Hello Willsenton R8 owners:
Am a relatively new convert to tube amps. Got my first one, the Willsenton R8, about two years ago and it came with the stock KT88s. Am wondering if any of you have switched to EL34s. What are the most significant changes to the amp’s sound signature assuming you are using the same source and speakers? Is it worth switching to EL34s given my preference for jazz and acoustic/folk?
Am more than happy with the R8’s sound, especially with its mid and lower end sound. However, the highs can be a bit harsh even though I have paired it with Focal Chora 806 bookshelves, which are warmer sounding than its comparable competitors.
You must log in or register to comment.
Have a look on YouTube for a guy called A British Audiophile. He reviewed that amp and I specifically remember he changed the tubes, but I don’t remember the details.
My recollection was he highly recommended making the change.
Is it worth it? Only you can be the judge of that. EL34 are very musical, and for the type of music you listen to they match up. Mullard and TAD are not bad options. A lot of people like the gold lion KT77 (EL34) as well.
It won’t be a significant change but it is noticeable. The stock tubes aren’t great, especially the preamp tubes. I’d replace those first and then power tubes.
Thanks for the useful info. If I were to replace the preamp tubes, what would you suggest? And what sort of improvements should I expect? Is there a chance that the harsh highs could be lessened by changing the preamp tubes? Sorry for all the questions. Really a newbie here.
The Psvane CV181 or the RCA red plate were good IIRC. Check “A British audiophile” on you tube. He does a good breakdown on the Willsenton and upgrade path.
You can tune the amp pretty warm and smooth. Should be no harshness.
I think the best preamp tubes from current production are Linlai E series - both 6sn7 and 6sl7.
Fantastic tips. Thanks so much.
I have the el34 tubes, using it with my DIY speakers (CSS 1TDX bookshelf), these tubes has sweet midrange when TR mode is activated but unfortunately I dont have kt88 variant to compare it directly. But i am sure you will get less bass with el34 maybe richer midrange and less shape treble
I ran tung sol EL34s for a while, but went back to Psvane KT88 Classics. I also have the CV181s and stock 6SL7.
I found the EL34 lacking in the low end and just wasn’t enjoying the sound. It’s possible that I haven’t run them long enough to break in. I should pop them back in and give another listen.
That said, I’m very pleased with my current Psvane tube compliment feeding my Buchardt s400 MKII.
6sl7 makes the biggest difference sonically. I would advise to upgrade it :)
Any recommendations other than tung-sol for 6SL7? I have a pair of those but feel they are a little too hot in the treble region for my liking. Thus, I went back to the stock tubes.
I also have a stock tube in the center 6SN7 slot.
The differences are subtle so temper your expectations but given your taste in music the el34 is worth trying. KT88s can be very crisp and extended in the top end so the el34 may also help with harshness.
R8 owner for 2+ years. I prefer the amp with EL34 tubes. When one of the stock KT88s started to make crackling noises is when I decided to make the change. The highs are sweeter with the SED Winged C EL 34 tubes compared to the stock tubes. You will find more options for NOS and new tubes with EL34s. The caveat here is I don’t have any experience with any high quality KT88s to make a comparison but I do see that they are expensive. As far as the loss of power output with EL34s, I haven’t noticed anything. There is also some discussion that the R8 is more in its comfort zone with EL34s because the tubes are less demanding on the internal circuitry. It should be noted that if you are looking to make the greatest sonic improvement in your R8 the tubes to roll are the two 6SL7s. There are many NOS options out there. Check out Brent Jesse for awesome information on tubes for the R8. I buy from vacuumtubes.net in Florida. Their prices are competitive and they won’t charge you tax. YMMV Have fun, tube rolling is a blast (but can be detrimental to your bank account). Stereonet has a great forum for R8 owners too.
Wow! Thanks for such detailed and valuable input given my nil experience with tube rolling. I think my first strategy is to replace the two 6SL7s and see what improvements I’ll get. Then down the road I can switch to EL34s. Looking at Tungsols, which are getting great reviews.