Citation II

[audiodon]

If you got the power tubes, the 12BY7s shouldn't be a problem. Only the best for these is the way to go. Lots of stuff in the archives in the Yahoo Citation group. Someone even matched the brown. If I recall, it's Krylon shoe leather brown, but I can't guarantee that. I mentally cataloged that name because I have a Cit IV pre and a V (the fin) amp. You have two Deuces.

 

[Westy56]

I'm already working on the tubes.

Are 6550's the same as a KT88? One of the amps indicates either one for the outputs?

Steve

BTW The 4 tubes in one of them are 3 IEC/Mullards and 1 RCA 6550/7248.
Can these be used together or should I buy eight new tubes for the outputs?

 

[Bluelobster]

I'm already working on the tubes.

Are 6550's the same as a KT88? One of the amps indicates either one for the outputs?

Steve

BTW The 4 tubes in one of them are 3 IEC/Mullards and 1 RCA 6550/7248.
Can these be used together or should I buy eight new tubes for the outputs?

KT88 is a higher output tube than a 6550 and I do believe that the Citation runs them (6550) pretty hard. The new Genelex Gold Lion KT88 should do well in these amps. If your lucky and want to spend some cash a quad of Type I or Type II EI KT90 is the supremo!

 

[Bluelobster]

Jim's mods will get you up and running, but you can do better for less money if you don't mind doing some research.:yes: You can also get everything you need from AK site sponsors.:thmbsp:

I thought Jim McShane was a sponsor? And all the info you need is posted on his site.

 

[jaymanaa]

I thought Jim McShane was a sponsor? And all the info you need is posted on his site.

Nope, he doesn't even subscribe. The leather brown rustoleum is close, but just a tad different. RCA 12BY7s are plentiful and cheap, and they sound great. For the KT88s I'd use the new Golden Lions and buy them from The Musician's Friend. So far they have the best pricing and their customer service is very good too.:yes:

 

[Westy56]

Nope, he doesn't even subscribe. The leather brown rustoleum is close, but just a tad different. RCA 12BY7s are plentiful and cheap, and they sound great. For the KT88s I'd use the new Golden Lions and buy them from The Musician's Friend. So far they have the best pricing and their customer service is very good too.:yes:

Yes, it looks like the Golden Lions will be the first ones to try.

I think I might be able to get NOS 12BY7's. What brand came with the Citation originally?

Steve

 

[Freo-1]

I have a Citation II that was modified and restored. Wound up changing out the 12BY7's for 5687 (in the same manner as the MFA-10 front end). Installed a NOS Simpson ammeter, NOS Dale pots, updated bias supply, etc.

 

[Westy56]

You eliminated two of your tubes?

 

[Freo-1]

You eliminated two of your tubes?

Yes. The 12BY7 is a pentode, while the 5687 is a triode. Basically, installed the MFA 120 amp front end in lieu of the existing pentode setup. The first 5687 is the gain, and the second is a phase splitter.

The MFA 120 used the Citation output iron as monoblocks. I just kept it stereo.

 

[Westy56]

This is just plain class.

Steve

 

[Freo-1]

Thanks. I should pop the bottom and show off the inside work.

It also sounds great. I was able to get about 20 some odd NOS 6550 Tung Sols, and boy, do they sound good.

 

[Kegger]

Nice, glad you got them both!:thmbsp:

 

[spaceman]

Cool, congrats! :thmbsp:

 

[Westy56]

Nice, glad you got them both!:thmbsp:

I had to follow the advice of a fellow Michigander :thmbsp: (always hated that name).
I used to live at 8 mile & Telegraph.


Steve

 

[soundmotor]

There are things I don't like about the Citation II but overall it is probably my favorite. Others in the stable are a McIntosh MC275, Scott LK-150, & Acrosound UL2's. They are all good in their own way, the Citation just a little bit better to my ear.

 

[spartanmanor]

The price was right.

Good advice. :thmbsp:


Steve

Well done sir :thmbsp:

 

[Westy56]

Thank you kindly.

Steve

 

[diamondsouled]

Just remember to use your knees when lifting the beasts

Cheers

Lar

 

[soundmotor]

Just remember to use your knees when lifting the beasts

Cheers

Lar

The weight distribution is awful on the Citation. I get in front of it, tip up the front with one hand and put my other hand behind one transformer at the back. Then slowly rotate it further until the front is ~90-degrees in the air. Then, slip my other hand behind the opposite transformer and lift. The bottom is against my chest. Doing it this way or similar keeps it from sending the front flying up like a spring-loaded trap (that can hit you in the face).

 

[Westy56]

Just remember to use your knees when lifting the beasts

Cheers

Lar

I'm thinking about a half pound per watt.:tears:

Steve