Enough Tubes For You?

[MylesBAstor]

I observed a Forsell...very groovy, hehe

I'm enjoying the valve universe.
Recently took delivery of a TEK 576 Curve Tracer...having adapters made to characterize tubes

Curious Sam, why not the Amplitrex?

http://www.amplitrex.com/

 

[c1ferrari]

Curious Sam, why not the Amplitrex?

http://www.amplitrex.com/

Hiya Myles!

I've had one of those for a couple of years, now...great instrument

I'm thinking the Amplitrex/576 Curve Tracer tandem should provide a tremendous opportunity for determining the electrical performance of many tubes over their operating range.

 

[mep]

Hiya Myles!

I've had one of those for a couple of years, now...great instrument

I'm thinking the Amplitrex/576 Curve Tracer tandem should provide a tremendous opportunity for determining the electrical performance of many tubes over their operating range.

Yep, you should find out how closely your tubes aren't matched. Do you know how to operate the curve tracer?

 

[c1ferrari]

Yep, you should find out how closely your tubes aren't matched. Do you know how to operate the curve tracer?

Precisely.
I take GREAT comfort in matching/balancing tubes according to the RCA Receiving Tube Manual, RC-30.
I have this radical concept that a thermionic valve that behaves as described in my above reference shall be optimal.

As with recording...I'm a novice.
And similar to recording -- very generous and knowledgeable people contribute to the experience.

Speaking of recording, we had our first experience using the gear a few days ago: factory-matched stereo pair of Schoeps mics > Gordon microphone preamp > Korg MR-2000S...all Mogami cabling. IOW...direct-to-two track

The purpose was to establish the operating condition of the mics, mic pre, and Korg record circuit. There was no expectation of a decent recording, but I was delighted with the result

I didn't have the Studer A-820 set up for recording, but I have a couple of them in the bullpen.
Recording for oneself and listening to the repro is a special occasion...
In this case, my friend played acoustic guitar -- flamenco style -- in our living room, seated directly between the Dali MegaLines.

I still enjoy listening to master tapes/dubs, but I want to realize, to the extent possible, just what is possible in the recording chain through to the reproduction chain...first-hand. I can safely state that is The Absolute Sound as constructed and defined by personal awareness.

 

[c1ferrari]

Sam,

The Forsell air bearing CD transport had a long time permanence in my system - about fifteen years - although with several factory upgrades, from MK1 to Mk3. Only the appearance of the Audio Research CD7 tubed unit persuaded me to let it go, but I had to replace it with a Forsell Air Force One turntable. .
Retrospectively, I should have kept the Forsell Air CD Transport - if I ever move to a music server I will still need a top CD transport.

The TEK 576 is a fantastic tester - much better than the usual transconductance meters. I use a DIY tube tracer controlled by LabView that emulates some of its functiions.

Hey Micro,

All you need now is this...http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbsound/1123976743/sizes/l/in/photostream/
I'd suggest unwrapping it, though

I'm looking forward to the best my tube gear can offer...the TEK 576 and Amplitrex can help me get there