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REDDI Tube DI Mega Thread . Potential megathread that is.

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#761
JimmyM said:
Kirk, I used to believe that until Johnk did some tube rolling in his SVT 7 Pro. The differences on the recordings were subtle, but I did hear some difference between the JJ and the Mullard, although I didn't notice any difference between the other NOS tubes he used. So now I've decided that my inability to hear differences in tubes were mostly because I was making lateral moves.
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Listening to downloaded clips can vary based on the type of headphones you are using and to some extent the digital to analog converter that your computer output uses. Good headphones make a difference. Listening via the computer's built-in speaker isn't going to provide a good soundscape. Certainly listening in real life makes tube rolling differences even more apparent.

In some cases the differences are more subtle, but as far as I'm concerned, chasing tone is what it's all about. These subtle changes in the sound can make the difference between good and fantastic and that can inspire you to play better.
 
#764
beans-on-toast said:
Listening to downloaded clips can vary based on the type of headphones you are using and to some extent the digital to analog converter that your computer output uses. Good headphones make a difference. Listening via the computer's built-in speaker isn't going to provide a good soundscape. Certainly listening in real life makes tube rolling differences even more apparent.

In some cases the differences are more subtle, but as far as I'm concerned, chasing tone is what it's all about. These subtle changes in the sound can make the difference between good and fantastic and that can inspire you to play better.
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My system is not bad but not state of the art by any means, but I do have a decent set of AKG headphones. Don't know if you listened to John's clips, but the JJ sounded muffled compared to all of them, and the Mullard was a little more "complex" in the mids compared to the rest. The other ones I couldn't tell the difference with a gun to my head. To be honest, I'm half expecting not to hear differences in 6N1P's either, but at $8-20 per tube, I'll give it a shot.

Hey Peter, that's about as close as any of us will ever get to J-Lo ;) but at least you're there. Must be quite gratifying to see REDDIs with so many of the top guys of the day.
 
#765
Alper Yilmaz said:
Hey Jimmy,

Check decware.com for some 6N1P-EV's. They are from the Russian Reflector factory and I use them in my home stereo. I never tried them in the REDDI but it is worth checking I believe...

Cheers,

Alper
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Thx Alper. Might snag one. Also going to see about snagging one of these 1965 tubes as well.
 
#768
JimmyM said:
My system is not bad but not state of the art by any means, but I do have a decent set of AKG headphones. Don't know if you listened to John's clips, but the JJ sounded muffled compared to all of them, and the Mullard was a little more "complex" in the mids compared to the rest. The other ones I couldn't tell the difference with a gun to my head. To be honest, I'm half expecting not to hear differences in 6N1P's either, but at $8-20 per tube, I'll give it a shot.
Click to expand...

If the new tube sounds better, great. Good to try one and see. At the very least you'll have a backup tube available should you ever need one. Better to be safe than sorry in a pinch.

Yes I heard John's clips. I thought the differences were quite distinct and it was a good example of what tube rolling can achieve.

I use a set of Beyerdynamic DT-250 headphones. They seem to work well for bass. They are also comfortable on long sessions.
 
#769
nouroog said:
Would it be OK to swap in a 6BQ7A ?
It's supposed to be equivalent to the 6N1P, and seems easier to find NOS.
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I don't know about that specific tube, but from what I've read about 6N1P substitutions and from what Peter has told us about it, you're better off sticking with a legit 6N1P because there's always some little difference that requires a mod or makes the REDDI not perform as well.

So I just pulled the trigger on one of those $35 6N1P's from 1965. Almost got the one from Decware that Alper linked to, but I thought I'd always wonder what a $35 tube from Russia circa 1965 would sound like if I didn't try one, and I've read a few reports that these are THE 6N1P, so while I'll be the judge of that, I'll give it a shot. I just hope it doesn't turn out like that uber-expensive tube Peter tried in his mic pre.
 
#772
OK, the 6N1P tube rolling begins...

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Just got home a little while ago from my road trip, hopped in the shower, pulled out my REDDI, and made a couple comparison clips of the REDDI with the stock Sovtek and the NOS Russian military 6N1P from 1965 that came while I was gone. I didn't touch the level knob at all (set around 9:00) and I used my Precision strung with old Chromes. Excuse the slightly sloppy playing, please, but I've been flying and just got home a couple hours ago ;)

I went into this somewhat skeptical about tube rolling and became a total believer within seconds. I have no complaints at all about the Sovtek. It's a solid sounding tube and it's got a sweet and even response. But the 65 is a little hotter and to my ears it's got a little bigger low mid and sweeter high mid. I left the levels as they were so you all could hear the difference, but if you line the tracks up in a DAW and match levels, you can still hear the little extra oomph you get out of the 65. The Sovtek is a little more polite to my ears, for lack of a better word. I think it's quite a good tube, but again, it's all about the high notes to me, and while I was deliriously happy with how the REDDI keeps the high notes from losing their oomph while using the Sovtek tube, the 65 tube ups the oomph level just a little more.

Some might not consider the steroid boost from the 65 worth it at $35 when the Sovtek is $8 and sounds great as is. Some might even prefer its tonality over the 65. But the qualities it adds are the exact qualities I need the most, so I just ordered two more as spares. Ya, they're $35 apiece, but all 3 together are cheaper than a Mullard 12AX7. Thought about getting a couple other different tubes to try out instead, but I've read several reviews that say these are the ones to get, and I see why.

I don't know everywhere you can get them, but I'll throw down a plug for the guy I'm getting them from since I can vouch for him being reputable:

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Anyway, let me know what you think, even if you think I'm nuts ;)
 
#773
Thanks JimmyM for posting this !
I'd say you are definitely not nuts (at least based on this ;)
To my ears the difference is clear and very much worth the $35.
Beside the gain boost, the NOS is better balanced, with a more precise low end, more punch in the low mids and more airy top end too.
I'd say it's worth the expense to get the best out of the magic red box :)
Thanks for the link, I PM'ed the guy to try to get a couple tubes before everyone is after him !
jb
 
#774
You'll notice that I ordered mine before posting this thread ;) Sounds like the guy has a good supply, but you never know, and I didn't want to take the chance so I bought a lifetime supply. I'm 50, so one new tube every 20 years should cover me.
 
#775
JimmyM said:
OK, the 6N1P tube rolling begins... Anyway, let me know what you think.
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:D Very nice Jimmy.

I noticed that the seller's pics showed some oxidation on the tube pins. Sometimes the performance of NOS tubes can be improved by applying a little deoxit on the pins. They oxidize a little over time which can affect the contact with the tube socket. Like tube rolling, it never hurts to try.
 
#777
I was lucky to find a guy selling Russian Military 6N1P-EV NOS in France, at a very interesting price (€4.00).
I'm a little worried about the quality of the tubes. The year is not indicated. But at that price, I'm willing to take my chance, especially since the shipping is free ! :)


http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251082684007
 
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#780
RocketMusic said:
Thanks for the tip, Jimmy! I just ordered a pair of those tubes for myself. It sounds pretty monstrous in your clip.
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Yeah, after listening to those clips today with fresh ears, it's way noticeable. Last night I thought maybe I had a lack of consistency that was skewing my results, but while I have played better, it's pretty clear that the 65 is adding some gravy.
 
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