Hi nspeer, it took a week for mine to arrive. I would suggest you order RCA 6sj7 now because the stock tube is very bright. Unless you have speakers that need some waking up in the upper registers. My amp has no hum although the RCA's I'm using have a bit of noise, no hum. Nothing you'll hear when playing music. It does soundstage very well, with a good 3d effect.Hi, this is my first post on AudioKarma. Today I ordered my MP-301 and I'm excited to get it (how long to the U.S from China?). A few weeks ago I bought my first tube amp through Amazon (Gemini Doctor is the seller), a Gemtune X-1. While I believe the sound is outstanding, once the honeymoon elation was over I began to notice a 60hz hum. Gemini Doctor responded to my email about the hum immediately and made a few suggestions, none of which worked. So, I sent it back for a replacement. Well, the second X-1 is humming MUCH worse, making it unlistenable at the low, bedroom levels I am listening at most of the time. A little research led me to the MP and I ordered one today. When I asked Garry to please confirm that this amp is "dead quiet" (many people reviewed the Gemtune as "dead quite"...I guess they got lucky), he assured me that it was. When I told him that my main desire is for a wide sound-stage, realistic imaging with 3D sound, he told me the stock tubes would be fine. However, he also mentioned that I should upgrade the stock tubes to Gold Lion KT77 / KT66 and RCA 6SJ7, but he added "later". So, I'm guessing he meant I should break the amp in for some time before upgrading tubes.
I'm interested in comments here as to the most desirable tubes (at reasonable price) for wide, deep, 3D soundstage. BTW, with this rig I will be streaming Tidal through a Chromecast Audio with a Toslink optical cable (which bypasses the Chromecast's DAC) into a Parasound Zdac. I use 92db Martin Logan LX16's with a REL Strata III Subwoofer connected "speaker level" from the main speaker terminals. Many thanks for your advice...
So, I'm guessing he meant I should break the amp in for some time before upgrading tubes.
I'm interested in comments here as to the most desirable tubes (at reasonable price) for wide, deep, 3D soundstage. BTW, with this rig I will be streaming Tidal through a Chromecast Audio with a Toslink optical cable (which bypasses the Chromecast's DAC) into a Parasound Zdac. I use 92db Martin Logan LX16's with a REL Strata III Subwoofer connected "speaker level" from the main speaker terminals. Many thanks for your advice...
Kray, mine is a refurb and does not day "2018 Edition"Looks like Gary added the new "2018 Edition", is this the one you ordered @nspeer ?
http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=54
Hi nspeer, it took a week for mine to arrive. I would suggest you order RCA 6sj7 now because the stock tube is very bright. Unless you have speakers that need some waking up in the upper registers. My amp has no hum although the RCA's I'm using have a bit of noise, no hum. Nothing you'll hear when playing music. It does soundstage very well, with a good 3d effect.
Maybe. Only trying will tell. Another one I haven't tried but has some good notices is the EF86, Telefunken, Tesla.Looks like the RCAs have black metal covers. Aw shucks, how am I going to enjoy watching that beautiful orange tube glue? Think the JAN Sylvania black plate 6SJ7WGT will do the trick as well?
Kray, mine is a refurb and does not day "2018 Edition"
Hi nspeer, it took a week for mine to arrive. I would suggest you order RCA 6sj7 now because the stock tube is very bright. Unless you have speakers that need some waking up in the upper registers. My amp has no hum although the RCA's I'm using have a bit of noise, no hum. Nothing you'll hear when playing music. It does soundstage very well, with a good 3d effect.
I got mine on Ebay, they tested a 71 and 73. 40 is minimum recommended. The prices I've seen are good, it's not a rare tube at all. The red 5693 is rarer and about 3x the price.So, I'm looking for RCA 6sj7 tubes on Ebay. What would be a good Hickok test score on a tube ?
Any suggestions for a good source of reliable tubes besides Ebay?
So, I'm looking for RCA 6sj7 tubes on Ebay. What would be a good Hickok test score on a tube ?
Any suggestions for a good source of reliable tubes besides Ebay?
Nice little vote of confidence...
I took my MP to a local audio repair guy, that’s been doing it for 40yrs, to upgrade some caps on my MP. I took the bottom plate off and he looked it over for a good minute or two without saying anything. He then asked where it’s from. I told him guy in Canada designs it and has it built in China. He said they did a great job. “Normally the Chinese stuff is crap, but you can tell this was a good one. Much better parts, great PCB board, and good soldering”
So now patiently waiting to get it back to pair with my new Zu Omen DW’s
That's great to know, Kray. I ordered on 4/29, but I have not received any indication that it's been shipped. I guess I'll get an email....
When i ordered mine i didn't hear for 2-3 days, then boom it was shipped 2-day DHL and here fast. Hopefully same for you.
If you get mod happy, checkout this thread.
https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=45210
Today's the big day?Right on schedule, I just received a notice from DHL. Delivery is Friday!
Today's the big day?
I've put Tung-Sol 7581-A in the power section. It's a more linear presentation in my horns. They're in the same family as the 6L6. The EL83's were a tad too aggressive in the upper mids.