Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[Musica Amantem]

Good for you, Peter. I look forward to your impressions, especially those concerning the GL KT77 vs Mullard EL34. I like the GL KT77 with the 274B rectifier and the black glass CV-181.

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by Musica Amantem

Good for you, Peter. I look forward to your impressions, especially those concerning the GL KT77 vs Mullard EL34. I like the GL KT77 with the 274B rectifier and the black glass CV-181.

I am kind of excited about this one. Part of it is that I only try something new every couple of months, so it's more of a special event. I think it's also that I've got things sounding satisfying. So checking a new variety of tube is more fun. It doesn't matter if I don't like it since I already like what I have. Then, if I do like the new one more, it's a nice surprise!

[Rosco65]

Originally Posted by pstrisik

I am kind of excited about this one. Part of it is that I only try something new every couple of months, so it's more of a special event. I think it's also that I've got things sounding satisfying. So checking a new variety of tube is more fun. It doesn't matter if I don't like it since I already like what I have. Then, if I do like the new one more, it's a nice surprise!

Peter,

I believe you and I have the same amp (15 watt xfmrs, nine-pin miniature tube). I know you have liked the Soviet 6N1P tubes. Have you tried any others that are not strictly 6DJ8/6922 types? Since I am not installing the IIPS on this particular amp, it seems to showcase tube differences more than my PSE. I am considering trying a 6CG7 and 2C51/WE396A/5670 type with a socket adapter.

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

Peter,

I believe you and I have the same amp (15 watt xfmrs, nine-pin miniature tube). I know you have liked the Soviet 6N1P tubes. Have you tried any others that are not strictly 6DJ8/6922 types? Since I am not installing the IIPS on this particular amp, it seems to showcase tube differences more than my PSE. I am considering trying a 6CG7 and 2C51/WE396A/5670 type with a socket adapter.

I think we do have the same amp. I do have the IIPS though.

I seem to like the russian drivers. Currently running the "rocket" 6N23P but also like the 6N6P and 6N1P-EB. These may be included in what you consider to be 6DJ8/6922 types. I tried an adapter to run a 6SN7 but the results sounded off. Haven't tried the 6CG7 or the others you mention.

But I just discovered I have a couple of RCA clear top 6CG7 from when I had a conrad-johnson Pr 11A that I stored away when I changed amps and had forgotten about. I'll give those a run tonight!

[BearCityUSA]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

Peter,

I believe you and I have the same amp (15 watt xfmrs, nine-pin miniature tube). I know you have liked the Soviet 6N1P tubes. Have you tried any others that are not strictly 6DJ8/6922 types? Since I am not installing the IIPS on this particular amp, it seems to showcase tube differences more than my PSE. I am considering trying a 6CG7 and 2C51/WE396A/5670 type with a socket adapter.

I also have the 9 pin driver kt model. Mine is earlier vintage than yours but I think it is VERY similar circuit wise. Currently running the 6n6p (12bh7 w/6992 pinout) and the 6n1p is also a favorite. The 6n23p, not as much and I did not get much out of the 6cg7s when I tried them.

Interesting your take on the PSE with IIPS. I do not find as dramatic a change in sound with that amp when rolling tubes as I have with my KT. More subtle changes. You think it is the IIPS? I was not sure if that or the PSE aspect. Peter, you modified your KT. Do you still hear similar not so subtle changes with tube rolling?

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by pstrisik

I ordered a pair of new production GL KT77 given the chatter here. I'll be comparing to the Mullard EL34 Xf2 reissue and vintage GL KT77.

I like the lower cost of experimenting!

I'm interested too. I got a nice pair of GE labeled Wesinghouse 6L6's. They sound good but are bettered by new production in my rig.

I really have all the power tubes I need but will get a pair of something different a few times a year simply because I am a tube-0-holic.

[Rosco65]

Originally Posted by BearCityUSA

I also have the 9 pin driver kt model. Mine is earlier vintage than yours but I think it is VERY similar circuit wise. Currently running the 6n6p (12bh7 w/6992 pinout) and the 6n1p is also a favorite. The 6n23p, not as much and I did not get much out of the 6cg7s when I tried them.

Interesting your take on the PSE with IIPS. I do not find as dramatic a change in sound with that amp when rolling tubes as I have with my KT. More subtle changes. You think it is the IIPS? I was not sure if that or the PSE aspect. Peter, you modified your KT. Do you still hear similar not so subtle changes with tube rolling?

It would make sense that your experience with the 6CG7 mirrors Peter's experience with the 6SN7 with adapter, since the 6CG7 is electrically identical to 6SN7, albeit in a smaller bottle.

[Musica Amantem]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

I'm interested too. I got a nice pair of GE labeled Wesinghouse 6L6's. They sound good but are bettered by new production in my rig.

I really have all the power tubes I need but will get a pair of something different a few times a year simply because I am a tube-0-holic.

Aren't we all?

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

It would make sense that your experience with the 6CG7 mirrors Peter's experience with the 6SN7 with adapter, since the 6CG7 is electrically identical to 6SN7, albeit in a smaller bottle.

Then running the 6CG7 RCA "clear top" tonight probably won't be wonderful, but we shall see. I tried the 6SN7 prior to the IIPS upgrade.

[Rosco65]

If I already had a 6CG7 or Octal adapter I would try it. But based on the feedback from both of you I won't be spending money to be disappointed. I already made that mistake with the 6AR6's.