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The Magic Returns

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SteveFord

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The Magic Returns
« on: 14 Jun 2022, 08:41 am »
The old VTL 300s downstairs have seen a fair amount of use and the tubes in there have been percolating for at least a decade, maybe longer.  Not constant use but they've been in there for quite a few hours of use.
The degredation was really gradual but I found myself thinking I could use some more powerful amps but maybe I should quit being so cheap and lazy and put in some new tubes first.
I had 14 spare Sovtek 6550s and ordered 3 more, two of the spares wouldn't bias at all (!) and my old DVM went haywire at the same time.
New DVM, new tubes and the power is back, the top end is back, the 3D soundstage is back.
I do have to dial the subwoofers down a bit!
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Tyson

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Re: The Magic Returns
« Reply #1 on: 14 Jun 2022, 02:54 pm »
8 of the 6550's per side?  So 16 total?  Yeah those are powerful amps! 

I'm right there with you, re: not noticing the slow degradation of tubes over time.  When I change the tubes I'm always surprised with how vigorous the amp sounds :lol:
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SteveFord

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Re: The Magic Returns
« Reply #2 on: 14 Jun 2022, 06:41 pm »
When I was amp shopping I was emailing EvaAnna Manley and said Magnepan 3.6s, Rolling Stones at concert level and she said you want the 250s and these old 300s turned up for sale so here they are.
It's like motorcycle shocks wearing out, you don't realize just how bad things have gotten until you replace them.
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FullRangeMan

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Re: The Magic Returns
« Reply #3 on: 14 Jun 2022, 08:07 pm »
Nice it sound good again.
Always wanted to know how many Watts a amp as this consume ?
(In the owner manual ).
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richidoo

Re: The Magic Returns
« Reply #4 on: 14 Jun 2022, 08:21 pm »
Nice amps!

I had similar experience with Manley Snappers trying to power Quad 2905s with tired old tubes. A new set of tubes brought everything to life. The tubes seemed OK on regular speakers but the quads were low sensitivity and pushed the amps pretty hard. The snappers ran B+ at 575V iirc, so the tubes only lasted ~2000 hours, but the sound was worth it.

FRM, according to website specs the current Manley Neo Classic 250 consumes 30W in warm standby mode, and 815W at full power with EL34 type tubes. The VTL 300 probably similar-ish. 
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FullRangeMan

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Re: The Magic Returns
« Reply #5 on: 14 Jun 2022, 09:45 pm »
Wow the power company will be happy.
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SteveFord

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Re: The Magic Returns
« Reply #6 on: 15 Jun 2022, 12:35 am »
The manual for the VTL 250s says 300/518 so who knows about typos and dyslexia.
To look on the bright side, they do help heat the house in the Winter.

This is the review that got me to jump on them:
https://www.stereophile.com/tubepoweramps/689/index.html

I saw a date on a photo today, they hadn't been retubed since 2005!
Guess I got my money's worth out of them.
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/mp

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Re: The Magic Returns
« Reply #7 on: 21 Jun 2022, 01:43 pm »
Quote from: SteveFord on 15 Jun 2022, 12:35 am

I saw a date on a photo today, they hadn't been retubed since 2005!
Guess I got my money's worth out of them.

:)

Frugally yours,
 
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