Tube rolling with Cary Audio Xciter Headphone/Integrated Amp

H

htsource

Active Member
Hi,

I just purchased this combo:

http://www.caryaudio.com/products/xciter.html

It's driving my pair of Totem Model-1 speakers pretty good, I also use a pair of Sennheiser HD-800 and sounds really sweet.

I have always wanted to try out Telefunken tubes for 12AX7 but they're not cheap, wonder if these are any good:

http://thetubestore.com/tad7025s.html

I'm also thinking of upgrading 6L6 tubes to Gold Lion KT88 to double the output power from 5W to roughly 10W.

What do you think? Any other suggestions for tube rolling? Thanks.
 
Register to hide this ad
I have tested that amp, it is sweet. I had KT88s in when I listened and it was very capable of driving my speakers. As far as Telefunken 12AX7s, I have several that were pulled from old tube gear. Just keep looking on CL for old scopes and anything tube. Many times Fisher tubes were made by Telefunken. Glad you like the amp. John
 
The GL's are pretty darn good. :thmbsp: What do you want to change sonically with the 12AX7's? Tungsram is a good tube. *I* would try some of the US tubes too. There will be one combination that really floats your boat.
 
Actually the system sounds pretty good as is with all stock tubes, although I would want a little bit more extension on the bass, hence the KT88 upgrade. It's more what if I had better tubes, this is what got me thinking into tube rolling.
 
Rolling can be fun and rewarding. Go for thr KT88s and then keep an eye out for old tube gear...you will find good tubes sometimes! John
 
Bought the KT88's and just trying them out right now. I also got a pair of these 12AX7:

http://thetubestore.com/tad7025s.html

So far in about 4 hours of burning in, it seems with the new combo, sound is not as focused as before. There's definitely more dynamics, but overall sound is not as smooth as before. I know I need some time to burn in the tubes, so I'll be patience!
 
Actually is it safe to leave the amp on overnight for burn in? I heard with tube amps, better to power down after few hours or use to cool down all the components? Don't know if it's necessary?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom