AN OTO SE new signal tubes, psvanes?

[undarra]

Hi

Really enjoying my new AN setup (Dac, OTO, Js) but still have the urge to try some tube rolling. Thought the small signal tubes would be cheapest and possibly have most affect. Tried some TJ full music 12AX7s in my crofts but they only lasted a few months before becoming really noisy. Have read good things about psvanes, does anyone have any experience in an OTO (12ax7s) Also, long shot but does anyone have a pair for sale soon?!!

Cheers, Si

 

[hearingisbelieving]

HiReally enjoying my new AN setup (Dac, OTO, Js) but still have the urge to try some tube rolling. Thought the small signal tubes would be cheapest and possibly have most affect. Tried some TJ full music 12AX7s in my crofts but they only lasted a few months before becoming really noisy. Have read good things about psvanes, does anyone have any experience in an OTO (12ax7s) Also, long shot but does anyone have a pair for sale soon?!!

Cheers, Si

Hi Si, I have to be honest and say that I have tried a few different valves(not tubes unless you're a dumb yank:clout in the linestage of my Oto and not really heard much, if any difference. Strange you havent had much luck with the TJ's - I have a pair in my Oto and they have been doing their thing happily for a couple of years now and they were in there when I bought it. I currently us a Valvo NOS ECC82 in the linestage but prior to that it was a JJ gold pin and prior to that a TJ. The amp sounded great regardless and Im not sold on the merits of different valve brand have different sounds.

If you really want a noticable change(improvement) to your amp then try getting the interstage coupling caps changed - I use Hovland Supercaps and they are incredible. Mind you, even the £4 ANSAR SUpersound Polypropylenes I replaced the AN Alu PIOs(the std caps that come with amp) were a huge improvement.

YMMV

 

[undarra]

Hi chris, thanks for the feedback, maybe a was just unluck with the TJs. All of the coupling caps have been changed to mundorf silver/golds. Thought a valve change was a quick and cheap option as it still has the original EIs in, and I'm not sure how old they are.

Cheers, Si

 

[AlanB]

I do prescribe to the idea that different valves sound quite different.

The TJ's are VERY different to the Psvanes. In my experience the TJ's are very detailed and can be fatiguing after a time.

There are now the Mk I and Mk II of the Psvanes. I haven't A/B'd them but my dealer in HK tells me the MK I has a more 'vintage' sound. I am using the Mk II 12AX7's in my dac and they are great.

Very full sound with liquid top end and huge soundstage. Obviously as with all valves they may well give a different presentation in another piece of equipment and the synergy with the rest of the system.

 

[Bourney]

The guy who owned that Oto was very particular and spent time tube rolling at all points in the amp. He says that what is in there is as good a combination as he had tried. I am sure there are some Mullards and other vintage tubes in there. Sounds a million times better than the PP model I has and better than my my Leben which surprised me.

 

[undarra]

Hi Steve. It does sound great but there's always that little voice that wants to try new things! I had a look at the ecc83s and they're EIs which I think are original. Maybe the previous owner found them to be the best sounding. Just thought if try something else if it didn't cost too much. How are the LVs and new amp?

Alan - thanks for your findings, do you use Lorenz for your valves?

 

[Bourney]

Have a word with Phil (early on here) a really nice knowledgable fella and I'm sure he'll help. I know he tried some fancy tubes in there before he arrived at what's in it.

LVs and EAR are superb thanks Si. I'll always miss those Js though.

 

[hearingisbelieving]

Have you got a photo of the internals Si - be interesting to see which verison of the Oto you have.

If its the same as mine you can try an ECC83 in the linestage instead of ECC82 - it will give you more gain and maybe a different presentation.