ModWright Modified Transporter - The Wave of the Future!

ted_b · « **Reply #320 on:** 16 May 2008, 01:13 am »

Yes, you could run digital out from the TP when the tubes are off, but that's it. All the analog outs are tied to the tube stage.

NickS · « **Reply #321 on:** 16 May 2008, 01:48 am »

Merci, mi amigo! That is most helpful to know.

CometCKO · « **Reply #322 on:** 16 May 2008, 02:37 am »

Ted, I just wanted to say how useful your posts have been, both here and on the Logitech forum. As I indicated there, you made a major contribution to my decision to buy the Modwright Transporter, and I haven't been sorry! So thanks!

Quote from: ted_b on 9 May 2008, 03:12 am

My fave rectifiers are identical to Philistine:
Mullard (Sylvania) 5U4G (not B)
Philips GZ32
Mullard 5AR4 (distant third but nice midrange)

Signals:
First tier, in descending order, but all very nice, and order depends on mood :
Raytheon 6CG7 black plates
Sylvania 1958 6CG7 gray plates (green lettering)
RCA 6CG7 Clear tops
RCA 6CG7 black plates
RCA 6BQ7's
Zenith 6CG7's (I think these are RCA)

Second tier:
Sovtek 6N1P

Didn't like:
Sovtek 6H30's

Waiting on:
Reflektor 6H30-DR's (supposedly wayyy better, and Rydenfan LOVES them in the LS 36.5, so a no-brainer for me)

I've been working through a stock of rectifiers, and have only tried a couple triodes.

So far, in order of preference, I've tried

Sylvania 5931 (military version of 5U4) -- big bold sound, but a bit raucous
Tung-Sol 5U4GB (i think, missing lettering) -- smoother but less dynamic than the 5931
early CBS 5U4GA -- more solid bass, but less smooth than the Tung-Sol
RCA black plate 5U4 -- good power/clarity, less bass than the above
Mullard GZ34 -- sweet mids, but mushy bass and rolled off highs
late CBS 5U4GB -- lacked control, tube may have been weak

In addition to the 6N1P triodes, I've only tried a pair of black plate RCA 6CG7's which I probably didn't give enough time. They paired nicely with the Mullards, but I found them brightish with the 5U4's of various types. I need to revisit them and get more hours on them. But I'll definitely try the Sylvanias you've discovered! So thanks again!

Frank

ted_b · « **Reply #323 on:** 16 May 2008, 03:33 am »

Frank,
Thanks for those nice words. I'm glad I could help in one way or another. That's what this forum is all about. There are many folks who will provide great feedback and experience; it helps when you decide to go in a new direction. Doesn't feel so lonely or risky.

Nice review of those rectifiers. I have some Tung Sol GB's coming, so I'll let you know what I hear. My Reflektor 6H30 Dr's have been here for a week but haven't had time to install them. I'll try them first in the TP, then they'll go in the pre (as per Rydenfan).

RockRobster · « **Reply #324 on:** 16 May 2008, 09:05 pm »

Greetings to all, my first post in this circle.

I just got off the phone with Dan, and he is shipping my transporter back to me today. I am tweaked about it.

My history on this product goes back to the middle of last year when I bought my Squeeze Box. I started by running it through my modified Aragon D2A box with my own upgraded PS. Very nice sound, but not quite up to my Sony XA9000es, which sounded even better when run through the Aragon D2A. Then I built a power supply for the Squeeze Box and it got better, but still, I felt there was more.

Then in November, I got my Transporter. What a cool box! It also sounded better than the SB and I moved the SB to mobile duty in the house with a portable system.

Then I ran across this site and you guys tipped over my cart yet again. I sent the unit to Dan at the beginning of this month and have been counting the days. I went back to the SB and am "enduring" for the moment.

The thing I absolutely love about this system, and what will never allow me to look back is the convenience of having all my music on my hard drive and being able to make play lists and get to anything I want. I can change directions and play something else entirely, without having to get up. No more standing in front of my CD racks and trying to decide what I want to hear!

I am using iTunes to store my files (ALC) because I also have an iPod plumbed into my car's audio system and can use the system for managing both. I only have about half of my music in the system right now and am up to about 90 GB, so I can relate to the sentiment of "months, I tell you". Will get there some day,

The rest of my system is : Cary SLP98 F1 Direct Coupled into an active crossover built by a friend of mine using a Marchand X-9 design and then into an ARC VT-100 mk III and North Creek Pegasus main speakers, and a pair of NuForce Ref9.02s into a pair of sealed cabinets each utilizing a pair of Scan Speak 25W/8565-01 drivers (4 ohm load).

I am an avid tube roller and am especially intrigued by the prospect of rolling some tubes for this little gem.

Ted, Dan said that the 6SN7 would work, except for the rather small problem with the socket sizes and that you were looking into some adapters for this. Have you had any luck on that front.

Regards,

Rob

ted_b · « **Reply #325 on:** 16 May 2008, 10:27 pm »

Rob,
As President of the Modwright Transporter's Owners Circle (appointed by DU, not really voted in by the citizens of Danville) I heartily welcome you and wish you the best sonics ever!

The octal 6SN7's would work wonderfully but a couple of folks on the Asylum who are willing to build me some octal-to-noval socket adapters claim the holes and overall real estate are problematic. I haven't done the proper measuring that one of the guys wants me to do, but he thinks, based on pictures, that there isn't enough room width and height-wise...and i certainly don't want to cut a larger set of holes. Sonic-wise most folks say the 6SN7's would be nice, but not night-n-day; certainly not worth the remodeling. I am not done yet; I will get my measurements (width of hole and distance from top of case to socket) and fwd to these guys for one last look.

Rob, this is ground floor stuff. There aren't yet enough of us to say unequivocally that one combination works best (of course, that will never happen, cuz we all have different environments, ears, equipment, tastes, budgets, etc.) so please feel free to experiment with pc's, tubes, ic's, earwax removal kits, yoga, and prescription drugs to come up with any new combo you think sounds nice. The stock MW TP and tube complement will rock your socks anyway.

RockRobster · « **Reply #326 on:** 16 May 2008, 10:45 pm »

Hi Ted,

"The octal 6SN7's would work wonderfully but a couple of folks on the Asylum who are willing to build me some octal-to-noval socket adapters claim the holes and overall real estate are problematic. I haven't done the proper measuring that one of the guys wants me to do, but he thinks, based on pictures, that there isn't enough room width and height-wise...and i certainly don't want to cut a larger set of holes. Sonic-wise most folks say the 6SN7's would be nice, but not night-n-day; certainly not worth the remodeling. I am not done yet; I will get my measurements (width of hole and distance from top of case to socket) and fwd to these guys for one last look."

Got a ton of really nice 6SN7s from my earlier tube rolling days. Hope you find out it will fit. Will probably sell off my 12 A*7s for cash to buy the newer ones.

"Rob, this is ground floor stuff. There aren't yet enough of us to say unequivocally that one combination works best"

That's one reason it appeals to me. Tube rolling is exploring new territory, but with a user base like we have here, it should be fun.

BTW, I well remember your tag line from the old Firesign Theatre album. Back in the early '70s. Some fun stuff. It's especially appropriate for us.

Sign me just another Bozo.

Rob

rydenfan · « **Reply #327 on:** 16 May 2008, 11:00 pm »

Rob, I have searched high and low for the octal base adapter to be able to try out some 6SN7's, unfortunately they do not seem to exist. Please let us know if you have any luck.

And welcome to the forum

It is a great group here

mateo · « **Reply #328 on:** 16 May 2008, 11:06 pm »

Singlepower (a headphone amp/preamp manufacturer) has definitely made octal-to-mini adapters, and I'm pretty sure they also have done, or can do, mini to octal. Maybe snoop around Head-fi for some in the classifieds or contact them (http://www.singlepower.com). Calling would probably get the best response.

RockRobster · « **Reply #329 on:** 17 May 2008, 05:39 pm »

On the subject of tube socket adapters, I got a couple of replies from over on the Tube Asylum to echo what mateo said earlier:

"I would also recommend Mikhail at Singlepower Audio. www.singlepoweraudio.com I have 6sn7 > 2c51 and 6sn7 > 5687 adapters from him. "

I sent Mikhail an e-mail and I'll try to get in touch with him on Monday to follow up.

Also, on his website he lists some NOS tubes of the 6CG7 and 6SN7 variety, but no prices. I'll have to check on that.

Rob

ted_b · « **Reply #330 on:** 17 May 2008, 06:25 pm »

Singlepower's adapters are the wrong direction (i.e for other tubes to fit into octal sockets) for the application we are discussing here.

mateo · « **Reply #331 on:** 17 May 2008, 06:51 pm »

Ted, I'm pretty sure he can make them in both directions, it's just that the octal -> mini is far more common.

ted_b · « **Reply #332 on:** 17 May 2008, 07:05 pm »

Mateo,
You are absolutely correct. MY BAD!

Thanks for the link. I spoke with Mikhail today and he's looking into it. He has made them before, just not stock per se. The issue is the 1 1/8 inch clearance from lid to socket, and 1 inch wide hole in the TP. He may come up with an extension but is totally convinced that the octal tube varieties would sound killer in the TP.

IronLion · « **Reply #333 on:** 17 May 2008, 08:00 pm »

Ha I've been in touch with Mikhail for that very reason Ted, I was considering finding a way to put either 6922's or 6SN7's into the TP.

mateo · « **Reply #334 on:** 17 May 2008, 09:31 pm »

Quote from: RockRobster on 17 May 2008, 05:39 pm

Also, on his website he lists some NOS tubes of the 6CG7 and 6SN7 variety, but no prices. I'll have to check on that.

Rob

Mikhail's website is a good two to three years out of date. In talking with him at a Head-fi meet in summer 2006, he mentioned buying out a huge inventory of tubes; I'm sure he's added on. His headamps and adapters have also ventured out into new tube types, so I'm pretty sure he'd be a good source of any tubes you're looking for, not just 6CG7/6SN7. I have no idea what wait times would be like, though, which has been a problem in the past.

rydenfan · « **Reply #335 on:** 17 May 2008, 11:12 pm »

Quote from: ted_b on 17 May 2008, 07:05 pm

Mateo,
You are absolutely correct. MY BAD! Thanks for the link. I spoke with Mikhail today and he's looking into it. He has made them before, just not stock per se. The issue is the 1 1/8 inch clearance from lid to socket, and 1 inch wide hole in the TP. He may come up with an extension but is totally convinced that the octal tube varieties would sound killer in the TP.

Please let us know what you find out. I tried calling last night but did not reach anyone. At this point I will just wait and see.

RockRobster · « **Reply #336 on:** 18 May 2008, 09:15 pm »

For the 6SN7 clearance issue, at least for the beginning, I am thinking of just leaving off the cover. At least to see if the 6SN7 is a better alternative. Then maybe see about getting the top modified.

Rob

rydenfan · « **Reply #337 on:** 19 May 2008, 02:53 pm »

The first step is getting the octal based adapter. It seems like Ted has a pretty viable lead, and I hope he knows to order two sets

RockRobster · « **Reply #338 on:** 19 May 2008, 08:23 pm »

He should probably order more than two sets, as he probably wants a set for himself.

Rob

Danny Kaey · « **Reply #339 on:** 21 May 2008, 05:24 am »

my Truth TP review should be posted by this weekend on SonicFlare...

cheers,

Danny