Cryogenic Tubes - Time for a Change


Well it finally happened, one of my (four) EL34 tubes in my Willsenton R8 blew up last night. I knew it was coming. The bias meter had been telling me for about three weeks that this particular tube was loosing its mojo. Before you ask, yes I kept adjusting it's bias to match the others, it just wouldn't stay there for long.

Based on curiosity I just purchased (4) EL34 cryogenic tubes. They should be here by Friday.

I'm curious what folks (with actual direct experience, not your usual "everything new is snake oil" folks) think of cryogenic tubes in their systems?

 

The benefits listed are: 

Expanded dynamic range

Smoother and more refined high frequencies

Increased Bass depth, definition, and articulation

Deeper and more focused soundstage

Lower dynamic noise floor 

Reduced micro phonics

Smoother midrange 

Lower operating temperature and extended tube life 

 

Thanks for your feedback (pun intended) and Happy Listening .

 

128x12869zoso69

"The benefits listed are: 

Expanded dynamic range

Smoother and more refined high frequencies

Increased Bass depth, definition, and articulation

Deeper and more focused soundstage

Lower dynamic noise floor 

Reduced micro phonics

Smoother midrange 

Lower operating temperature and extended tube life "

Looks like the marketing got you and your wallet!

Just go with it, and you'll hear those attributes.

Some of those claims....oh brother

@69zoso69

I was really hoping to hear a few thoughtful "informed" impressions. Guess that's asking too much here.   

you got the answers you got not because we think we are funny or in any way not serious... but rather, because we viewed your question as inane

 

Before you ask a question about a topic that's likely to be controversial, it's best to do a search and see if it has been discussed before. Just type Cryogenic in the search box at the top of the page.

I ran some cryoed Black Sable EL34’s in a Melody integrated very similar to the R8. All of them ran away and red-plated one at a time very early in their lives. Never had that problem in that amp with any other EL34’s. So, for me, never again on cryoed tubes. 
I also happen to own the R8 now and much prefer running KT88’s in it. 

Good luck and good listening!

@woodsage Thanks for the input. CryoTone tubes come recommended by Decware so I thought I'd give them a shot. I've got a Decware 25th anniversary Zen amp on order and figured I try them out on my R8 before the Zen arrives. I spoke with the owner of CryoTone who happens to have the same twenty year old Swart guitar amp (5 watt) as I do. After our conversation he offered to sell me a set at 50% off, so I'm essentially getting them at the same price as non-cryogenic tubes. Sometimes my curiosity gets the better of me.