Tube Rolling w/Crack

[JamieMcC]

Hi I am after a little help.

I note the Brimar 13D5 tube is not listed in post 1 "drop in equivalents" list but have seen it listed as a 12UA7 direct replacement I am a bit wary of taking "direct replacement" comments as gospel?

Has anyone used or are using a in their Crack if so could you please share your views on it.

Cheers

Edit I just finished reading all 40 odd pages of this thread over the last week its been quiet educational for a newbie and given me plenty of ideas of what tubes to look out for and different combinations to try when my Crack gets delivered so thanks guys. 

[audiophileboss]

What other soze tubes can I use other than 6080?

[fullheadofnothing]

http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,663.0.html

[JamieMcC]

I have just finished reading through all the posts on the tube rolling thread and found it very worth while to do so lots of info.

This one is full of info also.

http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=3453.0

[Nick Tam]

I have just finished reading through all the posts on the tube rolling thread and found it very worth while to do so lots of info.

This one is full of info also.

http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=3453.0

Surprise is, ever since I wrote that article the only tube I've been using is the GB6080 from Sylvania. If it weren't so rare I'd happily recommend it over the 5998 any day for affordable tube rolling

[m17xr2b]

Let me share my tube experience with the crack:
Sylvania 6080GB - Like Nick Tam said in his review it's the most liquid tube. I prefer it for it's musicality over the 5998.
Bendix 6080 - Most detail tube for the crack hands down. It beats the 5998, more microdetail, larger soundstage, deeper bass.
Tung Sol 5998 Very good all round tube
I also have other 6080 tubes like Sylvania, RCA, Raytheon and do a fine job but nothing special.
CBS 5814WA/A - Holy grail for Crack in my opinion. Others tubes in the 5814/12AU7 family sound muffled in my opinion compared to these. The combination with Bendix 6080 takes my HD700 to a whole different level. I read a review on some tube and there was a comment that the Best 12AU7 are 6SN7. The way how he described the 6SN7 tubes compared to the 12AU7/5814 family is exactly the same way I found the CBS tubes. Very detailed, excellent synergy with TungSol/Bendix/Sylvania GB. They are so good that I bought three just to have some backups.
Sylvania 5814A. Good allround tube, not quite at the level of the CBS.

I loved my tube rolling experience but sadly everything has to go since I am considering a Mainline. 

Bottlehead Crack + Speedball + Mundorf Output caps.

[Grainger49]

When you decide to unload, check with Dan first, and then post your auctions here.  Always give Bottleheads a first dibs.

I have been giving away LPs for a couple of years (I get postage) here.  And that will pick up again now I have the newly bought ones cleaned.

Dan, if I am out of line, I'll delete this post.

[Zia Warrior Princess]

Hey y'all,

I'm looking for an input tube that would pair well with my new TS5998. I'm looking for something that will bring the mids a little more forward and bring some more punch down low. My current headphone is the Senn HD650. I'm almost there guys; I can feel myself getting closer to audio nirvana.

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fr9FJe.gif&hash=ba1aa299cf8195c485efa05fc22f3ddfca355543)

Thanks,
Zia Warrior Princess

[serpent68]

I use the Amperex 7316 with the TS 5998 in my crack.  Really wonderful pairing.. the mids are fleshed out, both ends are extended and the soundstage is huge.  I did try the Siemens silver plate 12au7 but found it a bit too lean for my taste.  Btw, I'm using the Beyer T90.

I've ordered a Philips E80CC which should be arriving in a week's time. I was told its even better than the 7316.. we'll see.

[Aeolus Kratos]

I use the Amperex 7316 with the TS 5998 in my crack.  Really wonderful pairing.. the mids are fleshed out, both ends are extended and the soundstage is huge.  I did try the Siemens silver plate 12au7 but found it a bit too lean for my taste.  Btw, I'm using the Beyer T90.

I've ordered a Philips E80CC which should be arriving in a week's time. I was told its even better than the 7316.. we'll see.

I have a Philips E80CC and Tungsram E80CC, which is told to be even better than the Philips. And they are all wonderful, but unfortunately I did not have any chance to listen to the 7316. Please post your impressions as soon as you receive your tubes. Because I deciding to get a 7316

Thanks in advance,
Kratos.

[Ritchie]

I really like the Mullard cv4003 box plate with the TS 5998. When using a 6080 I like the RCA clear top. The previous is my first choice though.

[JamieMcC]

I really like the Mullard cv4003 box plate with the TS 5998. When using a 6080 I like the RCA clear top. The previous is my first choice though.

What type of headphones are using with that combination?

I have what I think is a Mullard cv4003 box plate but have been reluctant to try it due to the fact there are no markings remaining on the glass which seems quiet thick and has what appears on the inside of the glass to be a very fine textured surface. It was in with some other tubes marked 12au7 which have all been ok

I am thinking its probable to old to be any good but would like to give it a try if it is a 12au7 but I don't want to risk damaging the amp if its not suitable.

[(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.head-fi.org%2F4%2F4a%2F200x200px-ZC-4a71d0c3_003.jpeg&hash=79d4601c89d6674b001e4cb54904f2d3adce6e70)
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.head-fi.org%2F2%2F25%2F200x200px-ZC-254cb23e_004.jpeg&hash=bf682134c271e601df32de92e88decea1718dacc)
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.head-fi.org%2F0%2F03%2F200x200px-ZC-03c6cf20_008.jpeg&hash=8399ceb3835880e7100e1ee3f6019beac7ddeb46)
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.head-fi.org%2F3%2F31%2F200x200px-ZC-31a723bd_011.jpeg&hash=fc8d9b20bc298cab14e0efac5e193cc43ac4e369)
(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.head-fi.org%2F0%2F05%2F200x200px-ZC-05f00e56_009.jpeg&hash=db00f46e95c1bdf11179595e05f59a0c49d8d386)

[Zia Warrior Princess]

Hey y'all,

I got a good deal on an Amperex bugle boy E82CC. I'll also be looking into finding the others recommended. I'll be back with my impressions when I get it. I ordered it to my brother's place in Chicago (I live in Toronto) but he wont be back until christmas.   

[ryhaigh]

I have seen some 6080WB tubes on the forums that are recommended when labelled Bendix/Tung-Sol. I have very little knowledge and I am trying to learn more about tube-rolling. I have a possibility of buying a Raytheon 6080WB from the 70's.  Does the listed company and the year matter?

If not, how aurally disparate would the difference be? (if possible to even predict)

Thanks!

[Ritchie]

That sure looks like a Mullard box plate, if you have access to a tube tester that would help identify it. Maybe some of the experts on here could give you more ideas to determine if it is a 12au7. I am using the crack as a preamp in my audio system not as a headphone amp, so tube selection could be different.
Try a few combinations until you find your preferred sound.