SOLD: Moth/EC 6B4G Prototype

Discussion in 'Closed (Archived) Sales' started by CEE TEE, Aug 9, 2021.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

    Pyrate IEMW
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,722
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    California Bay Area
    Home Page:
    SOLD to a good home!

    Okay, this is the only one of these in existence that I am aware of…

    Though Craig did make at least 3 different prototypes in this kind of chassis that got into the wild:
    1. Zana Deux stuffed into one chassis (he eventually made the Zana Deux design with an external power supply)
    2. 2A3 prototype
    3. 6B4G prototype

    Craig agreed to sell the prototypes to his trusted tester/listener in the community (Mikey01) after his help.

    Here is the thread where Mikey01 was selling the prototype that became the Zana Deux:
    https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-original-zana-duex-protype-handbuilt-by-craig.544011/

    MothEC_ZD_Proto_01.jpg MothEC_ZD_Proto_02.jpg
    You can see I posted there in 2011, trying to track down that amp.

    Here is a Trader Feedback post showing Mikey01 sold a 2a3 prototype:
    https://www.head-fi.org/threads/mikey01.75731/#post-2973978

    MothEC_2a3_Proto_01.jpg MothEC_2a3_Proto_02.jpg MothEC_2a3_Proto_03.jpg

    I tried again several years later to see if I could find the Zana Deux prototype and I finally got in touch with Mikey01...

    He had one last prototype and it is the one that you see here below:
    MothEC_Proto_01.jpg MothEC_Proto_02.jpg MothEC_Proto_03.jpg MothEC_Proto_04.jpg MothEC_Proto_05.jpg
    This prototype is a 6B4G prototype amp with (2) 6J5 driver tubes in a Moth Audio chassis.

    The idea behind Craig using these tubes is that NOS versions of these are nowhere near as expensive as the “usual” driver and output tube types you see in an amp.

    • Driver tubes = Phillips JAN 6J5WGT (2 of these = 1 6SN7)
    • Output Tubes = Ken Rad JAN-CKR-6B4G
    Ampsandsound uses the 6B4G in their statement amp, along with a 6SL7 instead of 6SN7 or two 6J5 tubes (which equals a 6SN7):
    https://ampsandsound.com/products/rockwell

    Ampsandsound also say “The motivation of the Rockwell is to provide access to the wide availability of NOS tubes and give the warm mid-range bloom that is at the heart of single-ended direct-heated triode designs.”


    Craig did most of his testing with HD600 back in those days (okay almost all days) and so this amp is very lush/warm and great with HD580/600/650.


    PLEASE NOTE #1: This is even warmer/lusher than the Zana Deux (and definitely warmer than Zana Deux Super).
    @Bill-P has heard this amp. He owns a very warm OG Zana Deux that I used to own. And he says this amp is even warmer.


    PLEASE NOTE #2: There is a little low-level noise when no music is playing, which is a reason that all Zana Deux have external power supplies. Craig already went through the prototype years ago and there is nothing to do to remove the slight noise floor. “There’s nothing you can do about it…just enjoy it.”

    PLEASE NOTE #3 (most important note): I promised Craig a couple of things a long time ago (and I think there might have been some 18 year Oban involved to even have him look at it)

    • NEVER to bug him with the amp again (wasn’t a usual practice for him to even sell any prototypes and he didn’t make any money on this.
    • Not to sell it and have it come back to him later with ANOTHER owner <ever> asking to have him work on it.
    SO: if you are okay with the low-level hiss + lushest EC sound (bit rolled at top) + you promise never to speak about this amp to Craig (or ask him where/how to work on it):cool:…DM me.

    When I have considered selling it, I have “tested it” to make sure it works. And then I don’t want to sell it.
    I haven’t put many hours on it (have usually had a lot of set-ups rotating for different reasons).
    Just tested it and it still makes me happy to listen to HD6X0 series headphones. It is working!

    (Prefer someone in the Bay Area if possible so we don’t have to ship...)


    SOLD to a good home!
     
    • Epic Epic x 16
    • Like Like x 7
    • List
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2021
  2. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

    Staff Member Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    14,051
    Trophy Points:
    113
    I'd pick this up if I was in the bay area to give it a good home.
     
  3. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2020
    Likes Received:
    12,237
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Home Page:
    I'd pick it up and I am in the Bay Area but Just bought a Super 7...
     
  4. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

    Pyrate IEMW
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,722
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    California Bay Area
    Home Page:
    ^Good buy, RD!!
     
  5. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    4,801
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    @CEE TEE minced words. This is easily the only thing I would consider an "upgrade" over Zana Deux. It's warmer and a bit more "romantic" sounding, whatever that means, but it also seemingly has stronger tube qualities where it counts: soundstage, wow factor, planktons, etc...

    @brencho, I know this may be out of your budget but like... if you ever get serious about headphones again, this is "the" amp to have for HD580/HD600.

    P.S.: would have jumped on this in a heartbeat easily but I just paid for backyard stuffs and still owe my brother $1000. Trust me, if this remains unsold by next month, I'll find all sorts of excuses to bring it home. It's that good!
     
  6. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

    Pyrate IEMW
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,722
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    California Bay Area
    Home Page:
    Someone local coming to listen on Friday afternoon...will update thread after the audition!
     
  7. CEE TEE

    CEE TEE MOT: NITSCH

    Pyrate IEMW
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,722
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    California Bay Area
    Home Page:
    SOLD...went to a good home and a great guy. |\/|
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • Epic Epic x 1
    • List
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page