AudioCircle

Industry Circles => LampizatOr => Topic started by: sfox7076 on 28 Sep 2014, 11:03 am

Title: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 28 Sep 2014, 11:03 am
Went to the NY audio show and ordered a new big 7, no volume control, but with DSD. Now to wait.  I now need to find 45 tubes and one more WE 101 tube.  The guys at the show really indulged my tube questions and requests.  I'm set with rectifiers.  Any advice on 45s?  NU v. Cunningham/RCA?
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 28 Sep 2014, 09:30 pm
Doesn't matter, just snag some vintage 45 triode globes…they are all the same as RCA held patent. Cunningham Cx-345 and RCA UX-245 are most popular.

Vintage WE 101d tube??? that will be over $1K!!!!

I heard that Psvane WE replica 101Ds are very good. $550 a pair on Ebay.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 28 Sep 2014, 09:54 pm
I am gonna roll with these tubes you see in my post here:

http://audioshark.org/computer-digital-audio-11/ps-audio-directstream-dac-4438-page25.html#post95861
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Geardaddy on 29 Sep 2014, 02:27 am
Went to the NY audio show and ordered a new big 7, no volume control, but with DSD. Now to wait.  I now need to find 45 tubes and one more WE 101 tube.  The guys at the show really indulged my tube questions and requests.  I'm set with rectifiers.  Any advice on 45s?  NU v. Cunningham/RCA?

Congrats....great dac
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Lissnr on 29 Sep 2014, 10:16 am
Hello sfox7076, It was great chatting with you outside the Lampi room on Saturday...I recognize you due to the "missing 101d" comment and I was telling you about my B7 using Sovtek 2A3's and the Shuguang 274b rectifier. I'm very excited for you and your new B7 you will not be disappointed. My trip with Lukasz, Rob and Fred started with an L4 which hooked me into the Lampizators until I rather quickly jumped to the Big 6 (and loved tremendously) but then inspired my last jump to the B7 (with the optional pre just to know it's there if I want to experiment with it alone), and I couldn't be happier! Though maybe? As I start swapping tubes...?
You're in great hands with the Lampizator crew (above) as you mentioned they are always willing to take time to talk, help, respond...and just be around for you...
As for new ("other") tubes, I'm also going to try the EML 45's and may consider the chinese 101d's too (though I know you have an actual WE)? It should be fun. Good talking with you and congratulations again. Grant
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 29 Sep 2014, 12:33 pm
Grant, go straight for the 345s and 245s vintage globes first...then you can experiment with the rest after.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 29 Sep 2014, 03:08 pm
Grant,

Nice to meet you as well.  I found a pair of Cunningham 45s I am getting.  I can also get a pair of "Speed" brand 45s.  Not sure about those as one of the tubes tests a bit weak on the Amplitrex:

Fixed bias mode:

Tube1:  79% emission    92% GM
Tube2:  58%                   69%

Auto bias mode:

Tube1:  94% emission    102% GM
Tube2:  82%                    79%

Any thoughts on that?  The tubes look cool with the mid-30s type label.  The Speed's are 245s.  Does anyone know if the VT-52 variant would work in the Lampi 7?  I know someone who has those.



Shawn
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 29 Sep 2014, 04:20 pm
Lots of (expensive) WE 101ds on Ebay now:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-WESTERN-ELECTRIC-101D-METAL-BASE-BALL-TUBE-IN-ORIGINAL-BOX-/301329117343?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item46289d709f
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Lissnr on 30 Sep 2014, 02:14 am
Hi Shawn, I wish I could help you a little more on those particular tubes but I'm not as well versed in them as I need to be. I may start playing with those 101's and as per Wisnon, maybe the 345 and 245's. A relatively new friend of mine recently bought TWO L7's (for both his upstairs and downstairs systems...wow wow cool but I couldn't even imagine!) and I'll be visiting him to hear both systems late in October. I know he made a few exciting tube purchases so that will be very interesting. I'll report back.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 30 Sep 2014, 02:26 am
So far this is what I have tube wise:

Rectifiers:
Western Electric 274b, RCA JAN 5U4G

Signal Tubes:
Pair RCA JAN 2a3s, 1 WE 101D, cash out for a pair of Cuningham 245s.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 30 Sep 2014, 11:14 am
Hi Shawn, I wish I could help you a little more on those particular tubes but I'm not as well versed in them as I need to be. I may start playing with those 101's and as per Wisnon, maybe the 345 and 245's. A relatively new friend of mine recently bought TWO L7's (for both his upstairs and downstairs systems...wow wow cool but I couldn't even imagine!) and I'll be visiting him to hear both systems late in October. I know he made a few exciting tube purchases so that will be very interesting. I'll report back.

Hahahaha

Andrew and I go waaay back. LoL 3 or 4 months actually, and he already snagged some 345s and parked the stock tubes. The watchword is "liquid". He even had his tbes playing in Brooklyn, see here:
http://audioshark.org/other-shows-139/2014-new-york-audio-show-5871-page3.html


From Socfan12 at Audioshark:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=106053)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=106054)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=106055)


Read the B7 tube rolling thread and study it carefully for considered opinions.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 30 Sep 2014, 11:24 am
So far this is what I have tube wise:

Rectifiers:
Western Electric 274b, RCA JAN 5U4G

Signal Tubes:
Pair RCA JAN 2a3s, 1 WE 101D, cash out for a pair of Cuningham 245s.
Sfox, PM me your number for a chat, if you like.

Cunningham is CX-345, RCA is UX-245. You have Triad, Nat Union, Arcturus and many other equivalents (globes). I think RCA made them all. You also have the ST (coke bottle shaped versions from the 1950s, but those are generally cheaper and the consensus say a bit inferior).

That is a great recti, the EML 274b. Typo, I meant the WE 274b.

Here are some rectis heading my way. i also have 2 other GZ34s I picked up at my local tube guy here:
http://ali-charles-baba.blogspot.ch/


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=106052)
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 30 Sep 2014, 01:56 pm
My rectifier is an actual Western Electric from 1952.  Non-engraved base. Can get an engraved base (that is a little loose, but tests fine) for $1200.  Not going to do that. 

We used the Rectifier and some of my 2a3s on Saturday in the Lampi room.  The 274b really sounded great.  It was much more open than the stock rectifier.  The 2a3s were not as good as the 45s.  They do have to burn in though.  They had not been heated in 50 years (other than to test them on an amplitrex).

The 5U4s are from 1950s military shipments.   

Bought the Cunninghams 345s but have not gotten them yet.  Don't want to spend $550 on a WE101D, but would spend $400 if I could find one that tests NOS like the other one I have (It's ST shape).


I will pm you later.  Seems like you have it all.
Shawn
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 30 Sep 2014, 02:28 pm
Looking at the picture above, that in fact may be by WE in the Lampi (I brought it to try out).
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 30 Sep 2014, 09:35 pm
Cool about the WE recti.

OK, the WE 101d you seek is not tennis ball but ST shape! Yes, $400 is the normal higher price for it, but with tube inflation, who knows. Tennis balls are a lot more.

The Unobtanium 10th anniversary EML globe may be the best of them all.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Gopher on 30 Sep 2014, 11:07 pm
Shawn's 274B was a killer tube in the mix.  Their price is a little rich for my blood but I think I will try a PSVANE 1:1 replica for my own Big 7.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 1 Oct 2014, 04:22 pm
Hi Shawn, I wish I could help you a little more on those particular tubes but I'm not as well versed in them as I need to be. I may start playing with those 101's and as per Wisnon, maybe the 345 and 245's. A relatively new friend of mine recently bought TWO L7's (for both his upstairs and downstairs systems...wow wow cool but I couldn't even imagine!) and I'll be visiting him to hear both systems late in October. I know he made a few exciting tube purchases so that will be very interesting. I'll report back.

Yes, I put him on to the Globes. I was put on to the by the UK crew, Justin and Greg and posted the long treatise here in the rolloing thread. Then I read the confirmatory post by Luan and AL also bought and confirmed.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 1 Oct 2014, 04:25 pm
Shawn's 274B was a killer tube in the mix.  Their price is a little rich for my blood but I think I will try a PSVANE 1:1 replica for my own Big 7.

WE is da NAME to have...but oooh the prices....and who knows if its fake.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Lissnr on 3 Oct 2014, 03:03 am
Hi All, Just wanted to take a minute and mention again how revolutionary my experience(s) with the Lampizator dacs has been. After my first exposure to a Lampi G4L4 I literally couldn't believe how much more information in such a more natural way I was getting from this dac (my system is highly revealing featuring TSW refurbished Apogee pure ribbon speakers).
I was hooked on the Lampizators' ability to make music really "REAL" in my room. I purchased the dac and thoroughly admired everything it did for my system.  Quite quickly I admitted to myself there were 'more evolved' models up the ranks and soon bought a brand new Big 6.
 All I could say was wow.  Walls disappeared, 3d imaging materialized, and the music was simply 'present', as naturally as could be. I never wanted to give it up as it was almost too good to be true. Many other lampizator owners followed the Level 5 route as it appeared to offer better flexibility and features (it does) and I have never actually heard one so I can not attest to its sound quality though reports all sing its praise and it's easy to believe. But the Big 6 truly was a niche product. It was Lukasz's version of what HE ( the "Creator") felt was his pride and joy 'best effort' and I believed him. It was. I would really regret giving it up to move up the line again.
So I'm done, right? Right?
Audioholicism. Sounds nasty? It is.
Big 7? Even newer advances? Prices going up eventually...DHT's! DHT's??? Yes.
I did it (it was very very difficult at first...) But I wrenched the B6 from my heart and went for the B7 (oh the trauma...) And I'm here to say today...
I loved my Big 6 and it will always be my first 'lost love', but the Big 7 simply does it all. No prisoners. No nonsense. Just downright MASTER OF REALITY (I'm an original Black Sabbath fan from way back fwiw). What does a Big 7 do?
Presence! Definition. Clarity (though Natural and UNforced). Tonal colors like a rainbow. And Space...Huge Space...the walls melt, the musicians seem to invite you up to join them with a nod of their head while you seem to sense them looking right at you as they sing or play or just flow to the tunes they are  making for YOU...it's uncanny.
I can't get over it. 35+ years as an audioaddict and it has all come down to this. All I can say is the warning I'm tempted to put on my room entrance to read something like this:
"CAUTION experienced audiophiles only! You must be a seasoned listener to comprehend the level of reality you will be exposed to in this room... all others will be potentially shocked in disbelief "
OR something along those lines...get it?
This thing is amazing. Thank you Lukasz. Thank you.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Sligolad on 3 Oct 2014, 10:26 am
Presence! Definition. Clarity (though Natural and UNforced). Tonal colors like a rainbow. And Space...Huge Space...the walls melt, the musicians seem to invite you up to join them with a nod of their head while you seem to sense them looking right at you as they sing or play or just flow to the tunes they are  making for YOU...it's uncanny.
I can't get over it. 35+ years as an audioaddict and it has all come down to this. All I can say is the warning I'm tempted to put on my room entrance to read something like this:
"CAUTION experienced audiophiles only! You must be a seasoned listener to comprehend the level of reality you will be exposed to in this room... all others will be potentially shocked in disbelief "
OR something along those lines...get it?
This thing is amazing. Thank you Lukasz. Thank you.

I have been struggling for some time Lissnr trying to summarise my experience with the Big7 since I changed from my Meitner MA1 about 2 months ago and I have to say you really nailed it above.
Trying to avoid all the old cliches was difficult so thanks for capturing it all above and saving me a lot of effort...it is one serious machine and a real step into another world for me.
For anyone looking to see the innards of the beast see my pics here:

http://www.tirnahifi.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2966 (http://www.tirnahifi.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2966)

Cheers, Pearse.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 4 Oct 2014, 11:56 pm
Similar feedback at CompAudiophile:

seatrope  seatrope is offline
Freshman Member
Join Date
Jan 2012
Posts
78
Hi all,

Wanted to give an update on my Big 7 DAC. If you remember from a few pages back it was at the factory to address a few issues which were mostly unique to my high sensitivity system. I must say that Lukasz and Fred are among the most helpful and accommodating people I have ever dealt with in years of high end audio; at least I personally have not had the wonderful experience of working directly and communicating with the designer and owner of a very respected and busy company in this fashion!

In any case, it duly arrived back at my digs after Lukasz did an extensive rework. Previously, due to the high sensitivity nature of my system (102dB sensitive Avantgarde Unos) I had some residual concerns about the background noise/hum level as well as some microphonics, though this was only when run direct DAC to amp, using the built in resistor relay attenuator. Previously when run through a preamp (I use a Placette passive pre) the noise issues vanished, though I felt it lost a small, but palpable degree of immediacy and emotional connection when run that way.

When I received the unit back the week of the New York Audio Show, I was pretty excited to see what Lukasz had wrought. He had implemented a different grounding scheme and modified the circuit topology in a way that he was extremely satisfied with, and I had been chomping at the bit to hear the results. He had also swapped out my original EML 45's for a set of the PSVANE 101D tennis ball tubes.

I let the unit burn in for a day or two, and finally sat down to listen critically a day or two before NYAS....
Quick reply to this message Reply    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote    Multi-Quote This Message  Blog this Post       
Today, 07:57 PM #344
seatrope  seatrope is offline
Freshman Member
Join Date
Jan 2012
Posts
78
Cueing up the first track, Bassface Swing Trio's "April in Paris" on the Sennheiser DSD sampler, I was frankly blown away. Jaw dropped. Astounded.

I had the DAC running direct to my Art Audio Jota monoblocks (300BXLS) amps, and the noise issue was COMPLETELY resolved, as if it had never been there in the first place. In its place, coming from the depths of a smooth, black background was wonderful, juicy music with a sense of "there-ness" that I can only describe as meaty, fleshy magical presence. I've heard many other DACs do "hi-fi" on my system but none with the reassuring sense of solidity and emotional connection I was hearing. A measure that I use, albeit subjective, is how soon and vigorously my foot starts tapping with the music. As my wife can attest, at live opera and concert performances, this becomes a big issue for the poor audience member seated beside me. With the Big 7 in full flow, I found myself with a large smile on my face and my foot pumping vigorously with the resonant palpability of each bass note.

Switching gears to Valery Gergiev's SACD of Natalie Dessay as Lucia di Lammermoor, "Spargi d'amaro pianto", another of my reference tracks, gave a remarkable change in scale and pace. This time, instead of being front row seats at a jazz bar, I was transported to about Grand Tier level with the orchestra laid out below. Immediately heralding Dessay's entrance is a flute obligato - the Big 7 took this to a new level of clarity and palpability; I could almost feel the vibration of the flutist's embouchure and his/her fingers on the stops. I have heard Natalie Dessay sing the same role from Row H at the Metropolitan Opera in the 2010 season, hence I consider this track a good benchmark for reproduction fidelity, the differences between the Met and the LSO's Barbican halls not withstanding. The Big 7 takes it PRETTY DARN CLOSE!

To be continued....
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 15 Oct 2014, 08:42 pm
The eagle has landed.  Can't wait to get it humming tonight.  Will start with the stock tubes.  Will switch to non stock in a few days/weeks. 
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 16 Oct 2014, 04:44 am
Burning in now.  Wow is all I can say.  I amusing the stock 101D tube and the stock 274b rectifier.  In a few weeks, the Western Electric 274b and the RCA 45 globes will go in.  I expect another notch then, but just out of the box, this thing sounds amazing.  So far a lot of details I never heard in recording before.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 16 Oct 2014, 05:14 am
Ok, had to try a NOS 5u4G JAN RCA black plate.  Have to let it play for a bit and see if it opens up a bit.  Not as transparent as the stock 274b.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Gopher on 16 Oct 2014, 01:59 pm
Outstanding, Shawn!  The DAC is going to continue improving over the next couple hundred hours too--especially as those Jupiters Caps work themselves in. 

I told you the 101Ds were no slouch!  As a point of information, they're not the cheapie Shuguang ones, but the Psvane 101Ds so they're pretty good quality stuff.

Mark my words:  the inexpensive Shuguang 274B rectifier will be tough to beat.  Robert and I suggested to Lukasz he make the stock and Lukasz compared it to many other tubes finding it and the EML 5u4g to rule the roost.  Your Western Electric seemed like it may have been a bit better when we plugged it in at the NY Show, but that stockie is not cheaply bested IMO.

Enjoy the DAC and thanks for posting your initial impressions!

Fred

Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: jtwrace on 16 Oct 2014, 02:01 pm
Picture or it didn't happen.  :D
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 16 Oct 2014, 02:17 pm
Jason,

Will post it later.  Can't wait for my 1625 amps to be done.  Then, all I need to do is figure out power with the wife...

Shawn
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: jtwrace on 16 Oct 2014, 02:20 pm
Jason,

Will post it later.  Can't wait for my 1625 amps to be done.  Then, all I need to do is figure out power with the wife...

Shawn
Cool. 
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 16 Oct 2014, 10:30 pm
Outstanding, Shawn!  The DAC is going to continue improving over the next couple hundred hours too--especially as those Jupiters Caps work themselves in. 

I told you the 101Ds were no slouch!  As a point of information, they're not the cheapie Shuguang ones, but the Psvane 101Ds so they're pretty good quality stuff.

Mark my words:  the inexpensive Shuguang 274B rectifier will be tough to beat.  Robert and I suggested to Lukasz he make the stock and Lukasz compared it to many other tubes finding it and the EML 5u4g to rule the roost.  Your Western Electric seemed like it may have been a bit better when we plugged it in at the NY Show, but that stockie is not cheaply bested IMO.

Enjoy the DAC and thanks for posting your initial impressions!

Fred

Well when I get set up, I will be testing the stock recti vs Phillips metal base GZ34, Mullard ceramic GZ34, Mullard GZ37, various 5ARs and 5u4gs. In all i should have about 10 different rectis which represent 5 classes of tubes.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 16 Oct 2014, 11:11 pm
Recti differences:

http://www.tubemaze.info/sound-of-rectifier/
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 17 Oct 2014, 05:50 pm
So here it is in my rack (which is temporary as I am moving around my whole system).  It has more breathing room than it looks because of the angle.  The cabinet is open on both ends as well (with mesh to block hands from touching).

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=107127)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=107130)


When it is all set up again, I will post real pictures.  Now to pick new speaker cables.  My current Tesla Accelerator cables are about 2' too short, so I am looking to sell/trade them.  Also demoing some others soon.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: jtwrace on 17 Oct 2014, 05:53 pm
Nice. Between speakers and dac you must be in audio overload.   :lol:
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 23 Oct 2014, 03:03 am
And I may have finally tracked down my other 101d... 

Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 25 Oct 2014, 09:38 pm
Switching to the Cunningham tubes tonight. 
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Gopher on 25 Oct 2014, 10:35 pm
Outstanding, Shawn.   See if you can get some 300Bs in there on the 2a3 setting.   I'm getting some really good feedback on that tube and its my next one to try.

Switching to the Cunningham tubes tonight.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 26 Oct 2014, 12:18 am
 :o  I am taking a pass on 300Bs.  $200 per tube is too much for new to me to get excited about.  And NOS is in the stratosphere. 
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Audioclyde on 26 Oct 2014, 01:22 am
Keep a lookout for some Sophia Electric 300B 2.5v (which are designed for 2A3 applications)--I just put a pair of the Carbon Princess 300B 2.5v in my 2A3 amp, and even tho they only have about 30-35 hours on them I am really liking the sound.

Not cheap, but cheaper than 300Bs. JJ also makes a similar tube that many like, I haven't heard it.

As a total SET/double heated triode nut now, I bet the Lampi with these output tubes is sweet!

Randy
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: SearchOfSub on 26 Oct 2014, 05:05 am
I wish I had a Lampi Big 7.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 26 Oct 2014, 12:22 pm
Elrog looks interesting, but are $650 a tube.  I am buying 1625 amps to avoid that issue. 
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 27 Oct 2014, 11:33 am
Love the 45s in the Lampizator.  Hoping to score my other 101d.  I found I someone who says he has  it.   Now to buy it.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 27 Oct 2014, 01:58 pm
PLEASE Shawn, get that other 101d and let us know.

Tube rolling on a B7 is addictive. Rectis have big impact too, but you already have a holy grail tube there...
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 30 Oct 2014, 03:37 pm
Other 101d on the way.  Not sure what the deal is with the pins though.  Hope the current socket will work.  If not, I will need to make an adapter.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 30 Oct 2014, 05:38 pm
Nice recti site in the UK:

http://www.altofidelity.com/link4.asp
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 30 Oct 2014, 06:03 pm
Check that.  101D is here.  Will report back in a few days.  I am pumped.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 30 Oct 2014, 08:35 pm
Wow,

I await feedback with baited breath.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: shahed on 30 Oct 2014, 09:29 pm
Anyone using 300B tubes in their level 7? How about regular 300B and/or 2.5v 300B like the Sophia/JJ.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Lissnr on 30 Oct 2014, 11:37 pm
I just tried some stock EH 300b's I had kicking around and they were  quite fun. Nice mids, generally gd top and just a bit ripe on the bottom ( although I've been  dialing in some new subs and I'm not finished yet so take my bass comments with a grain of salt). I'd love to try some Sophias or any number of others to compare....it's just so cool to be able to!!
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 31 Oct 2014, 03:08 am
Initial impressions are very positive.  Much more holographic and lifelike.  Bass is better.  I guess WE in all three tube slots helps, but this is not something I completely expected.  I expected more detail, but the detail and the step up in soundstage is blowing my mind. 
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 31 Oct 2014, 04:16 am
I have the tube set to 45.  I assume that is right.  The filament is hard to see lit.  Probably because the rated voltage on the 101d is 4.5v and the 45 is 2.3v.  Regardless, it sounds amazing. 
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 31 Oct 2014, 06:58 am
Very nice Shawn.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Gopher on 31 Oct 2014, 06:50 pm
Unbelievable, shawn!  You are a lucky guy to have completed the trifecta there!

45 position is correct for the 101Ds.  Please keep us posted on that...   

The Psvane 101Ds are great for what they are, but I guess the real deal is king.   :o
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 1 Nov 2014, 01:33 am
Elton John in DSD is now a religious experience.  I am not a big Elton John fan, but just wow.  I am not sure what to listen to next.  Have been going through a bunch of recordings I love.  So much detail, but still so musical.  It is just awesome.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 2 Nov 2014, 04:43 pm
Just partially set up my system and can only do RBCD via spinner and its delicious so far. Using my vintage Phillips metals base GZ34 recti and Hytron/Kenrad 6A3s.

I have not heard my stock Eml45/Shuaguang 274B yet. I have many other tubes to roll and will take my time.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 2 Nov 2014, 06:52 pm
Have you tried 2A3s yet?  Why would lower filament voltage aid sound?
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 2 Nov 2014, 07:07 pm
Not yet, will try em all this week.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: bonzo75 on 2 Nov 2014, 07:08 pm
Hi all, I have the Hytron VT52s and a pair of 6A3. From what I understand, the VT52s are super 45s, and sound just like EML 45 but with a bit more power
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 2 Nov 2014, 07:08 pm
Have you tried 2A3s yet?  Why would lower filament voltage aid sound?

I tried the 6A3 in both setting and did not really hear a difference.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 2 Nov 2014, 07:09 pm
Hi all, I have the Hytron VT52s and a pair of 6A3. From what I understand, the VT52s are super 45s, and sound just like EML 45 but with a bit more power

See my latest link (artofsound)over at the tube rolling thread. User211 details his experience with both tubes.

More:

 
"I have the VT52s (Sylvania). 100% NOS. They are very, very good. Probably 2nd best so far, but the smoked glass Tung Sol 6A3 is still quite a bit better.
 
I am having a tough, tough time believing the Sylvania 6A3 can be better than the Tung Sols I have. Your pal must have a duff pair of Tung Sols, LOL!!!
 
The VT52s sound quite a bit more reserved than TSol 6A3. They sound as if they are more accurate than the TS, and they don't suffer from the circa 4KHz brightness the straight 45s do - both Cunningham and Philco. Nor - does it suffer from light weightish bass.
 
VT52 bass is very tight and solid, with great weight. It sounds more shut in than the 6A3, and is less euphonic - which the TS most definitely is.
 
I don't understand what Lukasz says about the 6.3V tubes - they are obviously being run with a 2.5V filament supply. They DON'T EVEN LIGHT UP! They do however sound seriously good."
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: bonzo75 on 3 Nov 2014, 11:14 am
Btw, Wisnon, which speakers do you have? I read your post on valery gergiev and Natalie Dessay. I love her Caro Nome from Rigoletto, one of my audition tracks
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 3 Nov 2014, 01:26 pm
Are you sure it was me who made that post?

I use Heil AMT speakers (Syrinx and Aulos):
http://www.precide.ch/eng/eheil/eheil.htm
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: bonzo75 on 3 Nov 2014, 02:19 pm
Ah Wisnon, it seems to be you quoting Seatrope's post on that Natalie Dessay thing. What speakers does Seatrope have?
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Gopher on 3 Nov 2014, 04:06 pm
Seatroope has some amazing and ultra revealing Avant Garde horn speakers. 
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: bonzo75 on 3 Nov 2014, 04:11 pm
Trios or duos?
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 3 Nov 2014, 04:19 pm
Trios or duos?
Big 7 -> Placette passive pre -> Art Audio Jotas -> Avantgarde Unos
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Gopher on 3 Nov 2014, 04:24 pm
Big 7 -> Placette passive pre -> Art Audio Jotas -> Avantgarde Unos

Unless I'm mistaken he's nixed the pre in favor of running the Lampi VC (which is an active preamp) direct.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 3 Nov 2014, 10:20 pm
Yes, could be, as the info was from CA a month ago.

I tried to tell him to try the Job 225 amp which my Boston pal says worked miracles with his A-G Duos!
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 18 Nov 2014, 03:42 am
Pair of Cunningham 6A3s are warming up.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 18 Nov 2014, 04:22 am
Initial impressions are interesting.  The 6A3 is a bit more laid back/darker and seems to me to lose some detail compared to the 101d.  I feel like the 101d is less colored and presents more of what is there.  That said, the 6A3s sound great.  6A3s may have a wider soundstage.  This is all with the WE 274b.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 18 Nov 2014, 11:08 am
Ceramic base or metal base 101D?

Edit,

You dont mean PSvane, right? You mean the vintage ST 101D...a completely different animal. I forgot that you had the WE "trinity".
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 18 Nov 2014, 02:08 pm
Yes.  ST shape 101ds.  A tube source got me a pair of tennis ball bakelite bases last week.  Will get them in a week or so.  Will see how those go.  May sell them if I don't hear a difference and fund a 300B purchase.  That said, I may not...
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Mrmb on 8 Dec 2014, 01:20 am
Wisnon:  Found you following speaker comment interesting: 
Quote
I use Heil AMT speakers (Syrinx and Aulos):
http://www.precide.ch/eng/eheil/eheil.htm

Of note, my first pair of high-end loudspeakers in the 1973 time frame were ESS Heil AMT3's ("RockMonitors").  They're still in use as a surround-sound pair in my son's secondary video room.  In fact, he just procured replacement 10" woofers from ESS who although went out-of-business, have recently restarted their business (http://www.essspeakersusa.com/Products.html (http://www.essspeakersusa.com/Products.html)).  This was either the 3rd. or 4th. time that these had been re-coned/replaced.  However, the original 5" (or was it 6") drivers and the AMT's are still going strong! Along with the 10" drivers, he also procured a center channel speaker utilizing an AMT.....
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 8 Dec 2014, 03:54 pm

Yes, ESS is a different company. Dr Heil was involved with them. Heil AMT is Swiss and is run byy the executor of the estate and best friend of Dr Heil (Martin). His membrane tech is better than the other AMTs on the market as he got all the tricks from Dr Heil plus he developed other ones. Martin is a great guy and very knowledgable too.

Here is what I am aiming for (note this is NOT my rig, LoL):
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=110052)
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Gopher on 8 Dec 2014, 05:04 pm
Initial impressions are interesting.  The 6A3 is a bit more laid back/darker and seems to me to lose some detail compared to the 101d.  I feel like the 101d is less colored and presents more of what is there.  That said, the 6A3s sound great.  6A3s may have a wider soundstage.  This is all with the WE 274b.

I find myself liking the 6a3 best when used with a NOS RCA 5u4g rather than a 274B.  Give one a go and see if your opinions change.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 8 Dec 2014, 10:55 pm
Try it with a GZ34…metal base if possible!

Justification here: http://www.tubemaze.info/sound-of-rectifier/

Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 9 Dec 2014, 04:35 pm
I have a bunch of the 5u4G ST shape RCAs (VT-244s)from 1943...  Still like the 274B from WE, but will try it with a 6A3.  Prices on the VT-244s are getting stupid... 
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 9 Dec 2014, 10:06 pm
Yes, the Jan VT244 prices are shooting up.
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: Tops on 10 Dec 2014, 04:00 pm
sfox7076
Will it be possible for you to let me know your source for the WE101D.
I would like to buy if the price is suitable.
Thanks
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 11 Dec 2014, 12:49 am
I cannot.  And the next pair I get is earmarked for Fred. 
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 11 Dec 2014, 08:56 am
sfox7076
Will it be possible for you to let me know your source for the WE101D.
I would like to buy if the price is suitable.
Thanks

Keep scouring Ebay. For the Dac, you dont need strong tubes. If they even have minimal strength you are good and that keeps the price down too. There was a guy from St. Louis who sold a passel of them last month for about $800 a pair, but of course they tested on the weaker side. I managed to get a ST shaped pair for less than $100, but iut was advertised as too weak for audio. Works fine, as I dont use as a power amp tube!
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: wisnon on 11 Dec 2014, 09:01 am
Tops,

Check these out:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JAN-CW-101D-CV1778-WESTERN-ELECTRIC-1958s-tubes-pair-NEW-Da-Ed-300B-AD1-/201231598173?pt=Vintage_Elettronica_di_consumo&hash=item2eda56825d

and

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Western-Electric-101-D-replacement-tube-SIF-PTT-10F-made-in-France-VERY-RARE-/121511195044?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item1c4aa1b1a4

and

http://www.ebay.com/itm/W-E-101D-TRIODE-GLOBE-TESTED-HAM-RADIO-COLLECTORS-/261695844503?pt=US_Radio_Comm_Tubes&hash=item3cee49b097
Title: Re: Just ordered a Big 7
Post by: sfox7076 on 11 Dec 2014, 04:06 pm
The ST Pair is interesting, but the boxes are not from those tubes.  The date codes don't match 1958.