Pic on left is 12ax7 and the right 12au7. 300bs are old mesh plates I had with 30 hours on them.
I really like the Ei tubes in my 8600s. I think my favorite combo is an RCA 12ax7 and Ei 12au7’s. Try them all, it’s really a matter of taste preference. Also it’s very dependent on which 300b you are using.
300B.. Please Support Made in USA Western Electric. There is no tube will offer 5 Year Warranty. except Western Electric..
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Victor I agree but I need to buy a good quality phono kit. I currently have a Rega fono mk5 that money when I sell it will go to new power tubes.
If you're looking for a preamp and you enjoyed building the TU-8600 let me suggest the TU-8550. TBH I haven't used the phono section yet, but the preamp is amazing. It's dead quiet and very pleasant to listen to with other tube amps. I've used mine with the TU-8600, TU-8900, and I'm currently listening to my TU-8850. They're all quite different but they all sound great with the TU-8550. Maybe others on here can comment on the phono section.
That’s not a bad idea. The phono section is tube not op amp which I like. The Japan site shows a 8850 and a 8550N which they call the new version. Not sure the difference. I will assume the 8600s sounds better with the pre in front of it? Thoughts?
Although with the 8600s being my only amp and it being fully capable without a pre I have put a great switching device inline for input switching (Sony SB-300 passive)and really just want a great phono preamp. Would prefer mm/ Mx without needing a SUT.
TU-8600-S volume. I playing into Klipsch Heresy IV speakers. They are supposed 98db. Playing yo-yo ma volume at noon is less than concert level. How safe is it to play past 12.
You might wish to consider the SunValley EQ phono kit (also distributed by Victor). It is a more complex build (point to point), but sounds wonderful. The MC is solid state, but the MM is tube. Both sound excellent.
I will look into it. I would be using MM with a high outpost MC or Grado moving iron HO. I will check out the Sun Valley. I currently have a rega Fono mkIV and looking at the design with the lid off it doesn’t seem like it should sound as good as it does. I think they split the frequencies and amplify them separately. Low $ implementation. Point to point is fine I have lots of time.
I recently acquired a stock TU-8600S . I already have the TU-8200R with lundhals and the TU-8550 preamp. I’m running PSVANE 300B tubes & i’m very impressed by the soundstage on the 8600. A few reasons why I didn’t get the TU-8900 …. I don’t like the surface mount component boards, they are very difficult to repair(throw away design). Also , the 8600 has better gain which eliminates the need for a preamp. I still like my 8200R as well !
I used my TU-8600S at 60% then 90% for a year with no issues but unsure if it was going to overdrive anything and possibly shorten tube life? and now use it at 50%. I use a High output level v previous Low Output level on my Lumin P1 to make up for the lower volume setting on the Elekit.
I have asked this question on a few different sites but have yet to get a definitive answer, so I am playing it safe.
My voltages are not far from nominal. I was using Sovtek 12ax7lps and two Mullard CV4003 for input. I have since changed the 12ax7 to a RCA7025 that is strong and grids balanced. No real change in gain. I picked up a telfunken 12ax7 and amperex bugle boy. I don’t expect much gain difference. I expect it is my source gain and as well using TJ mesh plates and lastly I believe the Klipsch speakers are not as efficient as they claim. As you said my concern is over driving tubes. I am changing out my cartridge from a Blue point 2 to a Grado Platinum and using a Rega fono MM. I want build a great phono amp for my next project. I also would like to invest in better 300b but can’t afford WE. Might have to settle on a WE look alike.
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I also have the Telefunken & Bugle Boy 12AX7 tubes.
I use the Linlai Cossor WE300B replica tubes and they are very good especially in the midrange. They are supposed to be a bit rolled off on the top and bottom when compared to Western Electric 300B.
I have the upgraded TKD pot so it is very high quality and the digital Volume control on the Lumin P1 uses a LEEDH system the same as "Soulution" uses so they are both very high quality, and therefore I believe no noticeable resolution is lost using both.
I use the Linlai Cossor WE300B replica tubes and they are very good especially in the midrange. They are supposed to be a bit rolled off on the top and bottom when compared to Western Electric 300B.
I have the upgraded TKD pot so it is very high quality and the digital Volume control on the Lumin P1 uses a LEEDH system the same as "Soulution" uses so they are both very high quality, and therefore I believe no noticeable resolution is lost using both.
Thanks for the knowledge. The Lumen is fantastic and I would love to own. I use a Marantz ND8006 for streaming with a iPad connected using a lightening to camera USB b connection to feed Apple Lossless and high res ti the Marantz. I don’t use the CD in the Marantz I have a MBL modified CD. Love my CD player and the Marantz is a matter of economics. I just replaced my monitor Audio silver 300s driven by two bi-amp Marantz Pm-14S1 amps. No matter what I tied I got no emotion or enjoyment from that combo. That’s why I decided go back to a 300b and high efficiency speakers. I have tried many 300b and single driver speakers and most are a disappointment. The ElKit TU-8600s is very good. When I was single years ago budget was never an issue. Ha
Hi Victor I have a comment and a question for you. First the comment, I want to thank you for designing and supplying such an excellent amp kit. I just finished building the TU8600S kit last week and it sounds just stunning.
Now my question I want to get a pair of WE 300B tubes for this amp, do you have the WE 300B tubes in stock? If so what is your price? And will they come with the factory 5 year warranty with them?
I have about 25-30 hours of play time on the amp now and I swear it sounds better every day. Tubes in it now are Gold Lion 300B, NOS. RCA clear top 12au7, Telefunken 12ax7-tk. Thank you Victor
Dan
Now my question I want to get a pair of WE 300B tubes for this amp, do you have the WE 300B tubes in stock? If so what is your price? And will they come with the factory 5 year warranty with them?
I have about 25-30 hours of play time on the amp now and I swear it sounds better every day. Tubes in it now are Gold Lion 300B, NOS. RCA clear top 12au7, Telefunken 12ax7-tk. Thank you Victor
Dan