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AUDIO FORUMS >> Replacement Tubes >> Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
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Message started by B9er on 11/11/24 at 16:34:14

Title: Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
Post by B9er on 11/11/24 at 16:34:14

I recently purchased a Sophia Electric Aqua II 274B Rectifier Tube for my SE84UFO25. I think it sounds fantastic; however, it has started ringing (the tube itself). At first, it only rang for a few minutes, but the ringing time has increased over the past few days to the point where it rang for my entire listening session last night. I contacted Sophia Electric, who informed me that this is called heat expansion and is typical for new tubes. Has anyone else experienced this issue, and if so, how long did the ringing last?

Thanks

Title: Re: Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
Post by Lon on 11/11/24 at 18:43:21

I've had issues with my Aqua II rectifiers, but not that one. If it is indeed a normal thing. . . that shouldn't last long. But as I have had several and have not had that issue. . . it makes me think that it is not a normal thing if it persists. I'd ask Sue if she would allow you to return it for assessment and replacement.

Title: Re: Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
Post by B9er on 11/11/24 at 19:35:07

Thank you, Lon. I worked it out with Sue at Sophia, and a new tube is headed my way.

You said you had some issues with the Aqua IIs. Could you elaborate on these issues so I know what to look out for when the new tube arrives?

Thanks,
-B

Title: Re: Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
Post by Lon on 11/11/24 at 20:05:07

The issues I had were of my own making I believe. I've come to realize that they may not be an ideal tube for the SEWE300B, though they work great in the CSP3 and the Zen-clone amp I have. I blew one of them by turning my amp on and off too often when testing fuses and the direction of the fuses. And then I blew a second when I was installing a Swiss Digital Fuse Box. . . I am not sure exactly why that happened, whether the initial turn on of the Fuse Box caused it to blow, or if it was a defective one (only had it going a few hours at that time). I got a third and it seemed to work okay with the SEWE300B but I just was anxious and untrusting and put it into the CSP3 and then the Zen-clone amp. It was hard to find a rectifier to replace it with. I have three of the original Aquas which are great tubes but not quite like the II. And then I had a hunch that a Psvane Treasure 274B-Z might be a good one, as it resembles so much the Shuguang Black Treasure 300B-Z tubes I adore in the SEWE300B and it has proven to be a fantastic rectifier for that amp. And I bought another that is fantastic in the CSP3 and I put the Aqua II in the Zen Clone amp (the CSP3 and the Zen-clone amp are the heartbeat of my living-room audio/visual system).

So. . . that's my history. I don't think the failures were the Aqua II's fault though I do think the demand that the SEWE300B seems to put on it may mean it's best for me not to use it there.

Title: Re: Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
Post by B9er on 11/11/24 at 20:27:14

Thanks again, Lon. Since I only have the Zen25 and won't be rolling the Aqua II to other amps, it sounds like I should be good to go.

You say the original Aquas are not quite like the II's. I take it the II's are an improvement. I have never heard the original Aqua but when I installed the Aqua II is was amazed at the difference it made.

Title: Re: Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
Post by Lon on 11/11/24 at 20:30:07

The original Aqua amazed me at first listening and I used them for years. . . . The II is an improvement, a bit better bass, a bit sweeter treble, a bit blacker background--they are both excellent rectifiers.

Title: Re: Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
Post by Tony on 11/11/24 at 20:31:39

I like Lon's response; he provided specifics on the Aqua II and the 300B. Also, I found Sue easy to work with, which goes a long way. Still, I think I am done with the Sophia tubes for now. I just had an Aqua II blow for no apparent reason that I can determine. In any case, check in with Sue if you have any concerns.

Title: Re: Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
Post by Hearafter on 11/12/24 at 02:14:13

I had a Sophia Aqua II Rectifier that was dead on arrival. No sound at all. Seems failures are the risk you take buying these rectifiers. Not for me. Lon recommended the Psvane 274B-Z Treasure series and they are a really nice sounding tube. Checks all the boxes and can be bought for $60 on Aliexpress. 2 weeks delivery. I am shocked how good they sound on my set up after 100 hrs.

Title: Re: Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
Post by Lon on 11/12/24 at 09:18:56

Yes, I've been pretty blessed with reliability on the Sophia Electric rectifiers, but there are certainly reported failures. What a shame. The Psvane 274B-Z have been excellent sounding and so far without a single glitch. Also recommended for great sound along with the Sophia, and so far for reliabillity. And the price is great (I've purchased through eBay).

Title: Re: Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
Post by B9er on 11/12/24 at 17:06:04

Thanks Lon, Tony, and Hearafter. I appreciate your input. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the new Aqua II heading my way isn't another dud.

Those of you who've heard both the Aqua II and the Psvane 274B-Z, how would you compare them? I am considering picking up a Psvane 274B-Z because the price is right, and I might as well have a safety net to keep rocking should the new tube fail too.

Title: Re: Ringing Sophia Electric AquaII 274B Rectifier Tube
Post by Lon on 11/12/24 at 17:12:47

In my opinion the Psvane, in the only real Decware amp I have now, the SEWE300B, presents a more "classic" sound--a bit warmer and fuller. The Aqua II has a more modern, perhaps slightly more detailed sound--tight bass and a bit leaner highs.

Both I find with the tube complement I use are about as dynamic, micro and macro. They are both excellent tubes that are easy to live with and enjoy the Decware "sound."