TonyAV

Thanks for sharing

Let me know how that goes. I also ordered a pair, and will try to do it myself. Peace, Tony

Hi MRJazz, I'm very happy with this mod. Matter of fact, I've stated here and on other sites, that I recommend doing this before going into the tube rolling rabbit hole. The bass got tighter (better defined) and less muddy. The low frequencies are very pronounced, not bass shy, in my system with a big bump at the 50hz. The Cap didn't removed this bump, but know I hear a better definition on the low frequencies. Also, the mid are sweeter and more sparkling on the top end. One thing that I've noticed recently, as I rolled the power tubes, I used to like the Gold Lion KT 77 over the Psvane KT88 by a country mile, and slightly over the TS6550. Now to be honest this gap is not the wide, even though Gold Lion KT77 is my favorite followed by the TS6550 by a hair. I truly believe that this is a great modification, even the main senior technician at the shop pointed it out to me. Regards, Tony

Hey Thomas, I loaded several REW “room correction” files options into Roon, but they were not to my liking. Another option was to create a couple of equalization file in Roon DSP to lower the 50kz band. I truly don’t often use these options except sometimes for heavy bass music. Of course, this is only when I’m listening to digital files (local or streaming), have no option for the analogue side. I do move myself a bit away from the back wall, and do notice a bit of a drop on the bass. Overall it doesn’t bother me much, but I still would like to get that frequency flat as the rest. Peace, Tony

Very similar to my graph using REW and the UMK mic. The only difference is that my bump is at 50hz. I'm also against the wall. My room is 13 'X 12' (feet). Regards, Tony

I’m also trying a set right now. They do sound very nice. Peace, Tony

Dude that's crazy...it worked. I was having a bit of static also when using the volume control. Did what you mentioned, and no more static noise. Peace, Tony

Exact story here Peace, Tony

Probably will also have better control of the volume. The R8 volume control is not one of the best. Peace, Tony

So I finally got my R8 back from the shop a few weeks ago (upgraded the 4 stocks caps for Milfex caps). Right off the bat I noticed an improvement on the high frequency (extension and air). Also, felt more sweetness on the Mids. So far, I haven’t discerned any improvement or impact on the low frequencies, don’t know if the capacitors need more time running. Sorry that I’m not a very descriptive guy, but I will recommend this mod to anyone interested, and I would’ve never done it without the encouragement of the folks in this website. BTW. When I picked up the R8, I was greeted by the owner of the shop and he wanted to complement me on the amp. The rest of the techs were also very impressed, and gather around me. They told me that the R8 was the talk of the day when they first opened it. They asked me about my decision making and selection of the amp, and I told them about this website (main reason I was convinced), plus a couple of Youtubes videos of folks that I trust. Super happy to have the unit back Peace, Tony

Hi Steve, My R8 has been in the shop for the last two month I should get it next week. It seems that the shop short on techs and they have a big job queue. They seems very reasonable price wise and got good reputation so I decided to wait it out. Can’t control that. Will post something once I get it and spend some time with it. peace, Tony

You should be fine @hywong. Your room is on the small size, your preference is low volume and nearfield. Be grateful you have a dedicated room, not everyone has that luxury, I'm one of those lucky one. You should be able to make it work. Peace, Tony

@hywong I was under the same dilema with my Dynaudio Focus 340 (88db). I kept reading that the recommendations was to use a high power SS amps to drive these speakers. As I mentioned previously, the R8 was an "impulse purchase", just for experimentation to eventually have the R8 on a second system, but that was not the case. I felt in love with the amp and the Dyna responded very well to the amp power. It will also depend on your room size and how "loud" your preference is. The tubes types (KT88 or EL34) and Mode (Triode or Ultralinear) can have an effect on the volume as well the sound quality depending on your taste. Hope this help. Peace, Tony

+1.....One of those guys too. Purchased the R8 to play around with a Valves/Tubes amp, and the price was really enticing. I was on the fence, but once I saw the construction presented through various images posted on the R8 owners thread, and some of the sound quality comments, I pulled the trigger. This experiment, which my original intention was to use it for a second system is now part of my main system sharing duties with my Hegel H360. I just like to go back and forward between both of them. One of the most positive thing about the R8 owner thread is all people involved, @Zed Zed hit it on the nail with his comments. And this "flavor of the month" will be the flavor of the month for a very long time. About 50 pages later, and new folks joining in daily with great enthusiasm, and desire to write about their new experience. Also, Its been a great learning process and at the same time it has deepen my love for this hobby. Peace, Tony

So let me get this straight….you found a product with good quality built, good sound and a very affordable price, and then you gather on a chat to discuss the purchase, therefore you must be in a cult….oh lord Edit: to correct typo errors Peace, Tony

....couldn't resist...specially with Kirk encouragement. Peace, Tony

Thank you Kirk for the insight regarding the the EL34 tubes. I went ahead and pulled the trigger, I love my Gold Lion KT77s, but wanted to try the EL34. My amp is still at the shop (replacing caps), and it seems that it will be a few weeks before is ready. Peace, Tony

Excellent write up and review Zed! Peace, Tony

100% in agreement

I love the Gold Lion KT77 and preferred them in my system over the Psvane KT88. I'm hoping that when I get the new Caps installed the KT88 will get closer to the KT77 for my taste. KT77 sound more natural and smoother midrange, Peace, Tony

I read with a lot of interest these pages ay the beginning of this thread Also, I’m doing it more for the resistance that is missing, so while there’re doing that, might as well take care of the caps too. One of my good friend also recommended me to change the caps from his experience doing so with another tube amp (not an R8). Peace, Tony

I just got in the mail the 4 Miflex capacitors and called the shop to see when I can get it to them. They told me that I could drop it tomorrow. Seems like they are super busy, so at this point I’m just hoping for a least a decent turnaround time.

As promised I did some tube rolling today comparing my new KenRad 6C8G tubes and the Sylvania JAN CHS 6SL7WTG. Both tubes are great, and it all will depend on your personal preference and the synergy between all the components of your system. Both tubes are great picks. I swapped my Psvane to my Gold Lion KT, since they are my favorite, and I'm more familiar with its sound signature. los, on the 6NS7 I had my Melz 6N8S. The sound difference between both tubes where not eye opening in my system, but I was able to differentiate (very negligent) the following characteristics: KenRad - More air on the top end - Better bass control - Better Focus - More Layback Sylvania - Better definition or clarity (less graining) - Better imaging and details - Forward sound I do also have the Raytheon VT-229 which comes in third on my list, these previous two are very close. Note: all these tubes 3 pairs were purchased below the US$50 range per pair.

I will be switching to the KT77 this weekend to be able to make a fair comparison to the others 6SL7. Also, I plan to roll the other 6SL7’s. So far they sound great. Peace, Tony

Hi Conmoto, sorry to hear about your issues with the R8. I believe a few others have Gad minor problems resolved here, so try out some of the suggestions from and comments from @Zed Zed and @xlr8or Peace, tony