Burn/Break in

[proud indian]

Just got the Solen sm and the kit is in customs, and should be cleared by Tuesday. Just wanted some views on the break in time..... presently the Frybaby is working on the Solens, and I plan to run the other caps for about 48 hours before soldering. But I guess the Irons will take time and wanted an idea.

Thanks,

shreekant

[Paul Joppa]

Like many capacitors, the iron components seem to take between 10 and 100 hours of actual music. Many people say "50 hours" - but it's a gray area. I usually start to hear something better in the 10-15 hour range, and most of it is accomplished in the first 50 hours.

There is also a warm-up effect, which I mostly hear with nickel-core transformers. It seems to be that the core gets magnetized by the turn-on current surge and takes around an hour to de-magnetize the core. The effect is very tiny with the usual silicon steel cores; I don't really notice it myself.

[proud indian]

Thanks!

[Grainger49]

That is just 4 days with your CD player on repeat.  It is worth doing.

[proud indian]

Thanks......just got my oppo, which has been on repeat for the last 500 hours

shreekant

[proud indian]

Just got the SEX kit up and running. One problem, one channel dies not work and I swapped the tube and found it was faulty tube. It lights up, but no sound. Now, I do not have any 6Dn7 in stock, which means that shipping etc will mean a wait for 10 days. Any subs for the 6DN7? I have some 6sn7, would that fry the amp? ....just wanted something to keep going till the new ones arrive. Any suggestions?

Thanks

shreekant

[Jim R.]

Shreekant,

Nope, can't use a 6sn7 -- the 6dn7 is half signal tube and the other half, Power tube -- dissimiliar triodes.

The 6em7 can be used in the s.e.x. but requires some resistor and other changes if I recall correctly.  Sorry, but you need 6dn7s, so pick up some spares (though they will last a very, very long time in this amp.)

HTH,

Jim

[proud indian]

Thanks Jim. So I will have to wait. The brighter side is that the both channel works is very clean when I swap the tubes , so at least no problems there. I guess I will call up Doc and see if he can ship one out tonight.

shreekant

[Jim R.]

Shreekant,

I'm sure it's very frustrating at this point, but once you get the new tube and give the amp some time to find it's voice, I think you'll see what "Zen" is really all about :-)

Will you be using headphones, speakers, or both, and if so, what speakers?

-- Jim

[Paul Joppa]

If I recall correctly, I once calculated what should happen with a 6SN7, and it might work if you have the -GTA or -GTB version (has higher dissipation limit). But I never tried it to determine whether the actual operation matched the prediction. All this was a long time ago, so I've lost the notes on it.

So ... no guarantees, who knows, it might zap something. If anyone tries it, please post tube socket voltages - if there is no smoke.  :^)

[proud indian]

Jim,

The tubes are on their way. I have the ZOB's with the modified Fostex of Decware. I also have a pair of Lowthers (PM6A) in the Acousta cabinets, so I am ok with 2 watts.
I have never really been into headphones, but this may be the opportunity.

shreekant

[proud indian]

The 6DN7 arrived this afternoon and I fired it up. Clean as a whistle.......no hum or buzz. Clean music played. I am  impressed with my solder job Just a few hours up, but it seems to be settling in.

Good thing is that the oppo has a usb port, so the burn in can go on without a CD playing.

shreekant