Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[goldhorse]

Originally Posted by x3workshop

Everyone's except AA & MA!

Ha, ha, ha. But everyone's posts are just so helpful!

[goldhorse]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

Goldhorse - is there a reason you went with the LP-3a instead of the LP-27a?

No, other than Dennis' recommendation, it was good enough for me.
Actually I asked him if he still made the LP-27a, if not, would it be a good idea to use the Dragon Inspire IHA-1 he makes for Moon Audio (with the RCA out option). I actually thought the latter a good idea, cause you get a headphone amp as well. He replied, and I quote:

For the absolute purity of the driving signal to the Inspire “Hot-Rod” amplifier will actually be a relatively new offing of the Inspire LP-3a preamplifier

So I went with the LP-3a asked him to use a stepped attenuator. Dennis also advised if I wanted more sparkle on the top end to try 6SL7’s in the gain stage. Although I am quite happy with the highs as they are, curiosity compels me to try just that

[Rosco65]

I have the LP-27a, which uses 56 or 27 tubes but is otherwise similar to the LP-3a. I would imagine that the market for Inspire amps and preamps has evolved into a bunch of degenerate tube rollers and the wide choices of 6SN7 tubes might be a factor. Designing a tube preamp around obsolete tubes limits your market. However, it does give me one less thing to worry about.

OTOH, one of my amps is designed around a 421a tube so who am I to talk.

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

I have the LP-27a, which uses 56 or 27 tubes but is otherwise similar to the LP-3a. I would imagine that the market for Inspire amps and preamps has evolved into a bunch of degenerate tube rollers and the wide choices of 6SN7 tubes might be a factor. Designing a tube preamp around obsolete tubes limits your market. However, it does give me one less thing to worry about.

OTOH, one of my amps is designed around a 421a tube so who am I to talk.

I would imagine that the market for Inspire amps and preamps has evolved into a bunch of degenerate tube rollers

I feel so hurt. Though I have a lifetime supply of excellent NOS 27's. However, Dennis has discovered Chinese CV-181's which IMHO kick butt and better old production 6SN7's. So those of you that get the LP-3a check 'em out. I'll never sell my LP-27 though. All good stuff.

Rosco, degenerate tube roller? I resemble that remark.

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

Rosco, degenerate tube roller? I resemble that remark.

To add insult to injury, we must be a group of old degenerate tube rollers. At least those that got that reference!

[BearCityUSA]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

I have the LP-27a, which uses 56 or 27 tubes but is otherwise similar to the LP-3a. I would imagine that the market for Inspire amps and preamps has evolved into a bunch of degenerate tube rollers and the wide choices of 6SN7 tubes might be a factor. Designing a tube preamp around obsolete tubes limits your market. However, it does give me one less thing to worry about. OTOH, one of my amps is designed around a 421a tube so who am I to talk.

I have a Hickok 600A on the way to sort out some 4 & 5 pin tubes and as a general upgrade. It's nice to be in good degenerate company.

[Rosco65]

My 421a amp makes be feel secure. I can only swap the output tube between a Tungsol 5998 and WE 421a, the rectifier is a 5Y4 or 5Y3, and there are far fewer 6SL7's to choose from than 6SN7's.

If I had a 6SN7 based preamp I would spent far too much time and energy trying to make this sound "better".

[nhparrot]

Originally Posted by BearCityUSA

I have a Hickok 600A on the way to sort out some 4 & 5 pin tubes and as a general upgrade. It's nice to be in good degenerate company.

If you have a need for electronics work or calibration done on the 600A, let me know. I had my 6000 electronically restored and calibrated by a very nice and knowledgeable gentleman in GA.

[BearCityUSA]

Originally Posted by nhparrot

If you have a need for electronics work or calibration done on the 600A, let me know. I had my 6000 electronically restored and calibrated by a very nice and knowledgeable gentleman in GA.

Great, thanks. I'm in WNC so shipping wouldn't be to bad. Hopefully it is in good shape. It was advertised to be.

[Analog Addict]

Originally Posted by BearCityUSA

Great, thanks. I'm in WNC so shipping wouldn't be to bad. Hopefully it is in good shape. It was advertised to be.

Great shape cosmetically and electronically are two different things. I also picked up a used Hickok (533) a few years back, and had it restored and professionally calibrated. Assuming it uses the same rectifiers, your 600 would use a 83 and a 5Y3 rectifier. First thing I would do is replace the rectifiers with known good ones, and potentially replace any electrolytics while you're underneath it. Then calibrate it or get it calibrated. Get a calibrated reference tube as well. Typically the Hickoks use a 6L6 as their reference calibration tube, although I use a 45 that measures exactly at 100%....