ECP Torpedo III [indexed in first post]

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by FlySweep, Nov 2, 2015.

  1. brencho

    brencho Friend

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    why would pots sound better maxed out? a pot maxed out would sound different as a function of gain and other variables.
     
  2. dsavitsk

    dsavitsk Friend

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    Pots tend to have some imbalance when turned down. Additionally, gain adds noise and distortion, so adding gain only to attenuate is generally a recipe for worse sound - you want the normal listening levels on your equipment to be with as little attenuation as possible. (Interestingly, many people do not understand this and do the opposite as they incorrectly perceive more gain to equate to more power, and more power to equate to better quality, and thus want systems where they just barely turn it up.)

    Here, that could mean that a lower gain tube that matches a higher gain dac would be a better option that a higher gain dac, an attenuator, and a high gain tube. Cutting against that, in this case the higher gain tubes do not seem to cause more distortion than the lower gain ones. With the T3, it is probably more theoretical than practical - it was designed around the 12AY7, but other tubes are OK, too. Anyway, here's an article: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/diyaudio-com-articles/186018-what-gain-structure.html
     
  3. brencho

    brencho Friend

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    @dsavitsk super interesting/helpful, thanks!
     
  4. MortenB

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    Now that you mention this: It seems most of us use the 12AT7, they are a lot easier to find in NOS qualities than the 12AY7. As you mentioned earlier the voltage and current are on the low side for the 12AT7. Would you consider suggesting the tweak needed to give better conditions for the 12AT7?
     
  5. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    So yeah i held off as long as i could but i'm gonna order a kit!
     
  6. Jun

    Jun Friend

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    I noticed you oh crapped ordered a Yggdrasil. XD
     
  7. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Hahaha atleast i don't buy crap when i go oh crap :)
     
  8. MortenB

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    Expensive getting it into Europe, but excellent choice. I would do it again :)
     
  9. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Yeah.. Last time i was lucky though with the Crack+SB I didn't have to pay anything. But we'll see what happens!

    Been a while since i built anything, looking forward to it :)
     
  10. HitmanFluffy

    HitmanFluffy Hoping to see real genitals someday!

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    I just bought the Solens and rolled them into my amp along with the CCS boards. Needed to do a bit of lead extending/bending to get them to fit but nowhere near as difficult as fitting Mundorfs if the guide is anything to go by. These blow away the Epcos caps, even with a bypass. @TomB is right about the greater bass presence, and to me these sound way clearer and articulate.
     
  11. MortenB

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    Lucky you :) I paid 295 euros to get the T3 through the Danish customs, but it's still worth the money. Even better, if you get to pay nothing of course...
     
  12. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Ouch.... Well I reckon I won't be as lucky this time given the increased weight and value but we'll see :)
     
  13. bazelio

    bazelio Friend

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    @brencho
    @philipmorgan
    @drfindley

    Ok I just went and decided to blow more money on tubes. Should be here in a week to 10 days.... Need your guys' feedback when they arrive. Triple-T3 tubefest in a couple weeks. Mountain View same location as the last mini meet OK?
     
  14. philipmorgan

    philipmorgan Member of the month

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    Very interested. Location is fine. I can bring the Night Blues Mini for fun.
     
  15. bazelio

    bazelio Friend

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    SGTM, Philip. Sebastopol is a ways, so thanks for making the trek. Definitely bring the Laconic. I'm interested to give it a listen.
     
  16. brencho

    brencho Friend

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    I'm down but can I get back to you with dates? Does late June (after the 20th) work?

    I can bring: brimar yellow T, telefunken ec801S, amperex bugle boy 12ax7, and amperex 7062 if they're needed or if people are curious.
     
  17. drfindley

    drfindley Secretly lives in the Analog Room - Friend

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  18. bazelio

    bazelio Friend

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    Coolio. Date flexible of course.

    Picked up some Yellow T also.
     
  19. Jun

    Jun Friend

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    Just got the mec100 choke.

    Geez the mec100 electronic choke would drop right in if there was just 1mm more space between the caps. It's making me want to space out the caps if there is a way.
     
  20. bazelio

    bazelio Friend

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    Heh, that's what I said, @Jun . The lead pitch is perfect for the R2 through hole spacing. :)

    Now, you'll be the first to know if the choke makes an audible difference... Awaiting your feedback!
     

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