use.

P.S. And new EML RECTIFIER tubes are too expensive, over $300 for a single tube that’s crazy!
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
I decided to try Australian made Radiotron 80 (NOS/NIB) first. Damn, it's from the 40's, definitely the oldest piece of gear in my system. 

The next step is 717A preamp tubes, something like this ?
Westen Electic is what i have now in the amp selected by Yamamoto-San, but i need NOS for backup
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
Has anyone tried this CA-04 preamp from Yamamoto for A-08s ? 
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
To my surprise i have plenty of gain with my passive Pass ALEPH L preamp with Yamamoto A-08s, this combination with Zu Audio Druid is shockingly good.

I was a little bit afraid that with 2w single ended i will need some active gain stage, but i was wrong! No need for any active gain stage in this combo (even in my big room). If someone thinking about active gain stage with this amp i must say with 101db speakers and some nice phono stage the active gain stage is a waste of money for nothing. Only passive preamp! I love Pass Aleph L because there are 4 inputs and 2 line outputs. 

Still listening with the stock vintage NOS tubes provided by the manufacturer.

But luckily got my NU 45s (from USA) and Rectifier 80 (from Australia) back up before covid-19 situation.


sdrsdrsdr
196 posts
 
I have experience with passive line stages. Basically it’s just a volume control. My first was using the digital volume control in my dac back in the 90’s. I’ve also used extensively resistor and transformer based. Including  two from Bent audio and a Placette.  Most SET amps are easy to drive and work fine this way. Some push pull, but not usually as easy. 

I wouldn’t agree that an active preamp is a waste of money. For the price  a passive is a good choice. But in my much experience a quality active preamp will give much more performance than a passive. My experience was comparing to my Atma-sphere Mp1 years ago. Many times more costly too. There’s more to an active preamp than gain. Usually your source  is putting out more gain than you need. If your listening just for detail and lack of distortion,  a passive is hard to beat though. 

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