Dear Stephe and Group,

I am so glad to have found this group!

Stephe's x7 review convinced me about getting one as my first try to returning to the tube world after 45 years (since I built a tube amp). However I have two questions that you may be able to answer given your huge and invaluable experience. I apologize for asking something that is obviously so subjective but I was hopping the measurable (objective) lessons you have learned may be able to generate a couple of answers :

1. If you had to pick a pre-amp for the X7, what would be some recommendations? Or, a link that discusses this. The dishonest full of garbage jungle that web has become is very unpleasant for me.

2. Have you heard any other amp that has made you happier than the X7?

With appreciation and respect,

Finished doing Stephe's mod to my A10. Fired it up and it works, but my left channel is not as loud as the right. I swapped the EL34's to an Apex matched pair thinking it may be the stock Psvane tubes, but it didn't make a difference.

I'm thinking maybe I have the wrong value of resistor somewhere in the left circuit?

Thanks for any help!

I have a Vincent SA-31 and re-capped and replaced the tubes with some Russian 6N16B-V's and it sounds fantastic! I have quite a few left over so I am wondering if/how I can utilize them in a modified version of the Color Preamp? I bought a Hammond 262EE6 transformer (120V Sec@ 93ma + 6.3@1.2A) hoping I could use it for this project. Any advice on how the schematic could be modified for their use would be much appreciated!

Hello,

I just finished my 2nd Skunkie moded Riesong A 10/ A12. It has been so satisfying to tinker and hear the improvements in sound.

On this 2nd one, when I turn it on the amp plays marginally loud, then gets quieter until the maximum volume is just a whisper. The volume knob does affect the volume.

I've swapped tubes, still quiet. re-flowed most of the solder joints. Voltage at B1 is around 300v.

Any thoughts on where to look?

Much appreciated