Elrog 300B vs Takatsuki 300B tubes

10-27-15: Dracule1
Thanks Al, for the detailed explanation. Can you point out where on the lampizator site it states the rectifier filament current needs to between 2.4 to 3.0 amps? I'm currently using the Psvane 274B replica tube. Does this tube have filament current in the correct specified range?

You're welcome, Dracule. But I didn't say that the site specifies 2.4 to 3 amps. What I said is that the site indicates that the GG is supplied with either the EML 5U4 or the EML 274B. And I said that since those tubes have filament current ratings of 3 amps and 2.4 amps respectively, as can be seen at the emissionlabs.com site, without an ok from Lampi I would be hesitant to substitute a tube having a filament current rating significantly outside of that range. As I see it, doing so would amount to incorporating a design change into the DAC, without any means of knowing what its ramifications may be, in terms of long-term reliability as well as sonics.

I couldn't find a datasheet on the Psvane 274B. FWIW, though, the original Western Electric tube that it is intended to emulate was rated at 2.0 amps, although I wouldn't necessarily assume that the Psvane version is the same.

Regards,
-- Al

Correction. Apparently George at TubeUSA misheard me when I asked him about the 5AR4. He thought I said 5AU4, which draws 4 amps. As Al has pointed out, the 5AR4 draws 2 amps.

Hello, Dracule1, have you solved the issue? What is your impression of the sound?

I am eager to know, since I hope that they don't alter the tube too much for longer use, at the cost of sound. Like I said, I really miss them on my Lampi. :)

Hi Wyan, sorry for the delay. I was listening to my music through the Elrogs. I connected the GG DAC directly to my amp, bypassing my LDR passive preamp. When I did this, there was dramatic improvement in sound. I start hearing all the accolades this tube was known for. The highs were extended, clear, and dynamic. I am hearing fine detail that was absent before. The midrange is much clearer with more emotion. I can hear subtle inflections in voice and instruments that was not apparent before. It is the most transparent tube I have now. The bass now has speed and impact. However, it is not as exended as with the LDR preamp in place. Overall, 90% of the sound was markedly improved. Just goes to show you how impedance mismatch can affect the sound. Interestingly, the Psvane 101D and TJ FM 300B SE sound fine with the LDR preamp. They have none of the issues I experienced with the Elrogs. But I haven't tried them without the LDR preamp yet.

Hi, Dracule1,

I am glad it works out for you. I totally understand your absence. :p

Elrogs produce the lowest sound floor on Lampi compared to other tubes. And thus the details and transparency. Like I said, you don't even have to a/b to hear the difference from 101D. Go out for a long trip, come back and plug in 101D instead and you immediately realize. I don't have golden ears but it was just so obvious.

I really really hope that they will give you a long long period of musical enjoyment.