Comments on Profile Post by rhythmdevils

I think if you have an HD650 or other electrodynamic, waiting for the Drop TA-84 will be worth it for the better subtleties, but it does require NOS tubes to sound it's best. And you have to use ruggedized 12au7 tubes, regular NOS 12au7 tubes make noise any el84 works though. Currently using WE396a in the Vali 3. unknown NOS el84 and Mullard CV4003 in the TA84.

so basically Mullard CV4003 or 5814 plus NOS el84 in the Drop TA-84 to make it sing. I haven't test other tubes in the Vali 3 yet.

in Vali3 I've run Bendix/Eclipse 2C51, GE 5670W, WE 396A (square/D getter) and 2C51 (round getter), and WE396A is the most balanced. Bendix is the most detailed/microdetailed. GE is no slouch tho. Bendix reminds me of RCA clear top 12AU7s in presentation. Cool clear and open without sounding sterile.

@rhythmdevils were you running the stock tube?

Stock tube is serviceable, but a bit flat. granted, i didn't put more than 8-10 hours on the stock tube, but unless there are more than the normal sonic gains associated with a tube burning in, the stock Russian tube is safe, if a bit boring.

@joch no the WE369a in the Vali 3 I haven’t tried the stock tube because I have a big bag of NOS 2C51 tubes. :)
The Drop TA-84 is such a great amp for the price I’m going to get a review sample for SBAF as soon as possible.