Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => Legacy Kit Products => Quickie => Topic started by: proud indian on November 29, 2012, 04:43:55 AM

Title: matching tubes
Post by: proud indian on November 29, 2012, 04:43:55 AM

Any difference or need to match the 3S4?

shreekant :)

Title: Re: matching tubes
Post by: earwaxxer on November 29, 2012, 05:27:47 AM

I havent found the need.

Title: Re: matching tubes
Post by: proud indian on November 29, 2012, 06:25:33 AM

Thanks Eric. Now, if I were to follow you, with my eyes closed, which brand should I buy........just one name .......no justifications.

shreekant :)

Title: Re: matching tubes
Post by: earwaxxer on November 29, 2012, 06:54:15 AM

Hey Shreekant!- That would be easy - Telefunkens - I think many will agree. Second, IMO is RCA. Although, I think you can experiment with various brands and do some tube rolling to see what brand sounds good with your kit. My system has 'evolved' since I got the Quickie, and I have been back and forth with my opinions. But, for now, Telefunkens are it!

Eric

Title: Re: matching tubes
Post by: Alonzo on November 29, 2012, 08:08:35 AM

I second the Telefunkens, my second would be some Mullards, I've got a couple that give them a good run for the money.  There's some nice DL92 Tele's listed on the bay.

Title: Re: matching tubes
Post by: proud indian on November 30, 2012, 03:00:03 AM

Thanks!!

Title: Re: matching tubes
Post by: Zimmer64 on December 19, 2012, 08:31:24 AM

Maybe a bit off topic, but how long do those tubes last? What is their life expectancy? Should one buy a spare pair?

Michael

ps: Installed Telefunken's as well and love the sound.

Title: Re: matching tubes
Post by: Paul Birkeland on December 19, 2012, 10:22:34 AM

Run in the manner that the Quickie operates, I would expect no less than 10,000 hours of lifetime, with the upper limit being pretty difficult to determine.

FWIW, I have a pair of used old stock Sylvania 6SN7's that have been in constant service for nearly 4 years now (never turned off) that still operate properly and test good.  That is 35,000 hours.  Consequently, I think I will be selling off quite a few of my 6SN7's, as a lifetime supply won't be that many tubes.

Title: Re: matching tubes
Post by: matthewmckay on December 19, 2012, 12:14:04 PM

When I get a new set of 3S4's, I usually mark the tubes (L and R) and listen for a while. Then once I am familiar with the sound, I switch their positions.

I have found that about 50% of the tube pairs I have picked up sound better in one position vs the other. 
 

Title: Re: matching tubes
Post by: proud indian on January 02, 2013, 06:05:43 AM

Quote from: matthewmckay on December 19, 2012, 12:14:04 PM

When I get a new set of 3S4's, I usually mark the tubes (L and R) and listen for a while. Then once I am familiar with the sound, I switch their positions.

I have found that about 50% of the tube pairs I have picked up sound better in one position vs the other. 
 

Sure tubes do need matching. In your case, your room may be the adjustment factor.......just a guess.

Title: Re: matching tubes
Post by: matthewmckay on January 02, 2013, 07:19:15 AM

I agree completely...  my room is not absolutely symmetrical, but then I imagine that most listening environments are not.

I would also think that the tiny amounts of variance in my driver measurements would also contribute to the effect.

just something to try if your new set doesn't appear to mesh well in your system.