Air Tight

[Dpod4]

You don't have a lot of choice on the KT88's...but NO reissue matches the NOS or high test tubes on the 12AX7's and 12AU7's...they made some SERIOUS tubes back in the day.

I went OCD for about 8 months on NOS tubes...Still have 8 spare pairs of AX7's, 8 AU7's and 4 spare 6L6GC's (GE 1961) in case I blow any of the 8 in my Velleman...LOL

I have heard of Mazda but not tiftas ? This whole thread makes me want to start a thread..LOL

Lets start a thread called "tube rollers anonymous" so we can make others feel not alone with buying and hoarding tubes. I spent $1000 this weekend on tubes. Help me I have a problem. I have been stocking up on Winged 6550C tubes for the power supply of my ARC Ref gear since they stopped making them. Sick. I spent an hour on the phone this weekend with Kevin from Upscale Audio talking about tubes. I need an intervention.

 

[Mike]

Kevin is awesome. I talked with him again yesterday. If you don't like a straight shooter - don't call Kevin!

 

[Dpod4]

Just did an A-B with my 17 year old daughter (who has hi-fi ears). Her take:

she prefers the Air Tight to my Constellation Centaur - says it is like being in a coffee shop where guitar and vocals are "relevant" (Be Here Now by Ray LaMontagne).

The Centaur has more energy and dynamics and sounds bigger. The Air Tight is more inviting and relaxing and "there"

Never would have thought this tube amp could compete in the big leagues.

I still prefer the Constellation - more energy and weight with delicacy.

 

[Mike]

Tubes rule Darrin! There is no fighting their magic. But aren't you glad you have both? I think I'm going to love going back and forth. The dynamics and slam of SS vs the warmth and richness of tubes. Fun!!!

 

[Dpod4]

Tubes rule Darrin! There is no fighting their magic. But aren't you glad you have both? I think I'm going to love going back and forth. The dynamics and slam of SS vs the warmth and richness of tubes. Fun!!!

Well said! There is magic in them there tubes!

 

[tonepub]

Considering the varying quality of recordings, the slightly more relaxed presentation of a great tube amp like the Air Tight really makes a lot of music more palatable.

 

[Dpod4]

Considering the varying quality of recordings, the slightly more relaxed presentation of a great tube amp like the Air Tight really makes a lot of music more palatable.

Perfectly stated. Although the air tight has less weight and thin recordings sound worse on it than on constellation. Paul Simon does better in AMG with Miyajima Kansui thru Centuar than thru air tight with Goldfinger and innovation table

But u nailed the difference in the fact it is more RELAXED

 

[sharkmouth]

Sounds like fun Darrin. Tube rolling can be fun. You can make the same amp sound classic tube like or modern tube like by just rolling the tubes.

I bit the bullet and ordered some Treasures tonight. Now I have the 1940 RCA's, GoldLion Reissues, Sylvania Chrome Tops and the Treasures coming.

Are you using a tube tester?

Damn! Could've sworn you were referring to gold top mushrooms/flashbacks!

 

[Dpod4]

Had friends over this week to listen to Air Tight amp and preamp. Lots of fun comparing to Constellation and ARC. We were blown away by how the 80 watt per channel air tight controlled the Magicos (better than VAC) and how the Air Tight preamp tightened everything up. Very impressed with Air Tight.

 

[Dpod4]

Popped some new tubes yesterday into Air Tight ATM-2 - Black Treasure quad KT88s (in place of SED KT88 Winged C quad, and Westinghouse NOS 12au7 pair in place of gold pin JJs). Wow, now my Air Tight is bigger and has a more resolute deep end with same midrange texture as before. Harmonics are there - I can see the snare drum. Best tube amp i have ever had with Magicos.

 

[hongkong]

I hope I can buy the two ATM-4 after my holidays...And I hope Jeff Rowland Corus + two Air Tight ATM-4 are well each other...
That's the surprise...