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In Reply to: Give it at least 100 hours to break in.... posted by tubesforever on February 26, 2006 at 22:19:43:
I believe my VTA is very slightly high now, based on sound. Unfortunately, the OL Encounter tonearm is a tapered arm without a reference line. I try to use an index card and the headshell as a starting point after cartridge mounting, then I do everything by ear. So far, its worked for the three cartridges I've had on the tonearm.I'll try lowering the VTA again, its only dulled the sound, diminished the soundstage, and not really improved anything when I've done it recently.
The Mullards were NOS from Upscale Audio and tested to their highest standard. I think I'll try a set of E-H 12ax7's that I have. I hate to use a different flavor but they are the only other 12ax7's I have.
==> in your experience with tubes have you ever seen a 12ax7 tube fail in such a subtle manner? And it seems to be affecting both channels the same. Finally, I wouldn't think one of the other two tubes (regulation, cathode follower) failing could affect the sound like this - could they?
I usually try to let cartridges break-in 100 hours before making decisions, and although I've heard continued improvement, I haven't heard MAJOR improvement in the 70-80 to 100 hour break-in period. Of course, I've never had a cartridge as high-end as the Ruby 3.
Thanks for the GT Mullard-type recommendation!
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Follow Ups
- Good suggestions! - Terry P 02/27/0610:46:47 02/27/06 (7)
- IMHO - tubesforever 18:00:07 02/27/06 (6)
- If you find the Benz on the bright side - unclestu52 20:51:05 02/27/06 (1)
- From the perspective of actual live music. - tubesforever 23:08:41 02/27/06 (0)
- Thanks! - Terry P 20:47:17 02/27/06 (3)
- Sounds a little like my Grado break in. - tubesforever 21:10:51 02/28/06 (2)
- Mysterey solved! - It was subtle tube degradation - Terry P 09:54:36 03/1/06 (1)
- Glad you got your Mojo back. Tubes are the best! - tubesforever 06:49:31 03/2/06 (0)