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Post by PinkFloyd on Mar 21, 2014 22:46:26 GMT
Hi Mike: Had trouble getting a personal message to you. Do you know of a supplier that has some 6947 sub mini tubes? Need several for a single body stereo condenser mike I am building. Appreciate any assistance. Bill Wilson Hi Bill, Yes, I may know someone who can assist you.... I'll PM you his details. All the best, Mike. |
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Post by videoguy on Mar 22, 2014 23:32:40 GMT
Hi Mike: Do not know whether it is me or the personal message function is not working properly. Just wanted to thank you for your response.
Bill Wilson
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Post by PinkFloyd on Mar 23, 2014 0:05:57 GMT
Hi Mike: Do not know whether it is me or the personal message function is not working properly. Just wanted to thank you for your response. Bill Wilson Did you get the PM? Mike. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Mar 25, 2014 22:02:49 GMT
I Have 3 pairs of 6112 that are vintage 1964 build (FIFTY years old!)As new in original cartons.
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Post by smokeycigar on Mar 28, 2014 4:16:10 GMT
patiently waiting for my tubes here in Australia..........  |
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Post by nicoboom on Mar 28, 2014 17:03:40 GMT
Hi Mike, still enjoying the performance of your X-10v3 kit with new tubes I bought some time ago. When changing amps or other components of my system I tried leaving the X-10v3 out and listen for improvement ... but everytime put it back in again.
I'm interested in a set of these tubes as I leave the unit on 24/7 , some day the tubes will give up and I don't want to wait until that day!
Nico
p.s; how do I send you a PM....
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jc
Fully Modded
Posts: 5,417 
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Post by jc on Mar 28, 2014 17:19:01 GMT
Nico p.s; how do I send you a PM.... Hi Nico, Just click on Mike's "Pink Floyd" moniker, then select "Send Message" over on the right hand side. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Mar 28, 2014 21:37:44 GMT
Hi Mike, still enjoying the performance of your X-10v3 kit with new tubes I bought some time ago. When changing amps or other components of my system I tried leaving the X-10v3 out and listen for improvement ... but everytime put it back in again.
I'm interested in a set of these tubes as I leave the unit on 24/7 , some day the tubes will give up and I don't want to wait until that day!
Nico
p.s; how do I send you a PM....
Hiya Nico, The tubes don't necessarily just "give up".... they can go out of spec in quite a short time..... much the same as a noisy exhaust pipe on a car.... you get used to the noise and don't realise anything is wrong until it drops off your car  Just because they are "glowing" doesn't mean they are 100%. It never ceases to amaze me when customers buy new tubes / Valves and have an eargasm...... they just cannot believe the sonic improvements..... most of it is down to the fact that their old / existing tubes were well "knackered" (albeit "glowing") and certainly not fit for purpose. Some people reckon that a Valve / tube is like a light bulb....... it's good until it goes bang..... utter nonsense! Just because it "glows" doesn't mean it's operating within it's original design parameters..... it will "glow", like the sun, forever but will be WAY out of spec. Pop me a PM or e-mail me. All the best, Mike. |
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Post by smokeycigar on Apr 1, 2014 4:03:41 GMT
YAY, my super dooper pooper scooper nuclear missile tubes doowhackys have landed in Aus. Now to find some time to install them.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Apr 1, 2014 21:33:31 GMT
YAY, my super dooper pooper scooper nuclear missile tubes doowhackys have landed in Aus. Now to find some time to install them. Hi Noam, Glad that your super dooper pooper scoopers have touched down safely in OZ Let's just call them "Supa Vista"? It's easier to type Let us know how you find them after soldering them in. All the best, Mike. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Apr 1, 2014 21:45:54 GMT
"Super Vista" Yes! You can't use words like "Supa" when you are supplying parts to the military The UK MOD would probably call them "Superb Vista", the USA military would probably accept "Super Vista" and the Australians would most definitely accept "super dooper pooper scooper nuclear missile tubes" I think we should go right down the middle and agree with the USA..... not because they have thousand of missiles (pointed in our general direction / ready to launch) that may (or may not) have these superb "tubes" onboard but because I think "Super Vista" hits the spot in more ways than one. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Apr 1, 2014 21:50:02 GMT
YAY, my super dooper pooper scooper nuclear missile tubes doowhackys have landed in Aus. Now to find some time to install them. I hope they didn't land with a bang? Sorry..... I'll get my hat and coat |
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Post by smokeycigar on Apr 5, 2014 4:51:55 GMT
HI all, The SUPA VISTA tubes has been installed!!! X10 v3 powers up, no off smells, tubes light up. Hooked up and installed, music plays fine. Can't really comment on the SQ yet, as I would assuming they need a while to burn in.  Will report back when they have burned in, will probably break out the headphones for a critical listen. What sort of burn in period should I be looking at? Issue I had previously was the left channel hissed a little with no input and volume has cracked up. I did purchase origional replacement tubes, but never got around to installing then. (so now I have a spare set.) Lets see if these new tubes rectify that, and provide better sound |
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Post by smokeycigar on Apr 5, 2014 13:34:11 GMT
It's definitely too early in the burn in for a listen, but what the heck.
Setup
(Cyrus CD8 + PSX-R) -> X10V3 -> Xcanv3 -> Cardas Cable -> Senn HD650
(both X components are upgraded and with custom PSUs)
Prior to installing the new tubes in the X10v3 I remember the sound was kind of flat and it was a negative to have it between the CD player and Xcanv3. Fluidity, clarity, and soundstage was smaller with it installed.
After I upgraded the tubes in the x10v3, I ran it in for 2-3 hours. Straight off the bat, the midrange did seem more forward.
Then I decided to sit and listen to the setup.
Be mindful that the tubes only have 5 hours on them, so I would assume that sound will change a great deal as the burn in. I did assume that the setup should sound like shit.
The good
Soundstage was large, and I do mean large. Instruments were painted in larger sizes across said soundstage. Where before, the I heard a sterile soundstage, it was now more fluid and involving. As the tubes warmed up, the soundstage seamed to wrap around the sides of my head and then continued to curl around the top. It encased me and involved me into the music. This time it was a pleasure to leave the x10v3 in the signal path.
The bad
The details were lacking. Instruments were not focused. Sound seems attenuated, as if they moved into the “peak” area and slightly distorting.
After all this, I decided to remove the X10v3 out of the signal path. This time, the sound stage did reduce a little, but all the instruments snapped into focus. Detail greatly improved, and instruments were painted in smaller sizes, but easily pin pointed. Wasn’t involved as much in the music this time round. And to be honest, not having the x10v3, made the music too detailed and sterile by comparison. (Still sound very good though)
In conclusion,
Fingers crossed “the bad” is all related to the freshness of the tubes. Assuming when burn in gets to the 10’s and 100’s of hours, the sound should snap into focus. If it does, then it’s a winner
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Post by smokeycigar on Apr 5, 2014 14:30:43 GMT
Popped the X10v3 back in, it's growing on me. It does seem a positive addition. Diana Krall live in Paris sounds amazing. Sound staging is great in this live performance.
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Post by montanamufifan on Jun 15, 2014 3:06:53 GMT
Hi Mike,
I am a new member living in Montana USA. But I am from London originally.I was very excited to discover your site recently. Your mods and enthusiasm for Mu-Fi gear are reigniting my desire to find out which end of a soldering iron I used to mod crossovers with years ago!
I own a couple of Mu-Fi X systems and several x10s (one NOS!).
That said , I think I should try your upgrades on at least one '10d & a v3 if i can afford the current bad $ to pound x- rate!
Am I too late to persuade you to part with a couple of super Vista tubes? Please?
May I PM?
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jun 15, 2014 19:08:21 GMT
Hi Mike, I am a new member living in Montana USA. But I am from London originally.I was very excited to discover your site recently. Your mods and enthusiasm for Mu-Fi gear are reigniting my desire to find out which end of a soldering iron I used to mod crossovers with years ago! I own a couple of Mu-Fi X systems and several x10s (one NOS!). That said , I think I should try your upgrades on at least one '10d & a v3 if i can afford the current bad $ to pound x- rate! Am I too late to persuade you to part with a couple of super Vista tubes? Please? May I PM? Hi, Welcome to the forum Feel free to PM me, I'll do what I can to help you out. All the best, Mike. |
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Post by trueblue on Jun 18, 2014 19:10:00 GMT
Just thought I'd give an honest opinion on Mike's "Super Vista" 6948's. I picked up my X10 V3 from fleebay a few years ago and was amazed how much more 'Real' my system sounded. Sort of a 3D sound with much better detail, then I upgraded the crappy switching power supply to the Little Pinkie and wow, big improvement again. I'm wasn't sure how long those 6112's had been in there as I said it was bought second hand so thought I'd give the 6948's a go! Ordered from Mike and they quickly arrived, now I'm no expert with a soldering iron, especially with something like the X10 V3 so I had a word with my local TV repair shop who said they'd pop them in for £20. Can't complain at that, knowing a pro would do a much better job than me!
Well straight away they sounded better, smoother, especially the lows and mids. Top end was bit harsh but that's to be expected in the first few hours. They've done about 50 hours now and the top end has already started to settle down. My system has never sounded better and I expect it will get even better with some more hours run in time! One of the best upgrades I've done for less than £50 all in!
I've put the X10 V3 between my Rega DAC and my pre amp as this way it "Tubes" both my loudspeaker and my headphone setups (One stone, 2 birds!) Both sound much better, I used the non tube output (On the X10 v3), back to my pre amp so I can directly compare with and without "Tubes" and let's just say I never use the non tubed!
I run a Revo K2 (DAB & Streaming) radio and my TV (Is this overkill for watching Corrie!), using optical inputs to my Rega Dac with my CD player connected with coax again to my Rega. Output from the Rega into my pre amp and out to my Slee Solo can amp with Sen 650's and also my power amp. It sounds superb and sometimes I can't help but smile.
If your tempted to try these 6948's I'd say go for it. |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Jun 18, 2014 20:39:09 GMT
Just thought I'd give an honest opinion on Mike's "Super Vista" 6948's. I picked up my X10 V3 from fleebay a few years ago and was amazed how much more 'Real' my system sounded. Sort of a 3D sound with much better detail, then I upgraded the crappy switching power supply to the Little Pinkie and wow, big improvement again. I'm wasn't sure how long those 6112's had been in there as I said it was bought second hand so thought I'd give the 6948's a go! Ordered from Mike and they quickly arrived, now I'm no expert with a soldering iron, especially with something like the X10 V3 so I had a word with my local TV repair shop who said they'd pop them in for £20. Can't complain at that, knowing a pro would do a much better job than me!
Well straight away they sounded better, smoother, especially the lows and mids. Top end was bit harsh but that's to be expected in the first few hours. They've done about 50 hours now and the top end has already started to settle down. My system has never sounded better and I expect it will get even better with some more hours run in time! One of the best upgrades I've done for less than £50 all in!
I've put the X10 V3 between my Rega DAC and my pre amp as this way it "Tubes" both my loudspeaker and my headphone setups (One stone, 2 birds!) Both sound much better, I used the non tube output (On the X10 v3), back to my pre amp so I can directly compare with and without "Tubes" and let's just say I never use the non tubed!
I run a Revo K2 (DAB & Streaming) radio and my TV (Is this overkill for watching Corrie!), using optical inputs to my Rega Dac with my CD player connected with coax again to my Rega. Output from the Rega into my pre amp and out to my Slee Solo can amp with Sen 650's and also my power amp. It sounds superb and sometimes I can't help but smile.
If your tempted to try these 6948's I'd say go for it. Glad you like them.... I was beginning to wonder as one guy in France reckoned they sounded like crap in his KW500 amp and I quote: "I just want to tell you that sylvania valves doesn't work with my KW500. It's not the same amp, no more musicality, i'm really very disapointed!" It was only a couple of days ago that I picked up on the "KW500" part of his e-mail and have no idea how they perform in a KW500. I've sent him a free pair of 6112 so, hopefully, "musicality" will be restored ASAP. Another guy reckoned the sound was "etched" in his X10-V3 buffer (with the 6948 on board) so they are maybe not good for everyone's ears.... the general feedback has been very positive but there are a few people who have mentioned the top end being "harsh" or "bright". The thing is....... with an out of spec valve / tube your ears get used to the sound (just the same way as your foot gets used to a dodgy clutch or yours ears seem to not hear a blown exhaust, even after it has fallen off the car ) and when you fit a fresh "in spec" valve into your system it's quite a shock as you are hearing high frequency like never before and find it way too much It's not burn "in" that's required.... it will take a component a period of time to go out of spec (ever so slightly) to get the sonics back to the "kind" of level you were used to with the out of spec component you have just replaced.... Some people say "it took six months to burn in"..... no!, it didn't.... it took six months for the part to go out of spec "slightly", resulting in the full frequency potential not being delivered to your ears. All this talk of "hi-res" makes me laugh..... Hi resolution audio is just that... you get the full bandwith / frequencies "in your face!" and the first complaint is that it sounds a bit "bright" or "toppy" and the next course of action is to allow it to "burn in" for a few months in the hope that it will mellow out! A better course of action would be to re-tune your senses to that new "silent" exhaust system, that lovely smooth clutch etc. but that's impossible..... it takes time for our senses to adapt to change, especially when we are used to something..... What I am basically saying is this..... "burn in" is a fallacy..... it is your mind telling you that things have changed and you actually want the sound to be the way it was before the new part was installed Think about it
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Post by trueblue on Jun 18, 2014 22:01:15 GMT
Points taken. Is it the equipment burning in or more likely your ears adjusting? The paradox is that when you can afford to indulge (All mine is second hand with the only exception being my 650's), in top end audio equipment your ears are on the way out and can't hear the full bandwidth anyway!
I'd have told the French chap to take a short step off a tall building but it seems you're more customer friendly than I'd be! It could be that his KW500 already had a decent set of 6112's so the difference would be marginal. I guess my 6112's are at least 5 years old so the 6948's make a big difference. As far as "Etched" goes I have absolutely no idea what he means!
I still run a pair of MF MC-4's (6 ohms 90Db), which are over 20 years old and have metal dome tweeters which still sound superb so I'm no box swapper. I try not to believe all the b*ll sh*t and think we actually make ourselves think that upgrade is better when it's probably not.
I can suggest a guaranteed way to make anyone's system sound better, 4 cans of lager!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 18, 2014 23:15:44 GMT
Points taken. Is it the equipment burning in or more likely your ears adjusting? The paradox is that when you can afford to indulge (All mine is second hand with the only exception being my 650's), in top end audio equipment your ears are on the way out and can't hear the full bandwidth anyway!
I'd have told the French chap to take a short step off a tall building but it seems you're more customer friendly than I'd be! It could be that his KW500 already had a decent set of 6112's so the difference would be marginal. I guess my 6112's are at least 5 years old so the 6948's make a big difference. As far as "Etched" goes I have absolutely no idea what he means!
I still run a pair of MF MC-4's (6 ohms 90Db), which are over 20 years old and have metal dome tweeters which still sound superb so I'm no box swapper. I try not to believe all the b*ll sh*t and think we actually make ourselves think that upgrade is better when it's probably not.
I can suggest a guaranteed way to make anyone's system sound better, 4 cans of lager!
Although you may no longer be able to hear a sine wave much above 12kHz as you get older, you can still hear the difference between Redbook CD at 16/44.1 and high resolution material. It's the rise time of the waveform that matters. There is a post by Martin Colloms about hearing at the attached link. "Etched" normally means too detailed. i.e. a "hot" HF response. Regards Alex
forum.hificritic.com/yaf_postst1831_High-Resolution---Capturing-The-Moment.aspx#post19384
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Just because they are "glowing" doesn't mean they are 100%. It never ceases to amaze me when customers buy new tubes / Valves and have an eargasm...... they just cannot believe the sonic improvements..... most of it is down to the fact that their old / existing tubes were well "knackered" (albeit "glowing") and certainly not fit for purpose.