[tlcocks]

I was lucky to find a good conditioned Nirvana v2. After it was settled in my system,
I began rolling out both tubes, running a gold lion and PSVane EL34PHs (retro).
The amp is paired with Susvara and Utopia OG, very happy with the results.

Oh wait. See your Gold Lion is input tube. Sorry. I’ve got one of those and not impressed by it.

 

[h2oglasses]

Can you explain why you weren't impressed with GL, and which is your favorite driver tube?
Also, in my understanding, KT77 isn't recommended by Auris, although being said, some of those work.
Do you have more information or experiences with KT77?

 

[Svperstar]

Anyone tried any real 6CA7 tubes with this amp? I'm trying to get ideas for my Blue Hawaii which uses the same tubes.

 

[tlcocks]

Can you explain why you weren't impressed with GL, and which is your favorite driver tube?
Also, in my understanding, KT77 isn't recommended by Auris, although being said, some of those work.
Do you have more information or experiences with KT77?

Happy to. My Telefunken smooth plate 12au7 sounded more punchy and resolute as well as more extended than the GL input tube.
I talked extensively with Brent Jessee about the KT77 as a drop in replacement for the EL34s. He said electrically it’s so close that it’s perfectly acceptable and fine and widely done. Will find a link to a review I read on the Nirvana where the reviewer even mentioned this specific roll in his review. And it’s been addressed already on this thread also.

 

[tlcocks]

https://headphone.guru/auris-nirvana-tube-heaven-for-headphones/

 

[tlcocks]

By the way, the stock tubes are all JJ now. No more Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix.

 

[tlcocks]

Got my replacement Nirvana yesterday. Right now I’m rocking it with the KT77’s and an RCA Clear Top. It’s the best I’ve heard so far. SOUNDS SUPERB!
I also acquired as other input tubes Amperex Holland Bugle Boy, another Telefunken smooth plate, Mazda France. Those have not been heard yet, but I will slowly rotate through the group, keeping the KT77s a constant. Will report here as I make changes. Going to take my time though. RCA and KT77s just too too sweet to pull yet.