Willsenton R8 Revisited: ISO Tango Output Transformers

[@RomiPetrut]

...and the oddisey of R8 continue...I love it ! I'm waiting for the results. My respect, Stephe

[@bryanshaw8684]

I performed all of your mods on my r8 back when you were releasing the vids, but then also triode strapped it and removed the GNFB. Then I replaced the OPTs with NP Acoustics OPTs, and this amp is a keeper! Thanks for all your help back then Stephe, turned a decent amp into a stunning music maker. Guaranteed those ISO Tangos will make it sing!

[@g-train9372]

Awesome! Looking forward to the results.

[@georgegherghinescu]

Can't wait for the review with the Tango outputs! Would be great if you could borrow some higher end Hashimoto outputs and compare. Very curious about a comparison as there is none on youtube, let alone one from someone I trust. Good luck with the Acrosound build, should be very nice!

[@timessquarerecordscom1469]

I’m excited about the single ended EL 34 amp you’re working on looking forward for it 😊

[@deanwiederin795]

Skunkie, I have saved all your videos related to the R8 mods so that I can do them this winter. And, I look forward to the results of the ISO Tango transformers. Thank you!

[@carlespy7470]

You might try 6GU7s in place of V6 and V9 using the needed adapters. Also, I'm using EL 34s. I really like the sound with them in place.

[@peterlundskow4061]

Congratulations of reaching 15K subscribers!

[@kbeast98]

So tempted to start the mods of mine, at least the ground for the volume knob

[@riccitone]

Way cool…I keep wondering about the r8. Would like to get one, so many like it with upgrade tube sets. But getting into power supply chain really makes more sense. You’re getting into mods that could elevate it to new audio class territory 🙏🏼

[@jd2plus2]

Just thank you ! It’s always a learning experience. I’m one of those who likes my EL 34’s nos over my winged C 6500’s .

[@FidelitySoundz]

Awesome!! I'm excited to see the results...Great video!!

[@KeritechElectronics]

Looking forward to seeing the mod, sounds quite interesting.

[@cdhumiston]

I can't wait to see the outcome of this upgrade!

[@chriskellas2902]

So Cool, looking forward to the follow up!

[@dungthoi1379]

👍 Way to go!!! When doing the frequency response, please let it go all the way to 1MHz at least, as the 1st resonance of the output transformer seems to be at around 100KHz, re. datasheet. Also, it'd be interesting to tweak the compensation to optimize OL/CL response. I did this to my Leak Stereo 60, but with pen, paper & Excel, which is no fun.

[@chrislj2890]

This seems kinda weird timing as I just dug out the set of Mullard EL34 tubes I bought in June and was finally going to try them today. I'm perfectly happy with my revised R8 although I will still get those Horizon KT88s eventually to try. My setup is currently fulfilling all of my needs so I will spend my time and money on acquiring and enjoying new music. But that doesn't mean I don't find all of these modifications interesting.

[@JACKnJESUS]

Very informative as usual. As a side note, you referenced some Kenny Burrell music. Holy smokes is that a good album. Thanks for the tip...you might want to sprinkle some jazz suggestions as you go along. Very nice recording indeed.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

It's sooooo good!

[@nevillegoddard4966]

Well this should be interesting! Was it the R8 that had the dreadful plummet after 15kHz or the R300? I forget. But yeah, the ISO transformers should be real good units, according to the cost of them, so hopefully you should get some (or a lot) improvement in performance. Those valve base adapters you speak of sound very interesting Stephe! It'll be interesting to see (or hear) how those ole evergreen triodes sound too. Thanks for always coming up with interesting new ideas!

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

It was the R300 with the horrific transformers.

[@marknielsen8977]

Watching with "on the edge of the chain anticipation". Should be interesting.

[@jonshimamoto2710]

Stephe, You should ask Psvane to send you their new ART series of tubes. The are expensive but sound fantastic on the R8... They just released the KT88 ($360/quad)/EL34 ($250/quad)/6SN7 ($220/pair)/6SL7 ($220/pair) tubes but being their top of line tubes, they are pricey...

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

Have you tried or checked out any Black Ice amps? be cool to see what you think about Jim Fosgates Odyssey circuit design.

[@ristretto3896]

Have one on order. You get the Jolida heritage, step up in quality, and USA support.

[@dilbyjones]

Mondayyy monologue !

[@robertozanetti7707]

so Tango a Very good choice..........ou need to let us hear live how it sounds.........

[@edhuslik]

Just purchased the 12/23 R8 with the modifications Willsenton still (?) refuses to give you credit for. I never owned a tube amp and haven't even hooked mine up yet and already have plans to upgrade to the Horizon tubes and now, possibly, the ISO transformers. There should be a rabbit hole warning for all newbies to acknowledge before being allowed to enter the tube world! 😅

[@jonshimamoto2710]

Stephe, A question regarding the 12AX7 replacing the 6SL7s. Is it a straight plug-in using adapters or was there anything that needs to be done to the amp electrically to accept the 12AX7s? Does using the 12AX7s require any adjustment of the bias to the power tubes? What about using 12AU7s in place of the 6SL7? Thanks in advance. Love your channel.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

I haven't messed with the 6SN7 yet but the 12AX7 for the 6SL7 is a direct drop in with the right adapter with no changes needed to the amp.

[@jonshimamoto2710]

@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics Thanks!

[@Nihil1st1347]

Wouldn't you want to try to use as less steps as possible for an optimal result? Ultra linear mode is difficult to handle the way it sounds. A german audio channel also pointed that out.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Less "steps"? What do you mean by that?

[@kubockferre5532]

hi i got a single end kt66, actually i use hammond output transformers so i strapped my kt66 in triode mode with no negative feedback ,but the square wave is horrible at 10khz .do you think that would be better for the square wave if i put my tube in ultra linear mode.thanks

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

At some point you have to just go with what sounds best to you.

[@kubockferre5532]

ok thanks @@SkunkieDesignsElectronics

[@junkmangeorge6363]

I have to lodge a protest................... Over 7 days ago you "teased" us with output transformer pOrn, and then nothing................ $424 X 2 + shipping. You are being very mean.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

HA!! Sadly I have been out of town and once home am finishing up my last amp order. I have a plan this fall to focus on fun projects I have in the cue for the channel :)