Review: Conrad-Johnson MF2550SE ...

[Jack]

Joe

They run them pretty hard to get those high gain figures. I ran the same quad of Siemens tubes in a Kora preamp for 7 years and then ran them in the SF for over a year with no problem because they were run differently. I could probably still get several more years without a problem.

 

[CDLehner]

Less stress and longer lasting. CJ tends to be tough on tubes.

Joe...you're saying of 7s I assume? So they've been fine in your C-J kit; and last longer?

What's not to like...unless I have it backwards.

 

[joeinid]

I know, I wish the gain was not so high but I've been very lucky with my GAT and ET-5 previously.

 

[joeinid]

Joe...you're saying of 7s I assume? So they've been fine in your C-J kit; and last longer?

What's not to like...unless I have it backwards.

I have not used the 7's but know of friends who have and love them. I have some tubes from uncle Kevin, 6H23 TYPE 3's but have not yet put them in. I love Gold Lions in the GAT as well as some of the Gold Pin EH tubes.

 

[Jack]

The 6H23EB's are great tubes, but sadly the stock is starting to dry up and the prices are climbing for Pre and Phono quality tubes. They are what are recommended for AI preamps that eat tubes at a very high rate as they are running them even hotter and get even higher gain than CJ. Chris, Parts Connexion had some Reflektor 6H23's on sale so check with Chris Johnson. Chances are he will also know the answer to what tubes the CJ will work with. Again if you only need singles you can sample in the NOS market for much cheaper than normal.

 

[CDLehner]

I'm waiting to hear back from Upscale; but if they give the :thumbsup: on 7DJ8s

I'm thinking about picking these 2 up, to start

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/telefunken-pcc88-7dj8/

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/tungsram-pcc88-7dj8/

I have a Gold Lion now; had the Tungsram 6-volt, with my Calypso and liked it...but let it go with the unit.

 

[Jack]

Chris

The Telefunken looks good but instead of the Tungsram which will sound similar I might try the Phillips or the Matsushita for a different flavor. The Matsushita sounds more like a classic Mullard as is not surprising as they set up the Japanese factory. Different parts of the European sound if you will.

 

[CDLehner]

Chris

The Telefunken looks good but instead of the Tungsram which will sound similar I might try the Phillips or the Matsushita for a different flavor. The Matsushita sounds more like a classic Mullard as is not surprising as they set up the Japanese factory. Different parts of the European sound if you will.

Thanks Jack; good advice. I don't want to start off...with 2 of the "same" thing.

You really seem to like...that Matsushita/National? Well...the price is certainly right

 

[Jack]

Chris

The other two are just more Western European sounding as opposed to the Tele/Tungsram/Siemens sound. It or the Phillips are both good tubes just depends on you primary music preferences.