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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


johno520
larryi
4,079 posts
 
I don’t know if microphonic proclivities improve sound, but, I’ve heard plenty of great sounding gear that utilized tubes that tended to be microphonic.

I participated in a listening session to help a tube equipment designer/builder pick 310A tubes for his latest build.  After we did the listening, he noted that the tubes we favored happened to be the most microphonic.  Coincidence or cause and effect?  Who knows?
rodman99999
6,167 posts
 
       The same reason that some have swapped out quieter resistors, in their phono, preamp and amplifier circuitry, for carbon compositions.   Or: choose Paper-In-Oil for coupling capacitors.   Then: there are those British small-signal valve lovers.

        There's something about that extra warmth they find comforting.  Perhaps: embracing?

        When in the business: I had many customers, seeking that presentation.
johno520 OP
11 posts
 
And include Decca phono cartridges with their added ultrasonic information that gives them a sense of immediacy & pace which can be very addictive to the ear. 

 "It tests badly but sounds great !" 
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