EC Aficionado (was: The Studio Jr.)

@Ray what tube are you using infront of the 2a3's if you don't mind me asking

 

WE396a, sitting on socket saver

 

@Ray oh okay i ordered that one already cool btw what are you using for the one above the power unit am currently on stock and trying to get a new one any recommendations?

 

Amperex 5ar4

 

You can get NOS Mullard GZ34 (5AR4) for probably cheaper than the amperex. Mullards are also excellent and they made tubes for pretty much everyone so you’ll find a lot of rebranded mullards out there.

Changing the rectifier tube from the stock tube didn’t change the tonality, but it definitely lifts a veil. The amp just sounded supercharged. It’s like in the Fast and Furious movies where they press the NOS button

 

hahaha finally someone puts it in terms I can understand

 

thanks alot got the NOS !
am actually changing them all the tubes as people have mentioned that am missing some gains as marv said that it should have more gian so probably thats the issue already changed the 2a3's so changing both the other tubes i got because they were the stocks one given
if still theres gains missing then I don't know because even with the sennheiser hd 800 i need to turn the dial to 3-4 oclock to get decent volume

 

There is something seriously wrong with your setup. Do you have another amp you can run into that works okay?

 

hm have the jotunheim that works fine will check after if the problem persists after I get the tubes and my friend actually has a gungnir i'll check with that aswell if the tubes don't fix it

 

Touch the output transformers (pair behind the power tubes) and see if they’re hot. Just to make sure they don’t get damaged in case something got loose inside during shipment.

Also, did you try using the RCA inputs on the aficionado.

 

Volume never went past 9 o’clock on my AF. Definitely something up with @kirayamato’s
amp

 

My volume is typically:
9 o’clock for Utopias
10 o’clock for 650s

Add :30 if listening loud.

 

Couple of questions:

Will any 5AR4 rectifier tube work with the PSU? I like the power of the stock tube. I've tried a Amperex Orange Globe and it takes the edge off smoothing things and allowing you to hear the microdetails better. I'm interested in trying one of the solid state 5AR4 tubes. Any recommendations?

@Marvey What is the output impedance of Aficionado? Is it 3-4Ohms?

Thanks!

 

I can't answer the impedance question, but any 5AR4/GZ34 should work in the PS.

 

My only concern is the no warm up time of the SS 5AR4. In the description they talk about "cathode stripping" but I'm not sure if this pertains to Aficionado as well?

https://www.amplifiedparts.com/products/solid-state-rectifier-5ar4-5u4-5y3-tubes

 

All I can say on those is that I've never cared for them (in a ST-70 and multiple guitar amps). I've haven't tried them in any of my current gear that makes use of a 5AR4.

 

A match made in heaven

 

@cskippy

what a great looking combo, almost steampunk.