[mdabb]

Hello all, I have been lurking for for a long time and have been steadily absorbing what I can. Love to read and reference much of the info here and also love what you guys have done with the place!!! Also, I do love my ModWright pre and can say that Dan has been very friendly and helpful to me . He didn't have to be so nice but he was. A big thanks again to Dan if you happen to read this, I appreciate it !!!

My two channel music portion of my setup includes: a ModWright LS36.5, Pass Labs X150.5 and a pair of Dali Helicon 800's and now I'm picking up a Sony/ModWright 9100ES (platinum truth mod).

I'm not sure of what to look at for tubes in the 9100ES ??? Right now in the LS36.5 I have a 1957 Philips Miniwatt Metal Base GZ34 (Holland) and a matched pair of Reflektor 6H30N-DR's. Not sure what year the DR's are as I am semi-confused, but I was told they are the older ones. Have pics if anyone is interested................

I have Three other GZ34's, a plain Chinese version, a not sure what year British made black base GZ34, and an older Mullard brown base GZ34 made in Holland (the logo/writing are very faint).


Can there be too much of a good thing all around ???

 I have an opportunity to pick up a pair of Mu/Bendix 6900's, but not sure what to think about them. I have been told some people like them some not, but that's how it usually goes....right .

I do like that classic tube sound and if anyone has any suggestions they are more than welcome !!!

Much appreciated...........

Andrew

[Philistine]

Hi Andrew and welcome,
I can give you my experience based on the 999ES - I finished up with a black base Mullard GZ34/5AR4 and Bendix 6900's.  If you can get the 6900's for a reasonable price then I'd try them out, if not the Tung Sol tubes (forget the number) also worked very well. 

[mdabb]

Thanks, I have been leaning towards getting them just to have them, as the seller is not asking too much and they were NOS and now have around 375 hours on them. I do like to experiment but I think my over all goal is a full body sound.
 

I have only been into tube gear for the last year. I love it and always use to get in trouble when I was younger (I just turned 33) for playing with my dad's setup when he was out to field (retired Army drill sergeant). It was always fun until he came home. Worth it to me as I am back at it.

[AB]

Does your new 9100es have the tube rectified PSU?

[JG2]

As Phil mentioned you may want to try Tung Sol black plate 5687's. A great tube top to bottom. If you like the detail of the 6900's great! If you like the 6900 but it's a bit too forward, you can try Amperex 7119. (Made in Holland, not US production). Early GE's are very good. I have not tried the Sylvania Gold Brand 5687 but they are reported to be an excellent tube. I am a big fan or the Raytheon 5687 in the Sony 9100. YMMV

You can use: 5687, 7119, 6900, 7044. Do not use any other variant or damage may result.

[mdabb]

Does your new 9100es have the tube rectified PSU?

Forgot to mention that, yes it is the platinum truth mod.

Thanks everyone for the replies !!!

[Philistine]

Andrew, my story is getting a bit long in the tooth now but having a Modwright CDP turned my listening pleasure around 180 degress.  I'd given all but given up on getting listening pleasure from CDs at a reasonable price, I tried Audiophile A rated players and came away dissapointed.  When I bought my Modwright 999ES it introduced the fun and pleasure back into musical enjoyment, and I've bought more new CDs in the last few years than the previous 20 years!

I wish you as much fun and enjoyment as I've had.

Happy new year.
Phil

[jazzcourier]

For my 9100ES with the platinum mods i went with the Bendix "Red Bank" -as in New Jersey plant- 6900,the "military" version of the 5687.Vacuum Tube Valley has some information on this tube and the word was,and is in my estimation,the "holy grail" tube for this application.These are some of the most expensive tubes you are going to find.Maybe someone can offer some suggestions on a less costly tube that gets close to this tubes performance?
    This tube makes the cdp sing,shout, get up and dance around the room and taunt my analog playback system.Not that it ever wins out,but there is competition on better recorded cd's,and to me that goes a long way! There is one seller on Ebay who sells these,hold your breath and take a look.So,file this under...if you are going to do it,do it right and get the best and get what you want the first time.Or,file this under...know what the maximum achiever is and work back to your own comfort zone.Realistically,i would imagine that if you are a diligent watcher of auctions and tube sites and such you can find a pair of these at a more "civil" price.

[mdabb]

Thanks everyone for the help !!! I do like the idea of having various tubes to play around with. I have a feeling I will be looking into getting as many of them as I can.


Again thanks,

Andrew

[Syrah]

I like GE 7044s in mine.

[rpf]

Some thoughts on rectifier tubes for the external PS: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=56360.msg589754;topicseen#new

[mdabb]

Hello all !!!

First I want to say "thanks" again to everyone for being so kind and helpful !!!

So far I have been using the stock Tung Sol's and an earlier Mullard GZ34 (made in Holland, code LH1) in the CDP. While generally things sounded pleasing it wasn't what I desired. I was experiencing some unwanted harshness and cloudiness. I wasn't sure where to go to cure this ailment and haven't had much luck finding some of the rarer replacement options for the 5687's.

Presently a friend of mine let me borrow a pair of 6900's and a pair of black plate 5687's. So far I have only spent time with the 6900's and I must say it does my system justice !!! No more harshness and music simply sounds cleaner, detailed and open to me. I also "think" I'm hearing a sense of "space" as well that was not heard before. I am really enjoying the change the 6900's have brought to me !!!

 I will be "home alone" tomorrow and plan on checking out the black plates. Hope they bring excitement as well..........



Would anyone care to recommend some options for the GZ34 other than another GZ34 and the 6H30's I am using in the LS36.5 ??? I am trying to find some really great and detailed sounding options. Plus trying to find the right combo of tubes between the 9100ES and LS36.5. Are there any tubes you CAN'T live without ???

I also went in on a "buddy buy" and we picked up a EML mesh plate to try out. There has been a lot of excitement surrounding this tube so I'm hoping the joy will spread my way as well.

I don't want this to come off sounding bad, but price is of no concern, whether it be a little or a lot. I just want some genuine excitement and love in my music.

Again, thanks !!!

Andrew