Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[Simonatsea]

I had a chance to do some tube rolling lately in my 6V6 amp, I have found my favourite combination is a Full Music 6SL7, Penta KT88’s (Tubestore preferred series) and the Sovtek 5Y3 Dennis shipped with the amp. This combo has drive and really brings out the tone and texture in my Zu superflys. The only concern is the heat that the transformers produce with this setup, I emailed Dennis and he assured me the transformers are designed to operate up to 130 deg C.... So nothing to worry about. When I put on the “Brothers” album by the Black Keys it was like hearing it for the first time, my jaw literally hit the floor……

I have not been able to get the EML 5U4 Mesh plate to really work well with any tube complement. It is a bit “soft”, it does throw a large 3D sound stage but it is like somebody had let off the gas pedal, it just lacks attack and drive.

My SED winged C EL34’s sound good but aren’t as balanced as the KT88’s, the EL34’s are a bit fat and boomy in the bottom end.

My Shuguang Treasures CV181-z (6SN7) just isn’t doing it for me either, sound stage shrinks, less definition to the instruments, all a bit unfocussed.

I have since gone full circle and am running the NOS GE 6SN7, Gold lion 6V6’s and Sovtek 5Y3. The amp runs cool, sounds amazing, balanced and smooth. It may lack a bit of the attack and texture of the KT88 setup but it is a close second.

I believe the next rectifier I will try is a NOS Mullard 5AR4, my speakers seem to enjoy a little more power and drive to really light up.

Oh and if anyone has had a chance to compare the Pope 6V6gt to the Gold lion 6V6's I'd be keen to hear about it....

[pstrisik]

Simonatsea.... That's some nice rolling you've got going! Interesting to hear about your experience with EL34's. I have a pair of Winged C's that I'll be trying as well. No other brand to compare to though, just with other tube types.

I have a pair of Pope 6V6 that I will also try, but no Gold Lion's. Maybe we can each compare our respective 6V6's with the EL34's to have some common reference. Though we also have different amps (mine is KT150), cousins maybe. Still would be interesting.

[Aercool]

I had another really enjoyable night with the "KT-6V6" last night. This time using some WWII era RCA 6V6GT/VT-107's with a Siemens E88CC driver and a vintage Sylvania 5Y3G rectifier. Really magical with the Zu Omens. This is the first weekend after I upgraded the Omens to the Mk. 1B drivers. Not a huge difference, but also difficult to compare. The treble seems a little smoother after the capacitor change on the driver (goes to ClarityCap MR). Listened to Lucinda William's "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road" and was transfixed.

[Aercool]

Has anyone noticed the third type of amplifier that Dennis has up for sale on eBay now? Looks different than the standard KT-150 with two capacitors up front, a stand-by switch on the front panel and a different configuration on the chassis. Love the idea of that stand-by switch! Wish there was a trade-in program to "upgrade"!

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by Aercool

Has anyone noticed the third type of amplifier that Dennis has up for sale on eBay now? Looks different than the standard KT-150 with two capacitors up front, a stand-by switch on the front panel and a different configuration on the chassis. Love the idea of that stand-by switch! Wish there was a trade-in program to "upgrade"!

I did. A "special edition". I wonder if it is very different from the KT150 at its heart. Wider chassis, different physical layout (more room to lay components out for a nice look), standby switch, and those fancy (and very expensive - they would be $360 to buy on their own) footers from Todd at AmCan Audio: amcanaudio.com

The copper footers are stunning with the copper powder coat.

[nhparrot]

That special edition offering is stunning.

For the past few weeks I have been discussing recommendations for a build with Dennis, and in the near future he will be building me a KT77 Fire-Bottle.

[Loop4fun]

Originally Posted by nhparrot

That special edition offering is stunning.

For the past few weeks I have been discussing recommendations for a build with Dennis, and in the near future he will be building me a KT77 Fire-Bottle.

You will not regret it. The Firebottle is a great amp, and an even better value.

[Simonatsea]

Anyone tried Bendix 5992 tubes (6v6gt)? Curious if these are really end game 6v6 tubes.

Also, I am looking at rectifiers again.... Anyone compared the the new production Gold Lion 5ar4 to a NOS Mullard "blackburn" 5ar4?

That special edition does look interesting.... I'd like to hear what 20 watt transformers would do to his amp circuit.

[Aercool]

Originally Posted by Simonatsea

Anyone tried Bendix 5992 tubes (6v6gt)? Curious if these are really end game 6v6 tubes. Also, I am looking at rectifiers again.... Anyone compared the the new production Gold Lion 5ar4 to a NOS Mullard "blackburn" 5ar4? That special edition does look interesting.... I'd like to hear what 20 watt transformers would do to his amp circuit.

I just installed a pair of the 5992's on Thursday but haven't had much of a chance to do any critical listening with the holiday weekend.. I also installed a Bendix 6106/5Y3GT for kicks. A Siemens E88CC is the driver. They're beautifully made tubes that everyone raves about - so I'm looking forward to more listening..

I can't see a time when the KT-150's get a chance. I'm really into the vintage 6V6GT sound. I might need to find some cool Coke bottle shaped 6V6G's, but no rush...

The 5992's are going to have to be GOOD to getting the starting position over the 40's era RCA 6V6GT/VT-107's. Their bass is incredible.

I'd recommend finding a good strong NOS Mullard 5AR4. You probably won't ever need to buy another, they're the gold standard. Sadly, mine probably won't get much time until I find a nice set of vintage NOS Tung-Sol 6550's. Or give the KT-150's another chance.

Still loving the Fire Bottle with the Zu Omens!

[Simonatsea]

I look forward to your feedback on those 5992's!

On the 6v6 list I may have to add those RCA's you mentioned, also looking at possibly Popes or Mazda.... I'll wait to hear more on your 5992's first.

Glad you are enjoying your Omens, I received my free lunch Friday the other week, nothing bad to say about the guys at Zu!