The combination of EML mesh plate 5U4G and octal adapter 6SN7's ...is magical. It has pushed my MW Transporter into a new musical realm that I am very excited about. The piece de resistance is the combination of EML and Tung Sol round plates (thanks George/Zybar for the loan, via David).
I, for one, am not going back to nine pins on the TP. I'm done tube rolling in that category. I also may be done tube rolling rectifiers on the TP. The EML seems to add sanity and balance to every signal tube choice. (Note: I'm still concerned that it glows too brightly, but Dan assures me we're not driving it too hard). I'm nowhere near done tube rolling the 6SN7's however....unless I spring for those round plates, that is.
Net/net, if asked which gives bigger bang for the buck I would say the octal adapter jump.. It's quite a revelation, and brings many new tubes into the roll mix. But.....the EML move is completely additive, and the combo is killer Sorry.
Wow, I buy some sweet RCA Cleartop 6GC7s in January, get buried in work for a few weeks and you guys have moved on to octal adapters with 6SN7 signal tubes.
I'm all for it, in the holy grail quest of audiophile neurosis, just surprised at such a departure.
I have to wonder if there might be some sonic degradation by utilizing the adaptor route, as might be experienced with other signal adaptors (xlr-to-rca, bnc-to-rca, etc.). Has anyone already explored getting MWI to retrofit a nice octal base to the circuit board?
Regarding the new EML 5U4G rectifier king, I about choked on the $235 price tag. I currently have a nice black base MB GZ34 that I paid $75 for. Is the EML really worth the upgrade $$$? From what I've read so far, it sounds like my money would be better spent going the octal route? {I have the bybee/power mod}
Thx,
Kenreau