Tube Rolling Measurements

Peguinpower

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Jul 22, 2021
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I did some measuring today just so I can see if I am see what I hear on the measurements. The following are frequency sweeps on Devore Gibbon X speakers using a Pass Lab X150.8 SS Class AB vs an Audion Super Sterling KT120 Single Ended Pentode amps.

24 wpc Audion Super Sterling Single Ended Pentode KT120 tube (red) and a Pass Labs X150.8 Class AB amps (green). The test gain was leveled. Note how the tiny little Audion produced more low end at 85db average SPL. The mid has a similar 3db bump while the high has an 8 db bump (using the bright EH 6922), which may be producing the sweetness and sparkle I like. It is quite is notable on the chart.

Audion vs Pass.JPG

Level matched tube rolling 6H23N-EB (orange) vs NOS Amperex Bugle Boy 6DJ8 (red) vs EH 6922 tubes on an Audion Super Sterling KT120 amp, with the Gibbon X. Theyre all very close with 6H23N having the highest peaks. I didnt expect that as the EH sounded more sparkly, almost bright. My impression of the 6DJ8 was that it had more low end, but the chart doesnt show it. It is the dullest in the highs, for lack of a better word. It wasnt dull though just more low end. BTW, the sweep is done in my living room. The response is representative of real room with furniture including a huge sectional couch. It is not reflective of the Gibbon's true response curve, just the one in my room.

tube rolling test.JPG
 

Peguinpower

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Jul 22, 2021
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From the measurements, the single ended tube amp seems to have a W curve due to some pronounced peaks plus a weighty low end. Subjectively, the tube amp is livelier, has more dynamic transients, and is definitely mode interesting but with a rough edge. The Pass amp is sweeter, faster and more refined, like Disneyland.
 
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Addicted to hifi

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From the measurements, the single ended tube amp seems to have a W curve due to some pronounced peaks plus a weighty low end. Subjectively, the tube amp is livelier, has more dynamic transients, and is definitely mode interesting but with a rough edge. The Pass amp is sweeter, faster and more refined, like Disneyland.
Well done.makes perfect sense.
 

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