Golden Gate DAC arrives.

[Geardaddy]

2 pair solid, 2 pair globe. Do I need 2 pair mesh globes? Of course I do. Who doesn't?


Here's one of my pair from the latest batch (2015). Sounding beautiful in my Supanova45 amp.
View attachment 21710

BTW, I thought metal base Mullard? GZ34 sounded lifeless in the GG when it was here.

Blue58

Lifeless? Can you elaborate on that description? with what output tubes?

 

[wisnon]

2 pair solid, 2 pair globe. Do I need 2 pair mesh globes? Of course I do. Who doesn't?


Here's one of my pair from the latest batch (2015). Sounding beautiful in my Supanova45 amp.
View attachment 21710

BTW, I thought metal base Mullard? GZ34 sounded lifeless in the GG when it was here.

Blue58

Never heard the Mullards...I have Phillips Miniwatt and love them, as do many people online. Check out the Lampi section of Audiocircle forum...there are tons of tube reviews there.

 

[Sablon Audio]

Lifeless? Can you elaborate on that description? with what output tubes?

I was there with Blue when we tried this metal base rectifier and it sounded flat and musically uninvolving compared to the EML 5U4G which preceded it. The op tubes were EML 45 solid plates.

 

[wisnon]

I was there with Blue when we tried this metal base rectifier and it sounded flat and musically uninvolving compared to the EML 5U4G which preceded it. The op tubes were EML 45 solid plates.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=127660.msg1364231#msg1364231

also, http://www.tubemaze.info/sound-of-rectifier/

the gz34 is equiv to Mullard 5ar4

 

[Fidach Lad]

U52 is the best substitute for the 5U4G I have heard. The Mullard 5U4G is also very good.

 

[Geardaddy]

good to know. Thank you....

 

[Elberoth]

I just got an email from ?ukasz that my Golden Gate is ready. I should be back home on Sunday, so hopefully I will be able to collect it on Monday. Can't wait !

 

[Fidach Lad]

good to know. Thank you....

Closer to home is the VT-244 (old production), also a direct substitute, which was made at least by RCA, Sylvania, KenRad and National Union. Unfortunately, they mostly sell on EBAY, where information is not very reliable. But they are very good tubes. RCA and Sylvania are the most common.

 

[Geardaddy]

I just got an email from ?ukasz that my Golden Gate is ready. I should be back home on Sunday, so hopefully I will be able to collect it on Monday. Can't wait !

Greedy, greedy. When are the 211s coming...?

 

[Geardaddy]

Closer to home is the VT-244 (old production), also a direct substitute, which was made at least by RCA, Sylvania, KenRad and National Union. Unfortunately, they mostly sell on EBAY, where information is not very reliable. But they are very good tubes. RCA and Sylvania are the most common.

Thank you. I will check it out.

 

[CGabriel]

 

[bonzo75]

Whoa, balanced, with 101Ds?

 

[CGabriel]

Whoa, balanced, with 101Ds?

Yes sir! Very romantic looking in the dark. I thought you GG fans might like this photo.

 

[bonzo75]

I like 101Ds for orchestral - for other, vocal based music try 6A3 or 300bs.

If you like what you hear you can buy the original WEs later. And roll the rectis

 

[CGabriel]

I like 101Ds for orchestral - for other, vocal based music try 6A3 or 300bs.

If you like what you hear you can buy the original WEs later. And roll the rectis

I've seen a lot of conversation about changing the rectifier. I am using the stock (for GG) Emission Labs. What is your favorite and how does it change the presentation?

 

[Steve Williams]

I've seen a lot of conversation about changing the rectifier. I am using the stock (for GG) Emission Labs. What is your favorite and how does it change the presentation?

I am curious about that as well as I have never rolled rectifier tubes as I didn't think any benefit would be heard

 

[bonzo75]

Some give more soundstage, some are smoother, presentation can be laid back or forwards, depending on the valves. Detail levels can change. Usually it's a preference. I like 101ds for bass, slam, detail, for example. 6a3 are smoother and presentation is less forwards, but not enough detail for me on orchestral. I use for recti a cheap 20 quid recti I got via Lukas, and I don't like the psvane 274b replica. Those who use 101ds on amps, think the replica ones are crap, only the original are to die for.

 

[Steve Williams]

But I am curious as to why that should be so if all they do is to convert AC to DC voltage

 

[paul79]

But I am curious as to why that should be so if all they do is to convert AC to DC voltage

Essentially yes, they simply convert AC to DC, but different rectifiers will provide different plate voltages to the signal tubes. Changing these voltages can have dramatic effects on the sound. In the most basic sense, these guys are playing with distortion. Distortion can be absolutely pleasing to the ear, so don't take that as a bad thing...

The problem here though, is that what tubes you prefer will be system/taste dependent for sure. So it is best to do your own experimenting for the most part.

 

[rockitman]

I am curious about that as well as I have never rolled rectifier tubes as I didn't think any benefit would be heard

Rectifer tube rolls make a huge difference for phono stage power supplies...ergo Direct Heated Triode phono stages. I bet they would make a difference for this DAC