AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Tube-o-phile Circle => Topic started by: NoDisco on 12 Nov 2019, 08:33 pm

Title: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: NoDisco on 12 Nov 2019, 08:33 pm
Too many?
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=200792)
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: NoDisco on 12 Nov 2019, 08:34 pm
17 for the main rig. 8 when going "light".
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: ArthurDent on 12 Nov 2019, 11:01 pm
Nah, just means you only need the light when the system isn't on, and rarely need the furnace in winter.  :D
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: SlushPuppy on 12 Nov 2019, 11:18 pm
Only too many when you can no longer afford the electricity bill!

14 tubes in my integrated amp and 6 in my DAC  :thumb:

Happy listening!
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: mresseguie on 12 Nov 2019, 11:35 pm
Between my DAC, amp, and preamp, I've got 16 tubes of wonderful sounding music.   8)
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: SteveFord on 13 Nov 2019, 12:18 am
That seems just about right.
If you don't have a tube FM tuner, well, what are you waiting for?
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: SET Man on 13 Nov 2019, 12:40 am
Too many?
....

Hey!

     :lol: No, and look like you still have space for more tubes there!

     21 tubes total here, but usually 11 or 13 on at a time depend on which amp I'm using.

Buddy
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: Freo-1 on 13 Nov 2019, 12:42 am
Looks good to me.


I have 16 tubes with my tube preamp/amp setup:
8 1625
4  6BL7
2 6AH4
2 6DE4
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: Delta77 on 13 Nov 2019, 01:02 am
I was thinking the same thing yesterday..

5- phono preamp (TT) - Decware
Or
3- DAC - Modwright/OPPO 205
4- preamp - Decware
10- EL34 PP amp - Decware

So either 17 or 19 in use at a time..

But 21 sounds about right, 21 tubes here ..
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: sebrof on 13 Nov 2019, 01:02 am
I think I counted 21 tubes when I run my main rig.
4 in the preamp
5 in the 2A3 amp for the tweeters
12 in the monos (6 in each)

But a lot of transistors too, in the DAC, phono preamp, in the active XO, SS rectification in the monos
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: jsm71 on 13 Nov 2019, 01:28 am
Not by my count.  I have:

5 in my phono stage
4 in my preamp
8 in my amp

All my units barely use the tubes, they don't generate much heat and the entire system is dead quiet; like nothing is turned on.  It's all good if everything comes together well.
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: JakeJ on 13 Nov 2019, 03:08 am
I had to get a pencils and paper. 55 but never all at the same time.

Preamp #1 - 4 tubes
Preamp #2 - 6 tubes
Preamp #3 - 12 tubes
Power amps (mono pair #1) - 12 tubes (6 each)
Power amps (mono pair #2) - 6 tubes (3 each)
Tuner - 15 tubes

I'm sure I've forgotten something.
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: hi5harry on 13 Nov 2019, 04:56 am
36 for me
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: SteveFord on 13 Nov 2019, 10:19 am
I draw the line at tube subwoofers.
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: opnly bafld on 13 Nov 2019, 12:51 pm
 :scratch:

Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: Tyson on 13 Nov 2019, 03:48 pm
11 in the downstairs system.  Between 4 and 6 in the upstairs system depending on which amp I'm using. 

In storage (ie, the tube stash), close to 200 mostly NOS tubes. 
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: dB Cooper on 13 Nov 2019, 03:53 pm
I draw the line at tube subwoofers.

Nah, just pay extra for 'low microphonics' culls and you'll be fine  :lol:
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: rollo on 13 Nov 2019, 04:00 pm
  No such thing as too many tubes. 32 for my Audi Research DR 250 servo mk2 Amp. 14 in the Lorsch & Weisner preamp. That is why not in use. Now using 10.

charles
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: Mr.Retro on 14 Nov 2019, 02:32 am
Too many tubes???!!!  Stop Yourself!!!   What's next,... Tube Guilt??   46 in  the bedroom system. 14 on the glow downstairs right now.
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: rushfan71 on 18 Nov 2019, 09:05 pm
Looking at 22...

Primaluna Dialogue Premium preamp 8....

Primaluna Dialogue HP power amp 14....

Considering the Primaluna Evo 100 DAC 6 more.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=201033)
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: rockadanny on 18 Nov 2019, 10:27 pm
I used to be askeered of tubes (expense, upkeep, safety) but I loved the sound so I took a minimalist approach - purposely selected gear which had the fewest number of tubes I could get (sound preference, budget) totaling ONLY 12 for my entire system:
CD player: 1
Preamp: 3 (two lines, one rectifier)
Power amps (mono-blocks): 8 (two power, one input, one driver per block)
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: mreeter on 18 Nov 2019, 10:58 pm
Too amany Tubes? Never :D

20 total in my set-up.
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: who?me? on 11 Dec 2019, 10:38 pm
And really,
we all know that tubes are the best way to heat your home! :wink:
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: Orientexpedite on 23 Dec 2019, 09:12 pm

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=202410)

Never too many tubes: 17 tubes to drive a pair of Stax headphones, including 3 rectifiers, 2 regulators, 3 gain stages, 12AU7, 12AX7 (using 5751's), EL34.

The sound of this amp is 90% in the tubes, 5% in Japanese paper-in-oil coupling caps and some custom transformers, 5% in some other bits:)

It's amazing how tubes can transform recordings into a unforgettable performance, even in relatively simple amplification designs!
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 24 Dec 2019, 12:43 am
Very nice round chassis, congratulations :thumb:
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: sebrof on 24 Dec 2019, 01:21 am

Never too many tubes: 17 tubes to drive a pair of Stax headphones, including 3 rectifiers, 2 regulators, 3 gain stages, 12AU7, 12AX7 (using 5751's), EL34.

... even in relatively simple amplification designs!

Beautiful amp. What's the brand?

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "relatively simple" but I'm pretty sure you don't mean that amp :)
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 24 Dec 2019, 08:53 am
It is the Stax Megatron headphone amplifier. I had never see so far a three gain stages tube amp, its not funny repair this amp.
I would like to see a underside photo.
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: Orientexpedite on 24 Dec 2019, 01:23 pm

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=202428)

The coupling caps are accessible for rolling.  This version runs at 500V.  Two pairs of EL34 for OTL output.  Two pairs of EL34 as CCS. One transformer for filaments, one transformer for voltage rails, two transformers as power supply chokes.

No transistors in the signal path.  One transistor step downs the voltage from 500V to 300V for the first two gain stages.  The other transistor helps set operating voltage for the EL34's.

Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: Orientexpedite on 24 Dec 2019, 01:25 pm
Thank you for your kind comments.

The amp is actually a very good design for a learner.  The operating voltages are very high, however, so it's best to work with a partner or keep one hand in the pocket:)

Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: Dieterle Tool on 24 Dec 2019, 03:43 pm
You guys are just listing the tubes "in" your units... how many sets, pairs sitting on the shelf for rolling. This is where it gets confusing without good records. Dates when used, hours, what unit they were in. Even exact model numbers when they're stored in the white boxes.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 24 Dec 2019, 11:28 pm
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=202428)

The coupling caps are accessible for rolling.  This version runs at 500V.  Two pairs of EL34 for OTL output.  Two pairs of EL34 as CCS. One transformer for filaments, one transformer for voltage rails, two transformers as power supply chokes.

No transistors in the signal path.  One transistor step downs the voltage from 500V to 300V for the first two gain stages.  The other transistor helps set operating voltage for the EL34's.
Gracias
Title: Re: Too Many Tubes?
Post by: Unison845 on 9 Jun 2020, 03:47 pm
Stax Headphones Amp with different approach: Tube rectifier, 2 triode Stages, 845 DHT transformer coupled, No Signal
Capacitor.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=210155)

Tested with a battery of Stax Vintage to Recent Headphones

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=210156)