[lostrockets]

I bought one off eBay, there's lots to pick from.

Though I find 12AU7 doesn't sound that nice in Lyr 3.

Lyr 3 I still like bigger tubes better (6SN7, 6J5....etc).

12AU7 I like it more on the Project Solstice.

Have you tried 6sn7 on the solstice?

 

[Hyde00]

What is it about the 12AU7 that you don't like with the LYR 3? . . . not enough muscle?
[I like the delicacy and detail of a 6DJ8/6922 with the LYR+. Not slammy dynamic (at all), but great for vocals and acoustic venues.]

Hmmmm I can't explain, felt like Lyr 3 doesn't have enough power to push it? Like vocal sound distant and everything sounded a bit too relaxed? Not enough ommph? Or clarity?

I wonder if it's because it's 12v tube or maybe I didn't have the correct adapter.

But the synergy definitely is not there.

Have you tried 6sn7 on the solstice?

Yes I did! It still sound good but Lyr 3 definitely drive 6SN7 tube better. Everything just feels grander and bigger. 6SN7 on Solstice feels smaller.

Again, definitely wouldn't call it bad but Lyr 3 definitely feel like it synergize better.

The only thing though is that Solstice is able to use 12SN7 which Lyr 3 can't.

But that's story for another day lol.

To summarize, Solstice drive small tubes better Lyr 3 drives bigger tubes better. Makes sense since it's what they're designed for lol.

Unless it's 12SN7 or 12J5 then only Solstice can drive them.

 

[Pondoro]

What is it about the 12AU7 that you don't like with the LYR 3? . . . not enough muscle?
[I like the delicacy and detail of a 6DJ8/6922 with the LYR+. Not slammy dynamic (at all), but great for vocals and acoustic venues.]

I have a Vali 2+ that is built for the smaller 9-pin tubes and a Lyr 3. The Vali 2+ sounds better with an adapter and a 6SN7. So I never tried the opposite - a smaller tube in the Lyr 3. Just my probably inexpert opinion. I listen to a lot of Frank Sinatra - he recorded on an actual stage with a band as much as possible. The 6SN7 and the smaller tubes both place him "in the middle" with my Vali. But the 6SN7 makes him sound "taller", seriously, also less "ghostly." I like the Vali, but the Lyr is better in every respect.

 

[jonathan c]

• To @Hyde00 and @pataburd: a 6SN7 tube, a 12AU7 tube have the same amplification factor (gain) - 20x. Their filament (heater) currents differ: 600 mA for 6SN7, 300 mA for 12AU7 (in series). An amp, such as Lyr 3, designed for 6SN7 can accomodate 12AU7 - but not vice versa.
• For @Hyde00, which 12AU7 did you use? Did you try a variety of 12AU7 as well as a variety of 6SN7? If not, saying that 12AU7 < 6SN7, or 6SN7 > 12AU7, de facto seems premature.

 

[Hyde00]

• For @Hyde00, which 12AU7 did you use? Did you try a variety of 12AU7 as well as a variety of 6SN7? If not, saying that 12AU7 < 6SN7, or 6SN7 > 12AU7, de facto seems premature.

Ok I had to look into my notes, because to be honest I had no memory of which I actually tried LOL.

So it was actually GE 5965 and Brimar CV455.

Both are 12V tubes but I guess not technically 12AU7, my bad. But both I thought sounded better on Project Solstice.

That being said I would agree trying 2 tubes maybe is too small of a sample so maybe I am rushing to conclusion.

So please take my observation with grain of salt.

 

[sleepygordon]

I would like to thank the contributors to this thread for helping me developed an unhealthy obsession with finding tubes to roll on my new Schiit Lyr 3.
I have so far been able to collect:
1. RCA NOS 1940s
2. Philco Sylvania
3. VT231 Sylvania NOS

While it may not be 100% true, these tubes bring the promise of elevating music beyond what the stock Tung Sol can bring to the table.

What was interesting was that the VT231 Sylvania NOS for the 1st hour was making a hell lot of crackling sounds / humming. After a while, it goes away and now it works perfectly.

 

[pataburd]

I have liked just about every Sylvania I have tried with the LYR 3.

 

[Hyde00]

I have liked just about every Sylvania I have tried with the LYR 3.

lol I really like Sylvania tubes in general.

You're making me want to buy more Sylvania tubes.

 

[sleepygordon]

Do you guys stock up on your favourite tubes in anticipation that they might fail in the future or that NOS/used stock will eventually dry up?

 

[Hyde00]

Do you guys stock up on your favourite tubes in anticipation that they might fail in the future or that NOS/used stock will eventually dry up?

I thought about it, but then I also realize I generally like to try new things if possible.

So chances are I'll find upgrade tubes before my old ones die. Theoretically I'll never use a tube long enough to kill it before I get new tubes (because we always want to buy new things).

 

[bcowen]

Do you guys stock up on your favourite tubes in anticipation that they might fail in the future or that NOS/used stock will eventually dry up?

I would never do that.

 

[Zachik]

I would never do that.

Zooming out a bit, for perspective on Bill's tubes collection:

 

[sleepygordon]

Just got these delivered today!

 

[sleepygordon]

I would never do that.

OK, when the world runs out of old vacuum tubes, I know who to look for.

 

[jonathan c]

Caveat emptor .... those are tube boxes ....