On the rectifier front, the Elrog (@Rhodey can probably clarify), as I understand it is more in the RCA Vain but like the KR “more”.
RCA invented the 5U4G, so it’s going to be the “typical” sound.
You might want to try what I did with rectifiers when I first played with them, I asked Brent Jesse to pick out 3 or 4 reasonably priced NOS ones he’d recommend, to get a better idea of the sorts of sound changes you can get. To me the RCA was the clear winner in that group, but I’m looking for a different overall tilt than you are.
I’ve never heard the Takatsuki, I did get one as a part of the Pacific purchase, but it was destroyed in shipping. But going 274B or GZ34 or 596 (with adapter) would definitely modify the sound.
Someone here, I want to say @NickMimi or possibly @dB_Cooper had a 596 in something.
Yeah as Polygon mentions, I read about the 596 rectifier a long while ago. A favorite of many folks for its character and strengths. There has been much written on it and I was fortunate to afford 2 w/ adapters and I was done and satisfied.
There are many good rectifiers out there. I cannot in all honesty speak to the tube’s individual strengths. I’m NOT experienced enough to be able to isolate a single tube amongst many to break down its characteristics.
I had to hunt down my first tube, it came with a box and measurements. I was not so fortunate the second time around, once I decided I wanted a spare I went to Woo, paid a premium and have not thought about it since.
Good luck, it’s a great tube and a cheaper option still than most premium current recommendations
Thanks Nick I’ll take a look.
I’m far from a tube expert or master listener but it’s quite apparent how the WA23 took a different role when I switched rectifiers this morning. It worked better for the electronic music and less so for the more real instruments / acoustic stuff so it was a little easier for me to discern what changed and describe it in general terms (linearity, extension, warmth etc).
Listen, the tube game is complicated and expensive. I follow the advice of some well known people and threads, purchase accordingly when possible. Afterwords if it sounds good, I may swap around every few weeks to try and get a feel for things but as I stumble across combinations that work for me I tend to leave things alone for the most part.
I’ve got a few $$$K invested in tubes, at this point and try to avoid being too stupid about it. It’s a solid performer don’t overthink it unless you know exactly what you are looking for.
I will say it’s very cool you can change one tube and the amp would be better (for me) for specific genres. I wish it was easier to do on the go but with some planning I can see myself leveraging this more.
Due to the long burn in time, it’s hard to assess tubes quickly. I typically had three sets that I spent a long time on. I stuck with one that I liked and sold the rest. I also try not to overthink it, but it is nice that you can fine tune particular traits a touch with tubes.
As for my 2c in rectifier, I use RK 5u4g, but they are certainly getting hard to get.
You can get the KR not RK ones easily enough, the RK versions of any tubes are currently unobtainium, Best300B had an exclusive license, and until Lukas decides what’s happening there, there isn’t anywhere to buy them.
The RK 5U4G is better than the normal one, but the normal one is still very good.
Depends on the tube the PSVane ones take forever, at least 150 hours.
Most NOS tubes aren’t actually NOS, but used, so usually a day or two to “wake up”.
It’s pretty incredible how much swapping tubes can alter the sound. If you think about, the tube is a part of the circuit. Anything in the circuit affects the sound, IMO.
Glad you’re enjoying your new amp. Looking forward to hearing about what tubes you settle on.
Watch past 11:40 at your discretion, but he spends the first part of the video talking about build, usability, and accessories. That’s probably worth looking at. Some good points about the Tube Mini are made.
It does look pretty sweet. Charring with Marcello earlier and he said he really liked it with dynamic drivers, specifically his Stellia (I think he mentioned it in the video).
$500 is on the higher end for dongles, but it is a very unique product. I wonder if maybe Cayin will eventually release a dongle with Korg NuTubes? They’ve used them in a few products already and I think that would be cool to see.
I know the WA33 has better soundstage and detail retrieval than the WA22, but the WA22 is a lot warmer. So my very shortsighted question is just how much more worth it is the WA33 when using a Susvara? Also, not exactly a Woo Audio amp, but would the AmpsandSound Mogwai SE be better than the WA22? I know I should probably be doing this research myself instead of just asking here, but I’m pushed for time and I want to ask now before I forget.
