#26 pre amp

[andyjevans]

There's something a bit magical about the 26 in this setup - the soundstage is big and wide and the sound is very mellow with absolutely loads of low level detail and lovely tone. I'm using globes, and I'd advise on those as a preference.

7193 was always my favourite indirectly heated tube and I used it up until I replaced it with the 26. It does have useful gain. I haven't used it for a while, though. My memory was that ultimately it didn't match DHTs.

 

[mogliaa]

Yes, that is why I refined the op point of the 26 and glad we both end up on same one! I used the globes ones for 3 months and now I'm back on a pair of Sylvania NOS ST. They sound very detailed and a tad less warm obviously.

I like the 7193, but My 45 SE is not ideal and I'm working on other options such as 6e5P driver to push the 45 in A2 to deliver about 3W. Will see, but can't do anything until I finish my 4-65a SE. Can't stay without music!

 

[andyjevans]

Has anybody used other equivalents to the LL1660 in approx 1:1? I'm thinking LL1635, LL1621 etc.

Can anybody comment on how much better the amorphous LL1660s are?

What's the next step up in sound from the LL1660, while still maintaining enough primary inductance for a 26?

 

[vgeorge]

+1 on the Sylvania ST! I think they are more accurate.
Andy, maybe a special order from Sowter?

 

[massimo]

And what about the special LL2745 developed for Thomas Meyer? He promised to report but it was march.

 

[merlin el mago]

More work in progress

 

[Vinylsavor]

Hi!

Can anybody comment on how much better the amorphous LL1660s are?

You will get controversial opinions on this. I don't like them. Too many of them in a system and the colors get washed out.

What's the next step up in sound from the LL1660, while still maintaining enough primary inductance for a 26?

For 1:1 still the Tango NC20, hard to beat
Or the silver version LL1660Ag. Haven't used it yet, but a 10Y linestage with the silver transformers is planned for March/April.

Best regards

 

[Vinylsavor]

Hi!

And what about the special LL2745 developed for Thomas Meyer? He promised to report but it was march.

I haven't built a 26 linestage since then. Too many other projects in the pipe. I have sold several pairs of these and got excellent feedback so far. But Andy is looking for close to 1:1 ratio. These offer 5.6:1 , 2.8:1 or 1.4:1

Best regards

Thomas

 

[rclourenco]

More work in progress

Looking good Felipe!

 

[merlin el mago]

Thank you, what about your work in progress?

 

[mogliaa]

And what about the special LL2745 developed for Thomas Meyer? He promised to report but it was march.

Ciao Massimo,
I've been using the LL2745 lately in 5.6:2 for a tad more of gain but without increasing too much the output resistance and the performance is really good. I prefer this one compared to the LL1660.
cheers,
Ale

 

[andyjevans]

That's interesting. I just tried out the LL1635 in 1:1 and it's disappointing - light on bass and less detail than the LL1660. I have a LL1692 I can try

 

[mogliaa]

I don't think 1:1 is a good approach for the 26. The Ra is too high so probably won't be great in bass and less efficient driving your cables and amp input. If you need more gain go for increasing the gain of your driver instead?

 

[amandarae]

Is it really necessary to suspend the 26 tubes from the chassis? Just want to know.

 

[rclourenco]

Just finished my first chassis!

Last photos from the work done on the main chassis, now will start with the PS, hope you all enjoy it.

 

[merlin el mago]

It's really a pleasure look your work, it's always an inspiration, thanks to share. These four tubes are VR regs. or are you including a phono stage?

 

[Wavebourn]

It looks neat outside, but to me it is always torture to see heatsinks with fins oriented perpendicularly to air flow. Like sandpaper on teeth.

 

[Vinylsavor]

Hi Rui!

Last photos from the work done on the main chassis, now will start with the PS, hope you all enjoy it.

Excellent job! Very neat wiring! Congratulations!

Thomas

 

[mogliaa]

Hey Rui, it looks superb! Well done! How much work left for a first listening test?
Ale

 

[rclourenco]

It's really a pleasure look your work, it's always an inspiration, thanks to share. These four tubes are VR regs. or are you including a phono stage?

Thanks, these are VR tubes!