Found the 5x20 fuse in the STR-1002 IEC. Looks like it's ceramic not clear glass so I can't tell if it's blown. Anyone know the amp value on the fuse, I can't read it.

HK

Thanks Tony. Did he specify fast or slow blow?

HK

HK, Don't know if you have one around, but multi testers tend to have a continuity setting with a sound setting. In the case of a fuse, we would measure between the ends, and if there is continuity, it is not broken and you hear a sound. And if it is blown, no sound. I find them handy for a lot of things, used similarly for verifying the right wiring of power cable or IC ends, or checking house voltage, DC voltage, cap and resistor values, etc.

If you don't have one, I saw a cheapy on amazon with lots of happy ratings for like $14, and these days you can get some pretty nice ones for not a lot more... And who knows, I did not read up on it, but this one may be pretty accurate.

Here is a response Al sent me for fuse replacement for an STR1002:
Thanks for asking, the fuse in there is 1.25A 20mm slow blow, you can use 1A~1.5A slow blow if you cannot find 1.25A, or 1.5 fast blow.

Bob

   

Thanks all. Al responded and said a 1.25A or 2A slow blow fuse would work. Suggested I try a 2A given the larger power supply. Ordered both from Amazon and should be able get it back up and running on Monday.

HK

That is good news. I've been #mercurycurious but have held off because of our cats. But the various issues that folks had with the mercury rectifiers has dampened my enthusiasm by a lot.

Quote:


You are not alone, hence #mercurycurious. But, my Elrog 845s do sound better than my (inexpensive) Chinese triodes. I (infamously) said my system sounded so good it was hard to imagine the STR making it better, so I'll never say never, but today I'm happy listening to music and I'm not worrying about tubes.

Quote:


Yes, I found the same thing. But for me, in my non-Decware preamp, running 5V rectifiers (and/or 300B tubes) in the STR was a relatively small improvement vs. the 10V transmitting triodes that were a blow-me-away improvement.

The Linlai 845 DG's are back in my STR-1002. The music just sounds exquisite in my system configuration. Picking up a used Snake River Audio Signature Series power cord to see if I can extract even more good mojo from this sterling performer.

HK

Tony, you answered my questions. What was being powered by the STR.

Tony running the STR into the Sarah and CAJames STR into CSP, seems like my hypothesis is still holding.

It might be good for us when discussing which tubes we like to mention what component we are powering with the STR.

I have been remiss in not sharing my listening observations of the STR-1002 (Super Tube Rectifier) which has replaced the Psvane Treasure 274B rectifier tube in my CSP3 preamp. I have only listened to the STR with the stock Linlai 805 and a pair of Linlai 845 DG tunes. My system information can be found at the bottom of this post. My listening area is a modest, well treated 15.5'x13.5'x7.5' basement room with my ZMA and Caintick Audio Magnum Lii F15's front and center. Is it about 11' from the speakers.

While I could go into a great deal of detail regarding the improvement in sound quality resulting from the STR-1002, I'll great straight to the point: I am now enjoying the most satisfying, immersive music experience EVER!  The music evokes an emotional response and is so REAL!  You just get sucked into the performance, it's so seductive. It's a reach out and touch the performers with my single driver open baffles. I have difficulty wrapping my mind around the change, particularly with the Linlai 845DG tubes fully settled in now

I'd get into the technical aspects of sound quality improvement, but the words will simply fail to do justice to what I'm hearing. As previously noted it's just TOTALLY EARGASMIC!

90% of my listening has been Room/Qobuz streamed music via my MWI modified CXN V2 streamer/DAC. I did spin Dire Straits Love Over Gold (MoFi 45 RPM) last week. The bass response from my frequency limited Lii Audio F15's was jaw dropping and I'm no bass head.

So Al the Mad Scientist has created something really special with his Special Tube Rectifier STR-1002, IMHO..You'll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands when I pass to the other realm.

HK

Mental Note: Try (emphasis on try) to stop visiting this thread.

Hk and Tony- Great to hear very happy listener’s comments 👍👍.  Tony- what is your “Best in Class” component set up now including tubes being used. It’s always fun to learn from others.   Cheers!

LOL—I’m slowly warming up to the idea (no pun intended).  Just the other day, I caught myself eying space for a STR sized component….

That said, there are some other components that I’m also exploring including an investment/s in my analog setup, that has me distracted for the moment, not to mention, a desire to also upgrade my DAC at some point.

First World Problems….

Hi Hearafter, Sorry to take to take so long to respond, I missed your question above. I think you're asking on my take regarding tubes in the STR. Without a doubt, the 872A are my favorites. I am going through a review of my current tubes in the STR this week, so I'll give you an update when finished. From memory, I would include the 866A and 845. I remember when I first tried the 3B22 I liked them as well. I'll see if this "Best of Class" holds after my review.

Quote:


That is similar to my experience, once the choke was well broken in (I let it play overnight, so like 10 hours). For me, with the choke off there is a little more transparency and dynamics, with it on a little more liquidity and smoothness. I use it to smooth out some old noisy recordings, but mostly as another knob to fine tune the sound of different tubes in my non-Decware preamp.

This thread really needs to come with a warning pinned at the top!

I made the mistake of reading through all 10 pages recently. This was quickly followed by me bugging a couple of members by PM to make sure I was on the right path. Big thanks to GroovySauce for all of the excellent details on this intriguing piece of gear. And to Kamran for getting it started. How do you not already have one? I don’t know how you manage such restraint.  

I was looking for something to bring fuller, richer sound to my system and perhaps allow me to ditch the subwoofer, if it could bring pleasing enough bass. I’d considered other options as well, but was never ready to pull the trigger. Reading through all of the great information provided by forum members here and the hugely glowing reviews, it seems like this will really fit my wants very well. The option to use the jumbo tubes to impart their sound into my system, was very appealing.

So this morning I completed my order for the STR-1002-Super. Going with the solid oak in black as a few of you have done and getting the stock 805a to start. Looking forward to joining the group of STR “Illuminati” here!  

I’ll be going through the thread again, with an eye to what tubes people are using. I’m intending to stick with the standard tube choices. With having pet’s and wanting to keep things simple, I’m not planning to use mercury vapor tubes, but will be interested in learning more of the tube choices. Tony, I’m looking forward to your impressions once you go back to trying the 211, 805a and 845 tubes you have, in comparison to the mercury vapor tubes and others you really like. I know you’d been using the Linlai 845DG, which really looks appealing to me and others have remarked positively about.

Now the wait begins!…

He’s probably working through a bit of backlog, having just returned from vacation. He estimates 4-6 weeks at this point.

I was curious if anyone has tried the Psvane Horizon tubes with this. They seem to get good feedback for a more budget option.

Tony, I’d ordered it with the stock 805a tubes for now and want to research other options, before swapping tubes. Right now I’m intrigued by the reviews I’ve seen for the LinLai 845DG and the E-845. The PSvane Horizon 845 looks interesting as well, for a more budget option. At this point I think I want to get it set up and spend some time with the 805’s, so I can see what direction to go from there.

I don't have and don't plan on having a Space Tech component, but i am using these tubes in my SEWE300B amplifier and really enjoy them. I got on to them from Will who also has been using them in an amplifier.

Quote:


I have not used those particular tubes but I did try my Takatsuki and bargin Chinese 300Bs, as well as several "heritage" 5V rectifiers and none of them came close to the 10V triodes so I quickly sold off my adapters. But that is JMO/YMMV and all that.

Very nice! In other STR news my NOS 805 tubes were delivered today, but I’m out of town for a week so it will be a while before I can hear them.