[JuicyMusic]

A few comments to toss in here just technically.

Since a 12AX7 and a 6922 are such very different devices, the circuits in which they are used are also then very different. Since circuit topology itself determines such a large percentage of the final sound, you are never really just comparing the two tube types per se, but rather hearing the whole of the circuit.

In line stages especially, a large contribution to the final sound is coupling capacitors. In some circuits more than the contribution of the tube type/vendor/make.

Some circuits will be very sensitive to tube rolling within the type, and some will be much less so. Again, topology will play a big role there.

That's no argument for or against any particular tube - only an argument that such comparison isn't very easy.

Hi Mark,

Well, thatg brings up a question.:

Is there anyway you could use part of the 6922 or 6H30 as a regulator and the other half as the amplifier. I realize you would have two tubes one per channel as opposed to the one tube for both channels.

Just curious.

Ray.

You could certainly use 1/2 for a current source and half as an amplifier.

Hi Mark,

I would imagine though this would be a balancing act between good sound versus perhaps more junk in the circuit. Don't know if tube regulation for each channel would be a good thing here or not.

Ray

Ray,
I might not have understood your question. If you are referring to using "regulated power supplies" - that's a different question. My answer was based on a common technique of 'current sourcing' which in no special way adds any junk to the circuit. Using regulators in the supply voltage is another issue all together. Some like it, some don't. But, in that case, it would be unlikely that 1/2 a tube would be employed in the voltage regulation of the circuit.

[Joey B]

Hi Ray

Ive had my Extended Foreplay III for 2 yrs now . The Shunt regulated PS and C4S (constant current source) with the Extended version are a real knockout . 

They give you the tube sound but make the circuit more linear . The bass from this Pre can be very tactile and almost scary . Last years CES best sound pick for Jonathan Valin was the Tapeproject room that used 3 extended Foreplays for 6 channels to some Japanese Tube amps to Magico mini's . The only extra thing I did to mine was Mundorf Silver/oil coupling caps . The kit comes with Auricaps . Doc B. and the whole community over at Bottlehead are very helpful and nice to work with .

Joey B

[guest1632]

Hi Ray

Ive had my Extended Foreplay III for 2 yrs now . The Shunt regulated PS and C4S (constant current source) with the Extended version are a real knockout . 

They give you the tube sound but make the circuit more linear . The bass from this Pre can be very tactile and almost scary . Last years CES best sound pick for Jonathan Valin was the Tapeproject room that used 3 extended Foreplays for 6 channels to some Japanese Tube amps to Magico mini's . The only extra thing I did to mine was Mundorf Silver/oil coupling caps . The kit comes with Auricaps . Doc B. and the whole community over at Bottlehead are very helpful and nice to work with .

Joey B

Hi Joey B,

Does the extended Foreplay have regular pots or stepped controls. I guess it has this 11 position atenuator switch as well as dual? volume controls?

Since I can't see the pics, not sure what's up.

Ray

[Joey B]

It comes with an 11 step stepped attenuator . i.e. sweetest whispers .

I actually forgot , about 9 months ago my sweetest whispers bit the dust and I replaced it with a Goldpoint mini V. it is 24 steps and much nicer . I think it ran about $125-$145 IIRC . The sweetest whispers is better sounding than a pot but not as good as one of the better commercial grade stepped att. Hope this helps .


Joey B