Dennis Had Inspire amps and preamps.


Recently acquired a lightly used LP27a and a SEP Firebottle HO amp after a recent dip into SET/SEP-dom.  I liked them enough to order a new LP3a preamp from the "auction site."  Hand-made in USA by an arguable hifi "legend" at, imo, comparably reasonable prices.

These pop up from time to time in various A-gon discussions.  I know there is an unwieldy and lengthy discussion on another site, but thought would try to open up a fresh one, here.

Curious about (good or bad) experiences, listening impressions, tube-rolling, mods/upgrades, speaker/gear pairings/synergies, etc.

Right now, I have the Firebottle with Omega 3 HOs, and am enjoying the result.  One immediate question would be what tubes can be used in the Firebottle and in the output tube in the LP27a.  I bought them used.  I have an inquiry to Mr. Had on that, but maybe others have first hand experience on what works well?  For example, the LP27a came with a 6sn7, but I've read that others have been able to use 6sl7 and even 6bx7 in that spot.

Thank you.

stfoth
You have to post an Ebay message to Dennis and hope for a response.
My fave tube by far for the Firebottle is the Gold Lion reissue KT77. MUCH better sounding than the JJs for some reason...in fact the JJs put me off 77s until I read enough about the Lions to give 'em a shot. Great sounding tube in that amp. I (mostly) got rid of a weird low level hum (only in my RELs when cranked up much further than when in use) when swapping out a 5U4g for the 274B rectifier. Raymonda's experience with the older model Klipsch Heresy is interesting, but very different from my experience with Heresy IIIs...improved in 2006 with titanium drivers and a new 12...these speaker are magnificent sounding, with zero fatigue smooth treble, amazing soundstaging, and I have 2 RELs to cover the 58hz bass rolloff. Simply a well sorted coherent speaker that really sings, and 99db efficiency makes my little Had amp work like its supposed to, with no tendency to run out of gas.
I’ve enjoyed using an older Inspire with 6550’s driving my Audio Note E/Spe HE speakers.  Very impressed with dynamic range and decay at low volume.  Gets a bit shouty if volume goes too high.  I’d like to try it with some cheap horns, maybe the Klipsch RP-600M’s.