2. amps-preamps
  3. 192573-139717

DON:T WAIT! Replace Those Old Power Tubes!

For several years I've cobbled together the required quad of 6L6GC power tubes for my Raven Audio Integrated amp. I say 'cobbled' because out of two sets I culled four which would perform what I perceived as reasonably decent sounding. Being on the last best four I feared one more failing tube would put me out of the music. So, I ordered another quad from Raven Dave (Thomson). At first I thought to just saved them for an emergency but on a whim I decided to just put all the Chinese New Old Stock (NOS) in place. APPARENTLY, and obviously, my smorgasbord set in place previously had various quirks including but not limited to: hum, occasional buzzing, and a bloated`slow tone. My wife immediately stated: I don't hear anything in the background. Indeed there isn't anything but dead silence. NOS tubes are always a "Russian roulette" deal but their unique and amazing "real-ness" is worth the gamble. (IMO) So if you have been waiting until you absolutely have to, DON'T WAIT any longer. The improvement is profound. These tubes are as old as I am! Only difference is I've not been in a box traveling around the world for over 60 years! 

allears4u
knotscott
948 posts
 

Love the 6L6 in my rig...especially the 7581A. 

harleyujoe's avatar
harleyujoe
52 posts
 

You say Raven Audio amp..What model do you have ??

I had Osprey for 5 years and was very happy but just months ago went with Reflection and I can not believe what my ears hear and have missed all these years in the music I have listened too..

I m running KT88’s and most of my music 90% sound beautiful but for the other music to sound good would need a tube roll probably to 6550 tubes..

If you can get them from Dave is Military 1970 6L6GC tubes these produced in Osprey the most amazing sound stage from that unit .But also 6414 talls in third row ,6060 yellows row 2 and Siemens ECC81 Row 1 ..The best sound that unit could produce..

The other power tubes I enjoyed was Tong Sol 5881 they had a warmer sound ..

Dave can find some really nice tubes for his product line.

allears4u OP
147 posts
 

I originally bought the Raven Nighthawk. Then, Raven Audio offered an upgrade to the transformers to toroidal, and an upgraded PC board, and other upgrades were offered so Raven recreated my Nighthawk into something better. I'm unsure what to call it now! I had read your earlier post about the Reflection. It sounds totally amazing. (And it looks incredible!) These Chinese NOS are a bit pinched up but soon will open up I expect. The quiet background is beyond anything I've ever heard on my amp from the very first day. After just getting my sub issue worked out, and now these new power tubes, it will be hard to get anything done around here. LOL

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