Preamp Deal of the Century

Clipsal,

As Stiltskin says, only use "g" do not use metal cans(6F6). Both the 6F6g and the 6F6GT are identical tubes. The only difference is the shape of the glass. The 6F6gt has a straight side.
http://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_6f6gt.html

I have several of each type (Visseaux 6F6G; Tung-Sol 6F6g; Tung-Sol 6F6gt) and can hear no difference between the tung-sol 6F6g and the tung-sol 6F6GT. The Visseaux 6F6g, while maintaining the qualities of the tung-sol 6f6g (speed,resolution), is not as linear. They have a bit more high end extension. Now this difference can most likly be contributed to diferences in the 'house sound' between Tung-Sol and Visseaux.
I find the 'tung-sol sound' less fatiguing during long listening sessions. I also like the look of the tung-sol 6F6GT, not unlike tung-sol 6sn7gt on steriods!

Last night (with a 6106 and a pair of tung-sol 6sn7gt RPs) I tried a pair of tung-sol 6L6WGB from the 50's in the regulator position. Great big rich sound with some substance! No comparison to the sovtek 5881 or the sovtek kt66 which in comparison have a small and anemic presentation. Not sure if it's sovtek in particular but these new production tubes have lost the Mojo!

Enjoy the music!

Clipsal and V21,

My bad, the previous post/response was for V21.

Clipsal, can you further describe your Cabernet version. I was under the impression that in the most recent version of the Cabernet Dual, the 6sn7s drive both the 6H30 and the 101 stages. Is the bass bloat you describe in the 6h30 or the 101 portion?

Powers

Many thanks for the info on the 6F6 types I will try and get a pair to compare. I have just fitted a pair of old Brimar 6L6G tubes into my Chardonnay and will see how they sound. No idea how they test but all I know is that they work.

I am still hoping someone here can offer me a Bendix 6106 as there seems to be a general consensus that this is the best rectifier to use. I have noticed that when I switch on, the tubes on the pre light up almost instantaneously though I thought that the Mullard GZ33 was supposed to be a slow start rectifier.

Hi Powers,

You are correct in my Cabernet Dual, the 6sn7s drive both the 6H30 and the 101 stages. The bass bloat occurs with the 101D section with WE350B as I'm only using the 101D section.

The Sovtek KT66 is not bad, just a little etchy with a little less depth than the WE350B

The Sylvania 6F6G I have is the standard "G" version with a black base and a silvery top

Powers, do you use the Dual ?

Sorry V21, I have three friends who both want my Bendix as I have two of them.

Cheers

Clipsal,

The 101 stage of the Cab Dual is best voiced for midrange and above while the 6H30 stage is optimal for low frequencies. (The right tools for the right job when biamping.) The 101 is not a stellar tube at low frquencies and maybe what you are experienceing is the 101's bass weekness. The 350b is a very linear tube and perhaps it accentuates the 101's inabilities in the bass department. Try the swapping the 350b with the KT66 and the EH 5881 while listening to the low frequency with the 6H30 stage. Any differences??

You can also try a Kenrad VT-231 in the driver seat...they always give something special to the bass. (at least in the Chardonnay)....Then of course maybe all this does not translate to the Cabernet Dual circuit (I hope not). Have fun and find what you like!

As a former Sauvignon owner, I would love to hear your impressions of your new Cab. How does it compare? What prompted your move up the 'food chain'?

BTW, Santa brought a Cab Dual and its burning-in as I write. The stock Sovtek and EH tubes will be the first to go!! ... you beat me to the punch. :)

Enjoy the Magic!