Hello David,
Thanks for your comments. I appreciate your impressions as much as I do Bill's(Brownsfan). Both of you have very good taste and ears. I am looking forward to receiving the Mullards soon. You, Bill, Strawbros3 and Israel, how can I possibly go wrong with this decision ? Fine tuning the Frankenstein is a lot of fun. David, I assume that you have the skinny bottle CV 378 rather than the "rare" fat bottle version. The fat tube may be the ultimate but all of you seem very happy with the skinny Mullard alternative.
Charles,

charles1dad October 06, 2014 13:48

Hello Dentdog,
The 20 watt tube is the EML 320 XLS and I don't believe the Franks have the proper circuit to realize those 20 watts. I use the EML XLS 300b which is a drop in replacement in this amplifier. Amplifier recommendations are tricky due to the variables, speakers,room size,listening levels,taste etc.

My speaker is 94 db and a 14 ohm load, my prior amp was a 100 watt PP class AB 6550/KT 88. I much prefer the 8 watt SET but that's me, I don't know what you like or want. Your Zu DEF IV is much more sensitive than mine and "should" be a fine match. Germanboxers used the Franks with this same Zu speaker very successfully in a large room I'd email him.

Gsm18439 has this same Zu driven by his 300b SET in a large living space and loves the result. So I think your chances for success are quite reasonable. They are both very nice people and I'm sure they'd respond to you.
Charles,

charles1dad October 06, 2014 01:48

Brett,
I must say, It sure is fun having you back on this site and I hope you get your Wavelength amplifiers up and running soon. Come on Mr. Rankin, take care of Brett.
Charles,

charles1dad October 06, 2014 01:32

Hi Charles
I too have found the Mullard CV378 GZ37 the best rectifier of all . More open and natural than any of the Sylvania or General Electrics's. I found they (Mullards) had a substantial impact on the sound landscape. Definitely quieter than any of the above rectifiers and mids and highs are substantially more articulate. Also noticeable is a cleaner less smeared bass with more control.
The only other tubes I like as well, but not as much as the Mullards, are the RCA black plate 5u4g, but they must be early to mid 1950's ;a very nice rectifier tube .
But I am sure you will definitely love the Mullards in your wonderful system .
I've tried almost every good rectifier tube available and the Mullards are definitely the best of any rectifier tube I've tried in my Franks.
Regards,
David

drdavid October 06, 2014 01:06

Charles and Bill,
I always enjoy reading of each of your both system improvements in sound quality and I do fully believe that those findings are very real and as perceived.
You both had moved (improved) to much lower power amplification,
of which I consequently endorse.
You both obviously have no musical or sexual size inadequacy compensation issues.
I have a pair of 45's, btw.

isochronism October 05, 2014 23:47

Hi Charles,
Been looking at SETs and pretty much settled on the Franks. Could you apprise me of the possible benefits/drawbacks of using the 20 watt XLS tubes.
Not having heard the Franks and knowing how much I enjoy the dynamics of the Zu Defs, I'm a little hesitant to go with 8 watts.
Nice system you have there. I've enjoyed the discussions of nuance in your tube rolling exercises and having tuned my MC 60s to good effect realize the value of a good glass bottle and not the least, what it contains.
Thanks,
Tom

dentdog October 05, 2014 17:44

Bill,
I imagine that your system as presently configured sounds devine, your happiness shines through via your posts. I must give you ample credit for what you've done. Going from 500 watt transistor amplifiers and Maggies to an 8 watt SET with very different and high efficiency speakers is a drastic change of direction (no kidding huh?). I am genuinely gratified this has gotten you closer to the sound you sought and increased your music listening pleasure/involvement.
Charles,

charles1dad October 05, 2014 12:17

Charles, Thanks for the comments on the Jupiters. At a certain point, that kind of upward step is about all that is left for us. It could be argued that that the only "transformative" tweak would be a live performance.

I got my telefunkens installed last night. I was very happy with what I heard. They added both sweetness and texture in the strings, and there was something mighty nice in the vocals going on. Was it a transformative tweak? No, but it was easily worth the $270 the tubes cost me.

On the other hand, I recently added Audio Magic umbilicals to carry DC from the power supplies to the players, and that tweak was substantial enough that it was nearly transformative, so I keep my eyes and ears open for those rare opportunities to get a jump in performance.

Meanwhile, I look for opportunities to address whatever minor aberrations in timbre may remain. I will certainly keep the Jupiters on my list and make that happen when the time is right.

brownsfan October 05, 2014 11:51

Bill,
I don't want to present to big a deal about the Jupiter capacitors. I've enjoyed the Franks immensely for 5 years with those stock Solens caps on board. The Jupiter is a definitely "solid" upward move but I won't go overboard and say they're transformative(they aren't). The stock Frankenstein is superb. Adding better tubes,fuses and capacitors are just fine tuning and squeezing more performance from this fine amplifier.
Charles,

charles1dad October 05, 2014 03:08

Charles, Exactly! I can think of better investments than spending megabucks proving that Israel was right after all.

I am itching to give those caps a try. Oh, those pesky warranty periods.

The dub step girls review of rectifier tubes is pretty amazing stuff.

I am just about ready to put my new 6922s in. I expect a lot with these Telefunkens. We shall see.

brownsfan October 05, 2014 01:22

Bill,
Thanks for the article link, I 'll read it tonight.

charles1dad October 05, 2014 01:00

Bill,
I look forward to trying the Mullards based on your rewarding experience with them. Israel was emphatic in saying that the CV 378 is the "best" rectifier tube for his Frankenstein creation, who am I to argue?
Charles,

charles1dad October 05, 2014 00:50

Charles, I don't know if you have seen this review of various rectifiers.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/694525/dubstep-girls-massive-5ar4-5r4-5u4g-rectifier-review-comparison-rectifer-tube-rolling-thread

It has a nice run down of a lot of tubes that might be used in the Franks. The fat and skinny bottle CV378s are compared. It is hard to know if the difference in performance is consistent tube to tube, amp to amp, and ear to ear, if you catch my meaning. Really, where is that tube lending library when you need it? If I were still rolling in the big bucks, I might give them a try. Cue the violins, here comes the living on a fixed income speech. No, maybe not, but retirement does present its mindset adjustment hurdles. I think I will hold that $600 investment for my 300Bs when the time is right.

I do hope you find your skinnies to your liking. They are doing some nice things in my system. I got my telefunkens for the ModWright Sony today, and I have about an hours worth of mundane whatevers to do before I get to do some listening.

brownsfan October 04, 2014 23:20

Luan,
I spoke with the Canadian Mullard vendor who I purchased from. He says the fat bottle CV 378 is expensive due primarily to their rarity, he said only 2, 000 were ever manufactured. He believes that the skinny (Blackburn plant) CV 378 is very close or equal sonically. Now I know this is just one man's opinion and you've heard both and have your own opinion. At this time it's a moot point, he is out of the fat bottle tubes. You're fortunate to have these apparently rare tubes.
Charles,

charles1dad October 04, 2014 16:19

As always Charles, thanks for the tip. I actually have a few Jupiter caps I bought a while back with the intention of using them in my preamp and Big 7. The consensus has been very positive, so I'll have to get around to it in the near future.

I'm sure the skinny CV378 will add to your current enjoyment, but once you have a grasp for its contribution, if you have an itch to try out its fatter cousin shoot me a PM:)

shawbros3 October 04, 2014 09:05

Hi Shawbros3,
Just in case you're interested in doing this one day. I recently changed input coupling capacitors in my Frankenstein.The Solens 0.47uf cap at the 6em7 tube(driver tube) location. I upgraded to the Jupiter copper foil(1 cap per mono block) the pair cost 170.00 USD. This is less than a pair of the Mullard CV 378 rectifier tubes(250.00 one pair) for this amplifier. It is a very worthwhile upgrade. The longer they're in the Frankenstein the more apparent is their positive contribution. Excellent sound is further improved for a very reasonable cost.
Charles,

charles1dad October 04, 2014 02:08

Shwbros3,
Thanks for your comments on these Mullard tubes. The fat bottle CV 378 seems quite special based on your experience. Well, at least the skinny CV 378 is a solid step up above my 5u4g rectifier in the amplifier.
Charles,

charles1dad October 03, 2014 20:14

Charles,

I asked Israel which tubes could be safely rolled into the Franks. I have always assumed that one could use the 5u4, 5u4g, and 5u4gb, but in the past Israel told me only to use the 5u4gb. I had no idea he was selling the CV378 as upgrades to the Franks. I wish I did, because I used to use the skinny version in my preamp and still have them to try. So I asked him if I could also roll in the GEC U52 or WE 422a or 5ar4. He just responded that only the CV378 or 5ar4 could be used and nothing else.

I am not sure if he has tried the fat version of the CV378. But if the results of my trials of both versions in my preamp then the fat bottle will sound killer with the Franks. It cost a lot more (~3x) but IMO, well worth the marked improvement. I'll report back soon...

shawbros3 October 03, 2014 17:29

Bill,
Good logic regarding the 300b, your current tube is well above the average level and is considered to be a very good 300b. The proof is that you're obviously enjoying your music and these tubes are contributing.
Charles,

charles1dad September 29, 2014 16:15

Charles, I agree on the Franks being keepers. I will certainly be holding mine, at least until Israel releases MK III. :) Once one gets a piece worth holding forever, it makes sense to spend some cash equipping it with the best tubes one can find. The Wagner operas I listened to last night just came alive. I think my Mullards are improving with burn in.

I'm going to wait a year before replacing my 300Bs. I'd like to get a feel for how the Psvane WEs and Elrog tubes stack up against the best current offerings. The statement from Elrog that their target is to be at least as good as the original WEs got my attention.

You are a brave soul, testing the ebay waters.

I've got some Telefunken EC88s coming in for my ModWright HAPZ1. Can't wait to get those going. I really expect great things out of them. Things should be sounding pretty good once those are burned in.

brownsfan September 29, 2014 15:26

Bill,
With both you and Israel so enthusiastic about the Mullard CV 378 rectifiers it has gotten my attention. I'll look to Ebay to find a pair sometime this week. I may as well put the best tubes I can find in the Frankensteins. This is likely the last power amplifier I'll own. After 5 years of nearly daily use, my appreciation for its abilities continues to grow.

Bill, the W.E. Replica 101Ds are burned in now and this is an exceptional sounding tube. Just beautiful music reproduction with these in the CSL,an example of money well spent.
Charles,

charles1dad September 29, 2014 11:52

Charles, Update on the CV387s. I do really like these tubes very much. I listened to Das Reingold and about half of Die Walkure tonight. Glorious, glorious, brass, wonderful texture in the strings, Oh, my! I'm going to stick my neck way out here, and agree with Israel. These tubes are a must have item. Let me know if you (when you) acquire a pair.

I've been lurking in the background on your Jazz recommendations. May try to pick up a few of these myself. Good music is good music. Genre is a consideration for librarians.

brownsfan September 29, 2014 01:12

Bill,
A couple of more Frank Morgan CDs.
1) "Twogether"(spelled this way) features the wonderful pianist John Hicks.
2) "Mood Indigo" plenty of Frank's beautiful alto saxophone front and center playing mostly ballads.
Charles,

charles1dad September 28, 2014 20:52

Here are a couple of suggestions that are not widely known

Voyage by Youn Sun Nah. Korean, but sings in English. IMHO this is her best CD; her others do not compare. I heard her once is a small venue in NYC; too self-effacing in public.

The Paul Robeson Legacy by Sir Willard White. Tremendous bass voice that really sounds like Robeson although the selections are more spiritual than jazz and the arrangements are more White than Robeson.

gsm18439 September 27, 2014 13:55

I am hooked for sure and want to learn more.

grannyring September 27, 2014 02:22