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Tube Amp Doctor Cryo / 6V6GT STR-TAD CRYO
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All prices contained on this page are exclusive of VAT. This is currently charged at 20% and is payable by the UK only.
A test report is available click here to view
Watford Valves has Cryogenically treated some of the more popular and best sounding Tube Amp Doctor valves. This process makes a permanent change and the benefits do not deteriorate over time or upon return to operating temperature, it changes the whole way the vacuum tube performs. The biggest benefits I have found has been a dramatic improvement in dynamic range. Bass response has been clearer with reduction in microphonics. The soundstage is bigger with more detail with a big reduction in the noise floor. The really most starling fact has been how the valve operates under saturated and overdriven conditions in guitar amplifiers. The distortion is smoother with less hardness and is musically pleasing to the ear.
The TAD 6V6GT STR Cryo is a special Cryo treated version of the TAD 6V6GT STR.TAD have based this 6V6GT design on the oval plate RCA and GE 6V6GT of the late 50s early 60s. The round anode plates have extensions on them which form heat wings that will help the plates dissipate more heat. TAD has designed this to withstand the higher operating voltages that a present in many vintage amplifiers.
They are also made with very thick glass which prevents microphonics and valve rattle which plagues many of the modern 6V6GT types.
In our tests the TAD 6V6GT STR Cryo has more clarity and sparkle in the top and a more focus and tighter mid-range and bass response end when compared to the standard item. So is close to the original clean tone of the Philips 6V6GT.
In the overdriven sound is where the Cryo treatment serves its magic. This cures the valves rather soft and recessed top when the valve is saturated. This provides the valve with that that top end bite that is so important to cut through the mix. It retains its touch sensitive response and simply has more muscle than the standard item.
I also like the fact that this valve is a very easy valve to overdrive and this added to the greater punch that the cryo brings really does make this an audio bargain.
NOS tone, NOS clarity but with a modern day price makes The TAD 6V6GT STR Cryo a serious upgrade.
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