Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[Comzee]

To add another impression, I do find the 6L6 are easily the most detailed out of all my output tubes. The specific pair I have is new prod TS STR.

I've tried 6v6/6l6/kt66/6550/807/kt88/kt120

I prefer kt88 because the 6L6 doesn't flesh out dynamics, not enough power for my Omega's.

When I used my fire-bottle for headphones tho, (hd800) 6l6 was head and shoulders above anything else (no power issue).

Quick note on Omega speakers too, at least the model I have (Alnico compact) are ridiculously good. If anybodies familiar, HD800 is famous for being a detail king, and still probably the best HP out there (imo). The Omegas are on par, which in my book is gobsmacking. HPs usually have the edge in micro-detail.

I know it's a bit silly to compare HP to Speakers, but eh.

sidenote:
TS 6F8G black round plates are amazing, just as good as the psvane grey glass. I bought a pair of TS 6sn7 BRP, but for some reason the 6F8G sounds better.
I own 4 6F8G BRP and 2 6sn7 BRP so I know it's not just one off bad tubes. 6F8G BRP can be found cheaper than the more popular 6sn7 variation too.

Here's a sad note, I was researching tubes at Audio Asylum like somebody suggested here. A lot of posts talking about "buy all the 6f8g BRP now they're scyrocketing" in 2009ish. They said $30-40 a pair....
Not gunna say I paid 5x that, but ya I did

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Comzee

To add another impression, I do find the 6L6 are easily the most detailed out of all my output tubes. The specific pair I have is new prod TS STR.

I've tried 6v6/6l6/kt66/6550/807/kt88/kt120

I prefer kt88 because the 6L6 doesn't flesh out dynamics, not enough power for my Omega's.

When I used my fire-bottle for headphones tho, (hd800) 6l6 was head and shoulders above anything else (no power issue).

Quick note on Omega speakers too, at least the model I have (Alnico compact) are ridiculously good. If anybodies familiar, HD800 is famous for being a detail king, and still probably the best HP out there (imo). The Omegas are on par, which in my book is gobsmacking. HPs usually have the edge in micro-detail.

I know it's a bit silly to compare HP to Speakers, but eh.

sidenote:
TS 6F8G black round plates are amazing, just as good as the psvane grey glass. I bought a pair of TS 6sn7 BRP, but for some reason the 6F8G sounds better.
I own 4 6F8G BRP and 2 6sn7 BRP so I know it's not just one off bad tubes. 6F8G BRP can be found cheaper than the more popular 6sn7 variation too.

Here's a sad note, I was researching tubes at Audio Asylum like somebody suggested here. A lot of posts talking about "buy all the 6f8g BRP now they're scyrocketing" in 2009ish. They said $30-40 a pair....
Not gunna say I paid 5x that, but ya I did

6F8G & 6CG8 use the same adapter. The 6CG8 is between a 6SN7 & 6SL7.
The TS 6F8G's have gone ballistic $$$$. Lately, I've seen 'em go for more than you paid. Thank the internet.

I have Klipsch Heresy III's Lacewood veneer B stock $1300 shipped 5 years ago from fleabay. I was considering the Compact Alnico but don't want a drop in efficiency. My amp is triode, less power and 6V6/6L6 may be a no go. The Klipsch are also excellent with the Inspire gear.

Comzee, check out the Belden-9497-Speaker-Cable on Fleabay. It's what is inside Shindo speaker cables....and cheap. Less than $30. I bet it's also in the Auditorium 23 cables that run $900. I'm using some WE tinned copper bare wire. Pretty good stuff. I have the Dueland equivalent and will hook it up after I move. It's supposed to be better. The Belden would be a good toe in the water shot.

See ya at the Tube-o-holics meeting.

[Musica Amantem]

Originally Posted by Comzee

To add another impression, I do find the 6L6 are easily the most detailed out of all my output tubes. The specific pair I have is new prod TS STR.

I've tried 6v6/6l6/kt66/6550/807/kt88/kt120

I prefer kt88 because the 6L6 doesn't flesh out dynamics, not enough power for my Omega's.

When I used my fire-bottle for headphones tho, (hd800) 6l6 was head and shoulders above anything else (no power issue).

Quick note on Omega speakers too, at least the model I have (Alnico compact) are ridiculously good. If anybodies familiar, HD800 is famous for being a detail king, and still probably the best HP out there (imo). The Omegas are on par, which in my book is gobsmacking. HPs usually have the edge in micro-detail.

I know it's a bit silly to compare HP to Speakers, but eh.

sidenote:
TS 6F8G black round plates are amazing, just as good as the psvane grey glass. I bought a pair of TS 6sn7 BRP, but for some reason the 6F8G sounds better.
I own 4 6F8G BRP and 2 6sn7 BRP so I know it's not just one off bad tubes. 6F8G BRP can be found cheaper than the more popular 6sn7 variation too.

Here's a sad note, I was researching tubes at Audio Asylum like somebody suggested here. A lot of posts talking about "buy all the 6f8g BRP now they're scyrocketing" in 2009ish. They said $30-40 a pair....
Not gunna say I paid 5x that, but ya I did

In my humble opinion, the best in that max plate current continuum is the GL KT-77 (just the one you have missed so far). More detailed and transparent than the 6P3S-E and as powerful for great dynamics and soundstage, as the KT88/6550. This is a very different animal to anything else I've tried. Of course, like all good things, it needs a good, synergistic input and rectifier tube pair to excel.

[Rosco65]

Originally Posted by Comzee

To add another impression, I do find the 6L6 are easily the most detailed out of all my output tubes. The specific pair I have is new prod TS STR.

I've tried 6v6/6l6/kt66/6550/807/kt88/kt120

I prefer kt88 because the 6L6 doesn't flesh out dynamics, not enough power for my Omega's.

When I used my fire-bottle for headphones tho, (hd800) 6l6 was head and shoulders above anything else (no power issue).

Quick note on Omega speakers too, at least the model I have (Alnico compact) are ridiculously good. If anybodies familiar, HD800 is famous for being a detail king, and still probably the best HP out there (imo). The Omegas are on par, which in my book is gobsmacking. HPs usually have the edge in micro-detail.

I know it's a bit silly to compare HP to Speakers, but eh.

sidenote:
TS 6F8G black round plates are amazing, just as good as the psvane grey glass. I bought a pair of TS 6sn7 BRP, but for some reason the 6F8G sounds better.
I own 4 6F8G BRP and 2 6sn7 BRP so I know it's not just one off bad tubes. 6F8G BRP can be found cheaper than the more popular 6sn7 variation too.

Here's a sad note, I was researching tubes at Audio Asylum like somebody suggested here. A lot of posts talking about "buy all the 6f8g BRP now they're scyrocketing" in 2009ish. They said $30-40 a pair....
Not gunna say I paid 5x that, but ya I did

Comzee,

Is your amp wired in triode? I have a pair of Omega Super Alnico Monitors and haven't noticed a lack of power even using a 6V6 (5wpc). Of course, my room and musical choices are undoubtedly different.

[Comzee]

->FloridaBoy - 6F8G & 6CG8 use the same adapter. The 6CG8 is between a 6SN7 & 6SL7.

Yupp, I was talking about the 6C8G earlier in this thread, it's also nice. 6F8G having closer specs to 6sn7 seems to mesh better. Both are good, 6f8g imo better.

->Rosco65 - Is your amp wired in triode?

I think it is? It's the fire-bottle advertised at 12wpc with kt88, at that low power I'd assume it's triode strapped.

->Rosco65 - I have a pair of Omega Super Alnico Monitors and haven't noticed a lack of power even using a 6V6 (5wpc). Of course, my room and musical choices are undoubtedly different.

Yup completely depends on the music. I was listening to Joshua Bell's Bach album with the Pope 6v6, and it was not lacking. I listen to a lot of rock n' roll, indie, new and old tunes. A big enough mixture that 6v6 and 6l6 just don't fill out all my listening. Although I often swap around input/output tubes depending on my mood.

[FloridaBoy]

12 watts should your Omegas. My amp is 8-10 watts with KT88's per Dennis. Are you using a preamp?

[Rosco65]

Comzee - you have a beam power amp, it is not wired for triode. One of my amps is similar (6DJ8 to KT88, etc.). You should get 5wpc with a 5Y3/6V6 to 12wpc with 5AR4/KT88. IIRC, depending on the rectifier used the 6L6 may be putting out 8wpc. Both should be sufficient if your room is of appropriate size for your speakers. If we believe Louis' stated spec of 95dB, then 8wpc is the equivalent of a 60wpc amp driving typical 86dB speakers.

Let's talk about the Omega Alnico's for a moment. Regardless of enclosure, the driver has a falling response from the upper bass (about 200hz or so) down. This reduce upper and mid bass output may be what is somewhat unsatisfying when trying to rock out. I have the Super Alnico's, which have deeper bass than yours but suffer the same upper bass thinness. My solution is that I run Rythmik F8 subwoofers in stereo crossed over high (180hz). The Omega's run full range. Louis' solution is to offer 1.5 way versions, which use a second, whizzerless driver below 200hz as a helper woofer.

I find it interesting that the KT88 (with 5AR4?) gave you what you needed for R&R. While it could be that the slight extra power is what you needed, it also be that the character of the KT88 is more suited for rougher music. I would be willing to bet it is a little of both.

[Musica Amantem]

Rosco65: ... the character of the KT88 is more suited for rougher music.

Indeed, it is quite bolder than smaller (less max plate current tubes) and even the 6550. Which, I'm sure, serves the R&R purpose quite well, at the expense of other features. IME, some of the nuances and instrument separation, as well as texture are masked by this boldness, which makes it less desirable depending on the music genre. This comment is relative to a Triode configuration KT 88 Inspire amp.

[Rosco65]

Good points Musica. Some music just begs for boldness in amplification. While we may lose some audiophile-approved qualities, if it improves the user's musical enjoyment then it is worth it. Not all music is subtle.

We also have to remember that this is in the context of Comzee's amp/speaker system. In another system, a different tube may be better.

[FloridaBoy]

One thing I am sure of is that the Inspire amps + HE speakers simply flesh out more . When I listened to my amp & pre driving the Volti modified Belle Klipsch 104db the difference between the Heresy III's 99db (on paper) was not subtle.

Comzee, if you are going to keep your amp consider a pre from Dennis. It will make a difference.