Quote:
Originally Posted by Simonatsea
(Post 649145)
Do you have your mind made up yet? I am half tempted to get a pair of both the Pope and Visseaux.... NOS tubes like this won't always be readily available. Love to hear your thoughts..
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Audio evaluations are tricky.
I haven't had the Visseaux in again. I found a pair of National Union VT-107A that I initially thought out did all of them. After a couple of days went back to the popes and again liked them better. I will try the Visseaux' again,but I think the Popes are right up there in reliable, pleasing sound. Some of these other tubes give an initial "wow", but over time, I keep coming back to the Popes.
I'm doing the same back and forth with 274B with the Sophia top of the pack, even over a Brimar made 274B and a Phillips 274B - two of the very highly rated NOS. But I should give both of the others more of a chance with some break in and getting accustomed time.
Also, the same process with drivers. Default is the Russian 6N1P that Dennis supplied. I tried a Voskhod Rocket 6N1P which seemed a bit bright. I tried a 1971 SQ Philips Holland 6DJ8 and a 1969 Mullard 6DJ8 but still seem to like the Russian. Same thing though, I need to run the others a bit more to assess. I ordered a pair of NOS Voskhod Rocket Single Wire Grey Shield 6N23P and a pair of NOS Reflektor 6N23P to experiment further. Both have very good reviews. The "single wire grey shield" is supposed to be the best version of that tube. These were easy to try as they aren't very expensive.
Having said all of that, I would suggest getting a pair of both the Popes and Visseaux'. The Popes are affordable and definitely keepers. The Visseaux's are more money, but rarer, and still up there. I think both will only go up in value. The Visseaux's are harder to find so already are increasing. HITEST Guitars sells the Visseaux's for less than Upscale and he has seemed quite earnest in matching - asked about my amp and even researched to match best with it.
So, currently, I am running the Russian 6N1P that Dennis supplied, Sophia 274B and Pope 6V6.
On another note..........
I added a pair of economical used Vifa supertweeters to my single driver Omegas and really found some improvement in holography, air and sparkle. Enough so that I'm off and running in the DIY department making two pairs of supertweeters from vintage tweeters pulled from vintage speakers. One pair is Yamaha beryllium domes, the other Pioneer (TAD made) ribbons. Both pretty cheap. I'm now working on housings and hi pass filters. This is an exciting and fun side trip I found to further my hobby!
I'm going into great detail with photos on the Omega forum in AudioCircle (not allowed to post the link here :sigh:). Thread is "Supertweeters with Omegas - integration, etc."
It really is remarkable. I've had a couple of recent evenings that were the best audio experiences I've ever had. I find myself smiling while listening. It's all gravy now! :thumbsup:
