Audion Sterling MKI Integrated tube

I feel like a kid in a chocolate shop. It is exciting. It's what I love about this hobby. Like the new car smell. Nothing like a new addition to a music rig. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks for nice words...peace, warren

oops, I forgot to ask the Sterling owners. Any ideosyncrasies with the Sterlings? Tube noises? On and off tips as far warmup and extending tube life? When I receive my Definitions I would like to put a serious 100 hours of very loud-hi decibel-- powerful music with strong bass extension.This is the time that I let my rig run riot when my wife and I are at work. Thank god I get home before her. You wouldn't want to see her fact walking into the house with the level that are playing. Now to my question: should I use a 100 solid state watts per integraged amp picked up at Circiut City, rahter than waste the tube life on some very serious tubes. Would running the Sterling for a long time, such as this, have a negative effect on my rig? You thoughts and tips to help me break in my Definition and Sterling would be appreciated..remember I'm still a tube virgin.peace, warren

Hi Warrenh,

Got your email and have some insight to offer. The Audion Sterling EL-34 is a fantastic first SET at current used prices. It is well made and pretty good looking, especially compared to the cosmetics of the new Audions.

The EL-34 version definetly falls on the warm/rich side, whereas KT-88's make the amp much more neutral and authorative. Different flavors for different moods and music.

The bass is surprisingly good for a SET amp in this price range(used). Not an iron-clad grip, but not loose and flabby either. But, in your case, that won't be much of an issue anyway since your Definitions place very little current demands on an amplifier at 11dB and with four self-powered woofers.

The place where the Sterling (and most SETs) shines is the midrange - it is lush and glorious with EL-34's. But, the amp still manages remarkable detail within that midrange richness. With KT-90's, you chould get plenty midrange "magic" without too much warmth.

The amp does a good job with soundstage width and depth is pretty good. Not the holographic image of 300B's, a more dense structure all it's own.

The highs are slightly subdued with EL-34's - not bad, just not as airy as my 300B monoblocks or PX-25.

One thing I should point out, is that the amp was intended to be used with speakers far less efficient than your 101dB Zu's and my 97dB Cain & Cains. As a result the gain structure is a little less than ideal - you'll be reaching full volume before using 20% of the volume dial. This can sometimes be a problem with late night listening if anyone else is in the house. Thorsten Loesch recommended the 6CG7/6FQ7 as the input tube to reduce the gain and allow a wider use of the volume control. Keep this in mind, just in case. It can save your life (or relationship). If you find the standard 6922 works well, try a Russian 6H23-EB which is a high-end version of the 6922 - enhances focus and detail.

As Bigshutterbug mentioned, go with an NOS Tung-Sol 5687 for the driver tube. Save yourself all the money and time experimenting, this really is about as good as it gets.

Finally, after getting used to the amp, find someone to swap out the stock 50k-ohm Alps Blue Velvet volume pot. That thing is really throwing a blanket over the amp's true potential. There is an simple $50 alternative that simply blows away the Alps - like throwing open heavy curtains on a bright sunny day. Everything improves.

Shoot me an email in a few weeks and I steer you in the direction.

Darkmoebious, thanks for your thoughts. The Sterling I am purchasing does have the NOS Tung-Sol 5687s. I will, after I have developed a warm relationshiip with my amp and speakers, drop you an email for all the tips you have.