MikE12-26-2002, 01:23 PM
Well, my X-Mass present arrived, one day late. I just
popped them in for my National Union ST 45's. Rectification provided by
a Sylvania 5v4G w/2 in-line plates. How are they? Spectacular is a good
desciptor. They are a good bit different from any other 45 I've heard (numerous
ST and UX245 & CX345 Globes), and that difference is the most pronounced
of any output tube I'm familiar. The very first thing I noticed about them
was the way you could sense as vocalists expanded their voice. I don't
know if this was due to the larger image size or what but it was very odd
how the room was pressurized and seemed to almost expand. Of course, this
is an exaggeration but that is the best way I can describe it. They, as
reported, are more powerful, more along the lines of a 2a3. Images are
life size (or certainly larger). Frequency extremes more extended. The
solid plates have a shimmer about them coupled with a bass that lays down
a satisfying foundation. Decay is much better, as is the way they illuminate
or "light up a room" (recording venue). In this respect they "out-spook"
the "spooky (vintage) 45". You feel like you're right there. In addition,
there are four simultaneous qualities that come to mind; Hi-Rez, refinement,
openness and ease. Though the vintage tubes seem to have an edge in the
latter quality. This is not a tube who's signature you must listen for,
the difference is self-evident. Before listening I sampled my existing
45 opt which I'm very familiar, then subbed in the EL's. I was immediately
struck by how different familiar material sounded. It was like hearing
it for the first time. An overused claim (I know) but I would be remise
if I didn't make that association. It's almost like hearing a foreign language
or a new accent - It's going to take sometime to adjust, they make such
a difference, as there is also a unsettling quality to them. And what I
mean by that is I'm not accustomed to such a presentation in my home. The
vintage tubes have a gentleness about them, the EL tubes are much larger-gestured
which somewhat is at odds with my replay preference. At this point I can
only say they are very different. Is that difference an improvement on
the pre-existing standard? Given that standard I could see how some listeners
may prefer the vintage tube(s). For me, I'm reluctant to say, as only time
will tell the truth.
http://audiokarma.org/forums/archive/index.php/t-3531.html