[Charles Calkins]

Frank:

 I'm very satisfied with my T7ECR preamp. So are other audioholics who come to my house to listen to music and hoist a few. As you can understand I'm reluctant to spend $1k + to get the upgrades. I'm sure that when you say I'd be astonished with the improvement I'd hear you are right. But!! Suppose I wasn't astonished then I'd be stuck with something that didn't please me. I'm sure you are not offering a 30 day return policy on upgrades. I could order a brand new top of your line preamp and do a side by side comparison. If then I didn't like the new one I could send it back within 30 days for a refund. Don't worry Frank! I won't do that. Business is business and I'm a firm believer on doing business on the up and up.

                                                              Cheers
                                                             Charlie

[Wayner]

Charlie,

The T7 is great. When ever you are up to a move, the upgrade will be there waiting for you! I think that Upgrades offered by Frank are a convenient and cost effect method of "leap-frogging" to the current state of the art. I doubt the chassis size is going to change and when you are ready for your next move, you can save some cash re-using the chassis.

Wayner 

[ricmon]

Charlie,

The T7 is great. When ever you are up to a move, the upgrade will be there waiting for you! I think that Upgrades offered by Frank are a convenient and cost effect method of "leap-frogging" to the current state of the art. I doubt the chassis size is going to change and when you are ready for your next move, you can save some cash re-using the chassis.

Wayner 

I sent in my T7 in the small chassis and Frank would not upgrade it to Ultra.  I'm not complaining because I trust Frank.  But it would have been nice. The down size is there is only one way for me to get to Ultra level and that is to purchase one in the new chassis

[Charles Calkins]

ricmon:
 My T7 has the big chassis. Still on the fence about getting it upgraded.

                          Cheers
                           Charlie

[Listens2tubes]

In regard to the small chassis T8, I use a pair of Telefunken ECC801S for the line stage and Mullard 10M 12AX7A in the phono section. These tubes are a vast improvement over the JJ's as well as some RCA's I tried. I love to tweak and tube roll, but see no reason to fiddle with the T8 past finding the tube compliment that sounds right. Now my Mk IV's are another story....


Enjoy!

[martyo]

In regard to the small chassis T8, I use a pair of Telefunken ECC801S for the line stage

As far as AT7's, the holy grail is the 801S. Except for fun or a particular mood, no more need to roll after the Telefunkens. (thanks mark telefunken)

[mark funk]

This is a little off of T-8 mod but about tubes, I have tyred all of the new tubes around today and JJ ECC81s sound about the best in my T-5 BUT no way are they even close in sonics or build quality of older Wast German tubes like Telefunken, Siemens/Halske, Valvo but these tubes are hard to find and cost a lot and you could not base your product on parts you can't get. If you want to roll tubes make sure you know what you are getting! Never buy used tubes not even Telefunken that last for ever. I have seen tubes go and that flash looks cool but can cost you a lot of cash. To me Telefunken is a cut above the rest!

[Listens2tubes]

Actually I have been lucky in finding "holy grail" tubes at reasonable prices. Of coarse I watch all the usual sites for months or more. Diligence pays off on many fronts, especially with audiophilia nervosa  , it's almost effortless. Enjoy.

[drew54]

Thanks for all the replies. 

I tried several different tube types in my T8, including Sovtek, RCA, Brimar; no Telefunkens.  The Bugle Boys provide quietest background and a bit more detail than the RCAs.  The Sovtek 12AX7LPS is a great easy to find tube for the phono section.  Its quite a revelation to find how much the sound changes with different tube types, tho probably not a surprise to veteran tube rollers (and I should know from my experience with Golden Tube SE40 amps).

I have the small chassis model, so the 6N1P upgrade is not in my future. 

Maybe its a bit heretical to suggest that changes to passive components could also make an improvement.  Right now, I am pretty happy with T8 and have no plans for a replacement.  On the other hand, I may someday take up my soldering iron and put in those fancy caps.  Will let you know if and when...

[Toka]

Drew,

Did you try the Sovtek LPS tubes along with the stock JJ's? If so, how would you compare them?

[drew54]

My T8 did not come with JJ 12AX7s, but was fitted with unlabeled tubes for the phono, probably Sheguang (it had JJs in the line stage).  The Sovtek 12AX7 LPS is much quieter than the original tube and has a more refined sound.  I was hard pressed to hear differences between the Sovtek and NOS 12AX7s from RCA and Brimar.  I prefer the Bugle Boys cause they have an even lower noise floor, and provide a bit more brightness and color (question of taste, not which is better).  Also, the Sovteks might live longer, as the BBs burn brightly for a second or two when powered up.

[Toka]

Thanks Drew!  I really liked the Sovtek LPS's in a phono stage I heard a little while back...don't have an Ultra EC to try them in, alas. 

Anyone hear with an Ultra (and the JJ's) wanna take the plunge? Color me curious.

[MarkM]

I just received a couple of different tubes to roll in the phono section this weekend.   Mullard 12AX7 and some Tung-Sol 12AX7.   I'm done spending big $$ for tubes that just don't seem to last compared to cost.  I've got a box of NOS RCA, Mullards, Siemens etc...

I find the JJ a good bang for the buck tube, but currently enjoy the Electro-Harmonix 12AT7 in the preamp section. 

As for part swapping "mods", try some soft recovery diodes in the HV power supply.  Another great option is the HV Cree schottky.   The sound is blacker and really helps imaging.   

[avahifi]

Playing with diodes? Geeze.  Can't tell you how many units we have had to fix because the wonder diodes did not have an adequte voltage or current rating for the application, and how badly the plated through holes and circuit traces were damaged by ham handed soldering work.

One thing parts changes will change is your transferable three year warranty. Changes that to VOID!   

Regards,

Frank

[MarkM]

No doubt there is going to be a percentage of DIY types that don't do their homework or simply aren't qualified to make simple changes. 

The owner has to make the determination of whether they want to risk taking such actions, knowing full well this voids the warranty(if still covered).   I see no harm in letting someone who is competent make appropriate changes.


Since your products are essentially built when ordered, does a customer have a choice of adding "boutique"  HV rectifier diodes?


BTW, love the combo of the T8, Ultra 550 and Snell Acoustic speakers.  I have owned the T8 for a couple of years and have no urge to upgrade.  Your electronics are a true bargain for the music lover.   aa Perhaps might try one of your DACs in the future.   

[martyo]

Perhaps might try one of your DACs in the future.   

There are those that think the AVA DAC's are Frank's best products.

[MarkM]

[/quote]

There are those that think the AVA DAC's are Frank's best products.
[/quote]

I have been eyeing the Ultra DAC for quite a while.  I just might have to convince my wife why I need another piece of audio gear.     

Every now and then she will ask me how I like the sound, she needs to know that each year something is either getting upgraded or tweaked.