But you do not use a preamp, if i remember correctly ? With matched/culled Telefunken tubes worth more than the Io in it !
Aesthetix Io Users Group
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Yes & Yes!But you do not use a preamp, if i remember correctly ? With matched/culled Telefunken tubes worth more than the Io in it !
No- I have "volume" controls- all tubes are in situ. Extremely quiet- however I put some effort into Old stock Telefunken smooth plates everywhere
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I use matched, tested, sorted Telefunkens in the power supply too. That really helped lower the noise floor.Yes & Yes!
I use the Tele’s in the phono stage for a couple years, then put them in the power supply when I retube the phono stage.
I have been using GE's and RCAs in the PS many of them 7025 labled. The RCAs are often re-branded Blackburn Mullards. Although all those streams are drying up.
I do use Mullard Xf2 EL34s for the pass tubes in the supply - the best one I have tried.
I do use Mullard Xf2 EL34s for the pass tubes in the supply - the best one I have tried.
Almost no benefit in a preamp circuit- the power supplies and pass tubes which need to be on- no benefit. So really not worth the consideration. I routinely leave mine on all weekend to be primed for listening.
Thanks Kcin. So turning the volume down is maybe not worth it. However I learned the hard way that if the Io is not in use, turn it off. Not just due to tube life, but components too, unless you live in an igloo. Over time (several years), having the Io fully on can harm the volume controls and other components, due to heat over time type effects.
Mullard XF2 is also my favorite EL34 tube. I even prefer it over the ’50s Philips metal base, of which I have a quad on hand.
Great that you still have top performing NOS tubes, that are getting increasingly hard to find. In my system the first gain stage tubes makes the greatest difference. They have to be top performers, while the tubes down the chain can be more average.
I was lucky to find a Telefunken quad for the first gain stage, beautiful sound AND low noise...quite rare. Still performing very well. But very costly, so I want to keep use down to a minimum.
I was lucky to find a Telefunken quad for the first gain stage, beautiful sound AND low noise...quite rare. Still performing very well. But very costly, so I want to keep use down to a minimum.
I have 3 NOS Philips metal base EL34 tubes here- They were part of a lot purchase of a store's stock- searching for 1 more to make a quad.. I gave up. the story goes the 4th tube rolled off the table at the shop when the original owner was inspecting his stash- ouch.
Yes definitely, if you are not intent on listening turn it off. I do not let the machine run daily at all - say through the week. The unit does run hot and in an enclosure or limited height shelving- heat is your enemy- I can see how the VC boards could get warped or affected under adverse conditions- under normal ventilated conditions and use - no problem.
There are plenty of Io's out there operating for 20years + with no heat related issues.
When I lived in a warmer part of the country I ran some pancake fans low speed to keep the power supplies cool. Worked really well.
I turn off the Io and any tube equipment when the listening is done for the day.
Any thoughts on which 6DJ8/6922 to try in the Io?
I have used Telefunken for years now. They are amazingly transparent.
Others I have, but haven’t tried yet… Siemens E88CC, Amperex Dutch & US 6DJ8, 6922, 7308, Miniwatt 7308, Mullard ECC88, Mullard CV2493, Tungsram E88CC.
I know I can just plug in a set and try them. Just wondering which others have sounded good.
I have used Telefunken for years now. They are amazingly transparent.
Others I have, but haven’t tried yet… Siemens E88CC, Amperex Dutch & US 6DJ8, 6922, 7308, Miniwatt 7308, Mullard ECC88, Mullard CV2493, Tungsram E88CC.
I know I can just plug in a set and try them. Just wondering which others have sounded good.
Currently using Tungsram E88CC. Not as transparent as the Tele's, but adds a bit more body and color.
I have tried TAD premium selected, J. J regular and gold, Phillips Miniwatt and different models of old Russian Reflektor tubes. The 1974 6N23 P silver shield tubes are my favorites, beautiful extended highs, natural deep bass and very dimensional sound. Not soggy tuby sound, close too good SS with a extra layer of beauty and magic.
Thanks.I have tried TAD premium selected, J. J regular and gold, Phillips Miniwatt and different models of old Russian Reflektor tubes. The 1974 6N23 P silver shield tubes are my favorites, beautiful extended highs, natural deep bass and very dimensional sound. Not soggy tuby sound, close too good SS with a extra layer of beauty and magic.
Do you mean these Reflektor, or an earlier version?
Be careful with those, they can sound good but have a different plate current, i have had them burn out in the Io. The earlier version that do not say EV or EB are better suited for our Phono.
IMHO, I recommend the Mullard CV2493 dimpled, followed by (in order) Mullard E88CC/01, Valvo CCa pinched, Mullard 10M, Amp 6922 pinched.
Tube preference could depend on sound preference, other tubes synergy, and system synergy.
Tube preference could depend on sound preference, other tubes synergy, and system synergy.
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