Unlock New Soundscapes The Art of Valve Rolling in Amplifiers
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2024
- Welcome to "Unlock New Soundscapes: The Art of Valve Rolling in Amplifiers."
Mark guides you through the nuanced world of valve rolling, where even the slightest change can reveal a universe of sonic possibilities.
Today, we're diving into an experiment that's as golden as it is enlightening-no pun intended. Well, maybe a little. You see, in Mark's excitement to share this with you, he's been getting his 'Gold' and 'Golden' mixed up.
But worry not, because when it comes to the actual process of swapping valves in our HiFi amplifiers, there's absolutely no room for confusion. The differences you'll hear are as clear as day and night.
Valve rolling, for those who might be new here, is the audiophile's quest for the perfect sound. It's about tweaking and fine-tuning your amplifier by changing its tubes or valves to different types or brands, each known for their unique sound characteristics. Whether it's a richer bass, a more transparent midrange, or silkier highs you're after, the right valve swap can get you there.
But enough introduction! Grab your headphones, settle in, and prepare to be amazed by the sonic differences that a simple valve swap can make. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or new to the hobby, you're about to discover just how transformative valve rolling can be. Let's get started and unlock the full potential of your HiFi system together.
WARNING: If you are buying valves ensure you buy from a reputable retailer as there are many 'counterfeit' valves out there.
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Cheers Mark
You are very welcome :)
Hello Mark
For those who don't like tubes there is hope, you can do rolling with opamps, I think Burson were the first many years ago with some models of headphone amplifiers, now many manufacturers of class D amplifiers, not only the models very small and cheap (who claim to be giant killers), but also exclusive producers. For example, AGD Productions offers amplifiers with interchangeable modules in capsules identical to the KT88 tubes at the price of a good car. Will be Class D and GaN tubes the future in audio? We will see in a few years.
HI Bogdan - apologies for the late reply. Just back from Munich and catching up :) Thats a very intersting point you make there. It will be interesting to see what happens! Cheers, Mark :)
One of the best KT88 in current production are made in Europe (Czech Republic) and are from KR Audio. They're no cheap, but they sound great. I have two matched pairs on my beautiful Fezz Audio Supertitania power amp.
I am new to valve rolling so I have not tried KT88 yet, I am looking forward, having spent thousands of pounds on a stereo system, to moove onto the bit all the rest is chosen for, to act as a good platform for playing with valves.
I think my fascination started as a toddler peering into the back of a valve tv.
Where is your show room I might like to attend?
PS just because you did not mention it; the capacitors on a valve amp are huge and hold a currant for a long time (Hours) so caution is always advisable
Install a bleeder resistor ( 220K-470K / +2watt ) on the HV rail.......( HV on a tube with a cold cathode is also not a good practice........)
Hi John, we are based in Scotland (Fife, near St Andrews. Our full adress is:
Unit 10 Comielaw Farm
Pittenweem, Anstruther
Fife
KY10 2RE
Cheers
Mark :)
@@EliteAudioUK thanks
@@frankgeeraerts6243 sorry I don't understand? "Bleeder resistor" is that in place of 12AU7?
HV rail etc? I don't follow I rally an new to this .The truth is that am buying a Linermann bridge 2(+LPS) next week and from that point valves I expect will be all I will ever "Upgrade" again.
If your interested I have the RME ADI 2 and Focal Aria speakers both as stated before chosen as Enablers' for valve rolling.
@@johnh539 Hi John ...........an bleeder resistor id a resitor that bleeds off the high voltage ( desirable after switch off ).......maybe your amplifier has one.......a skiled technician or audiophile can easily install one on your amp...for pennies ( extends tube life also)
As good as the current production KT88 may be ( Gold Lion -Russia).........the nos GEC ( UK GEC) genuine KT outperforms any current production.......same with EL34 /6550/6L6GC and many other old nos tubes........
The first tube sets the standard in an amplifier ........always begin with the input tube..........often it's the only one that you realy need to change and does matter .......at least the most important choice starting tube rolling .
later on you can try to find synergie trying the other tubes...at a price ...
Beware of many ( mostly chinese ) tube sockets ....they do not like changing tubes and go bad very easy.....
Using rare /precious/expensive nos tubes should be limited to be used only in the very best amplifiers
Do not put racing tyres on a regular car....
Thanks .
I have the prima luna100 integrated.
So far I have replaced the 12AX7's with 5751's and the EL34's with 6L6GC ; both modern copies of US military spec valves. With ought knowing any better way to judge it is at least I hope a sign of robustness if not sound. eventually I will have "Rolled" everything but as the only part not yet changed I am looking for quality 12AU7 alternatives.(Especially if they "Gel" with, 5751's and 6L6GC's)
To be honest I am going to stay away from NOS for a while as I am on a budget and I want to hear the best modern first before knowing what I am looking for and therefore where to pay a premium on NOS.
I have bought from a British retailor that claims "The most rigorous testing in the world" and always chose matched sets.
@@johnh539 That's OK ..........as a hint , ECC82 ( RFT ) are good sounding nos tubes and easy to find for a fair price ( as produced in the DDR audiophiles were not interested , but they were ven used by Luxman and Conrad Johnson, they simply printed Luxman or Conrad Johnson on the bulb hahaha)..and everybody liked the sound ....( strange world of audiophiles )
Makes you wonder why they didn’t use Gold Lion in the first place, they wouldn’t have cost Octave £400 for a matched quad set.
I think it depends on what you prefer personally - we will be comparing the valves at our showroom event this weekend - asking the audeince what they prefer. :)