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In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: Initial thoughts about new/old Lamm ML2s
Post Subject: Vertical/diagonal change vs. horizontal changePosted by Romy the Cat on: 12/31/2006

 Paul S wrote:
The 6N6Ps I bought are nothing "special" as far as I know, but they are all tested and to spec, according to the seller, so I will also replace my current 6N6Ps when the new (NOS) batch arrives, and I will note any changes in sound then, too.

I would not trust any seller who clamed that they tested them. What they tested: transcendence, cathode emission, at which current? Come on, no one test those tubes and partially as “expensive” as $2 worth tubes. There are two options. First: your 6N6P that you got in the ML2 was good to begin with. Considering that I know the person from whom you bought your ML2 I might assure you that the amp did not work in his home at all. Second possibility is that you juts did not “catch” the change. You see, when people re-tube amps they look for the changes in Sound that I characterize as vertical or diagonal change. It is true for ML2’s input stage but with the driver stage it works differently. Changing the driver tube in this amp affects something that I call “horizontal change”. The horizontal change has less to do with “sounds” and has more to do with accentuation of rhythm and dynamic emphasis in “fundamentals range” (presumably if a playback can hands it)… As the side-evidence of the worn of the 6N6P you might look for the dark amalgam in sides where the electing bombarded the glass. That would be a good indication how much tube worked.  The dark sided are not necessary indication of the bad tubes, you need tube tester (and the skills to use it) to say anything more or less defiantly. Still, with 14 cents per tube that I paid I changed it each six month when a gray coloration of the side juts tube to brown. Ironically, even then I did hear the “horizontal change” in the sound when I employed the new 6N6P..

The caT

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