Kenzie headphone amp review (ampsandsound)

Have you had any success using input tube 12AT7/6201 (versus ECC801s)? If you still need 1626s, check with Stan at http://www.esrcvacuumtubes.com/

He might have some. I just picked up three pairs of RCA 1626 from him...

 

Thanks for the tip will check with Stan after the holidays. To answer your question: nope, the only other 12AT7 type I have tried was a $60 1982 Siemens-Rohre ECC801S which was not a good match: limited soundstage depth or air.

Then I took a chance on the "holy grail" 60's vintage Telefunken Diamond Bottom ECC801S which I have been using ever since. In my system it is my favorite input tube for the Kenzie with 1626 output tubes. I also managed to pick up a dozen Tung Sol 1626 off an eBay auction listed as NOS. Had them tested at tctubes and found them all used, but managed to get a few matched pairs with some decent life left.

I never tried the 6201 or 5965 though. Brent Jessee has some 60's 5965 diamond mark longplate Telefunkens for $100 each. Might be worth a try.

 

The 6201s I have are marked in some cases 6201 and 12AT7, both names on the same tube. The ones I located were GE brand that were in a piece of “Hewlett-Packard” (HP) equipment, and bear the marks HP on the tube.