After reading Paul's last post yesterday afternoon, I immediately began searching over in Audio Asylum to try and find out how to "tighten"the tube sockets. I went and found a saftey pin and began trying to push the metal pieces together. Socket 6 through 9 were no trouble, as was socket 1 and 2. But 3 through 5 was much harder for some reason, and I was just about ready to give up after powering up, taking readings, and seeing no lights on the regulator board. So this morning I read Grainger's suggestion about using a sewing needle, and after asking my patient wife where they were, I went back at it. The first time I didn't see a change, so I repeat inserting/removing the tube at least 8 times. Last week I had tried different tubes I have around, but this time I bought out an Ameperex industrial looking 12AU7 with weird shaped grid plates. Sanded the pins, and once again, I inserted/removed the tube... No luck. I took the sewing needle and began messing with all the sockets, but paying more attention to socket 3 through 5. I turn it on... and no lights. I was taking reading on all of the pins on each tube, when I look over at the regulator board, and man they were shinning bright!! They were brighter than either A or B side. I took the voltage readings, and they were spot on. I let it stay on for about an hour just to make sure it wasn't going to short out or anything.
After that, I took it back upstairs and hooked it back up in the system. My first impression was that it sounded more precise. As what has been my source CD throughout the years, Frank Zappa's One Size Fits All, the highhat and cymbals reminded me how Klipsch Hersheys sound... with air. That's how my Straight 8's sounded. On the third song, Sofa #1, a bass Moog drops maybe down to30 some hertz. The bass was tight and precise along with the Dan and Paul Sub that they graciously gave us all the plans to try. Now mind you, our 5 year old daughter stayed home with me as my wife ran some errands, so to say I was distracted some is putting it mild. So after Zappa was done, I put in one of her favorite CD's They Might Be Giants -- Here Comes Science. I went into the kitchen to do some stuff... then she'd run in and say 'Did you hear that (now imagine a 5 yr old making an instrument sound). She's only heard it in both of our cars so..... She had a good time... plus I also allowed her to make some basic solder connections with some spare wirel...
I want to thank Dan who began trying to help me, but I can't thank Paul enough. You two have been blessed with patients of a saint. And Grainger, thank you, I always love reading your insights... the sewing needle... can't wait to tell this over some pints later with the guys... And now the addition is back.... with a vengence...
