USA importer is https://vanaltd.com/ with a big list of dealers on that site.
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Lampizator Valve / Tube Rolling Review Thread
- Thread starter Zero000
- Start date
You are correct especially when they were Tesla branded. At that time they were 80 GBP a pop.
They weren't reliable in demanding applications like an ATM2. I had quite a few replacements under warranty.
They were reliable in low power applications like a Lampi circuit or low power amps.
Then EAT acquired them and 8x'd the price or something like it.
Looking at the current photo they look similar but not exactly the same as the Tesla output. I am talking 20 years ago plus. Concerns on reliability - they may well be posts from me TBH.
Seriously though those suckers sounded unbelievably good. They made the amplifier. I could never get it to sound anywhere near as good with any other alternative. I did roll an awful lot of that type and the next best was NOS Tung-Sol 6550. Nice. Not as good sonically.
The TS 6550 have always intrigued me. Not inexpensive. Did you play with 3-getter gray plate or black with D-Getters only on top?
Oh my goodness, thank you, you asked a question that I really wanted to ask!
Has anyone tried the NOS Russian 6n3ce tubes (the ones that Jeff Day gushed about) in their Lampi Atlantic TRP? I'm currently using some KT66s, which sound wonderful, but I'm always looking to squeeze even more musicality out of my system.
Another question: has anyone here tried the new Psvane KT66GC GEC KT66 Replicas?
Thanks so much,
Chris
Another question: has anyone here tried the new Psvane KT66GC GEC KT66 Replicas?
Thanks so much,
Chris
Exciting news for Pac users which the latest upgrade to e12 engine will be ready by Q1 2026!!!
Already sent a message to Lampi team to check the timeline for ordering
Running a quad set of RK PX25 for few days which reminded me the good things before one of my RK242 died, very dynamic and got something really special in this tube, but im still figuring out which recti works better, cause the PT35 + subminis and Raytheon VT244 (Large H shape mica) sounds the best in my PAC2, also Stradi 5u4g and Raytheon RK60 sounds really good, but none of these work well with PX25...
Got the advise from Chris and ordered a few Type 80, any other recommendations?
Already sent a message to Lampi team to check the timeline for ordering
Running a quad set of RK PX25 for few days which reminded me the good things before one of my RK242 died, very dynamic and got something really special in this tube, but im still figuring out which recti works better, cause the PT35 + subminis and Raytheon VT244 (Large H shape mica) sounds the best in my PAC2, also Stradi 5u4g and Raytheon RK60 sounds really good, but none of these work well with PX25...
Got the advise from Chris and ordered a few Type 80, any other recommendations?
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From rectifiers my absolute favorite is Valvo g2504, or very close to it RGN or telefunken 2504. Then really well balanced Phillips 5u4gys, also quite good but in my opinion a bit too bulky KR 5u4g RK Edition and darkish sounding Takatsuki 274. In the last tier I would place EML 274b and EML 5u4g Mesh.
And funny tube which is super cheap and known as potato masher Chatham 5r4wgb. It's not super airy, but has solid slam and good dynamics.
And funny tube which is super cheap and known as potato masher Chatham 5r4wgb. It's not super airy, but has solid slam and good dynamics.
Not a PAC owner but trying to determine if vintage PX25 are considered superior of new versions. Anyone done a comparison?
I was going to purchase an EML 5u5g mesh next week for my Lampizator Poseidon. I am using a 1950s NOS RCA 5u4 with about 100 hours on it now. It opened up the top end after about 30 hours. Fantastic tonal balance, 3D sound, wider soundstage and more textured deep bass compared the the OEM Sovtek tube. So, am I wasting my money/time with the EML Mesh? It was supposed to be tighter in the bass with better imaging and highs/openness than the RCA. I listen mostly to classical, vocal and jazz with occasional rock and electronica.
It really comes down to your personal preferences and the overall balance of the system. Since my setup is already highly resolving and airy, adding the EML 5U4G Mesh shifted the tonality a bit too far toward a thin, fast sound. I prefer instruments and vocals that are a bit meatier and more “real”-sounding.
In my opinion any vintage high quality tube is better sounding than it's modern versions, mostly because of the materials used etc.
Use the Takatsuki 274b with the RK242s , and find it very refined , with lovely tone and articulation.
Are RK242 s scarce to replace?
My system is highly resolving with excellent dispersion although not as airy as the new ceramic and beryllium drivers. It is a 9 year old upgraded Von Schweikert VR9SE Mk2. Equipment includes Westminster Labs REI Class A mono amps, Quest 2 preamp, Jay's Audio CDt3Mk3 CD transport linked with Westminster Labs Ultra cabling except for the SPDIF cable. It sounds tonally rich with the speakers in the flat control position (a custom, great listening room) as the designer intended. The RCA initially was too dark but opened up and the bass is balanced against the rest of the frequencies now, yet more textured than the OEM tube and only as bright or dull as a recording or mastering error.
The first modern rectifier tube which was recommended the Elrog ER-5U4G stopped being manufactured reportedly due to the lack of the thoriated-tungsten filament in 2023 (tube sold in the mid-$400s, now $2500+). Same velvet voice, just 3 dB more air than my RCA. Thomas Mayer calls it “the only modern tube that actually sounds vintage”. 98% of the RCA voicing.
The EML mesh plates reportedly gives the exact midrange glow; bass is 1 dB tighter but still blooms. Dubstep Girl’s 400-page shoot-out ranks it #2 all-time. It was rated about 94% of the RCA voicing.
The KR Audio version is 90% but more as you describe modern tubes, more analytical. I'm not interested in that one. I tried two other well made American 1960s rectifier tubes (name was removed) and they were better than the OEM Sovtek but still too thin and forward compared to a classic RCA.
I took that advice some time ago and have been using them ever since. BUT- I’ve had the best luck with the Globe 80’s, not the later ST bottles.
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