Upgrade for SE 9

mbarnes · « **on:** 2 Apr 2003, 08:09 pm »

Electro Harmonix recently introduced their 6CA7 tube. This is a fatter bottle than the EL34 but it is a direct replacement. The new tubes sell from $20 to $30 per matched set.

I have read that the Electro Harmonix 6CA7 tube is suppose to be a copy of the Sylvania 6CA7. One other source said it was a copy of the Phillips.

I believe the sound of the 6CA7 is a bit rounder. I have read that the 6CA7 can be pushed harder and that the 6CA7 is between the EL34 and 6550.

taketwo · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Apr 2003, 06:06 am »

How much more power do we get from this tube? The current EL34 is 9w right?

mbarnes · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Apr 2003, 07:06 am »

The output is not limited by the tube. It is possible to drive the EL34 to a maximum 24 watts. Doing this will limit the life of the EL34 and it stresses the tubes quite a bit. The 9 watts is what we think is a very conservative setting that gives us very good performance. It is possible to drive the amplifier hotter but it wouldn't make your speakers play signifigantly louder.

Quote from: taketwo

How much more power do we get from this tube? The current EL34 is 9w right?

nathanm · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Apr 2003, 06:57 pm »

Oh boy we can overclock our tube amps now!? Wow, break out the fans, giant heatsinks and water coolers!

"Dude, I overclocked my SE-9 to 24 watts last night! The tubes melted and I had to reboot, but man was it ever loud!"

"That's L33t, man."

jwha · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Apr 2003, 05:14 am »

I just got a Virtual Dynamics Basic Power Cord (cryo'd version - $40 www.virtualdynamics.ca) and plugged it into my SE9. I was never a believer in power cords making a difference, but WOW! Immediately the volume was louder, sound was more transparent, and much more detail. I couldn't believe my ears... just from 1 power cord.

I highly recommend this power cord. I will now look into getting a power cord for my CD player.

nathanm · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Apr 2003, 06:11 pm »

I agree, I tried my Illuvatar Platinum Reference Blau cord on my SE-9 and it was stunning to say the least. Even my neighbor pounded on the ceiling and made muffled screams as if to say, "What the hell did you just change down there!?" Awesome!