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Antinchip
02-06-2016, 12:40
I have recently acquired a pre-owned Croft Series 7 power amp fitted with a single volume pot. It came fitted with a Jan GE5751 valve and a Gold Lion ECC83 has been provided as an alternative.

I have been very much enjoying the music as is but thought I would swap in the ECC83 to compare but I cannot extract the GE5751, which seems to be stuck fast. I am a novice with valves and wonder if there is a particular technique for doing this. Advise would be appreciated. Many thanks.

Cheers

Anthony
Ali Tait
02-06-2016, 15:35
Grasp the valve firmly towards the top and rock in a circular motion whilst pulling up. Don't be scared to be firm, they are quite robust.
Antinchip
02-06-2016, 15:38
Problem solved! Some gentle rocking enabled me to ease the pins of the 5751 out. ECC83 now fitted and sounding pretty damned fine on first listen.

Having spent a week with the 5751 I will now spend some time with the ECC83 and see how I get on. At this stage I think that my Avondale M130's might have to step aside for a pair of Series 7 Mono's. We shall see.

Cheers all
Antinchip
02-06-2016, 15:40
Thank you Ali. I persevered and managed it as you describe and did not see your post before my update just now.

Cheers
Ali Tait
02-06-2016, 15:57
No worries, enjoy. Should be more gain with the 83.
Antinchip
02-06-2016, 16:11
Seems more "weighty" on first impressions. Looking forward to playing some more tunes!

Cheers
Frazeur1
03-06-2016, 16:06
Anthony, enjoy your Series 7 amp, I have had mine for a bit over a month now, using the stock Edicron ECC83 and am totally enjoying it. Seems to get better and better each passing day. I am sure too being used in conjunction with the Micro 25 preamp doesn't hurt things either! Have fun and enjoy your music!
Canetoad
04-06-2016, 01:07
The ecc83 will have more gain then the 5751, which will be part of the reason it may sound better at first listening. I have a Tungsram NOS ecc83 in mine and it sounds lovely!
Antinchip
04-06-2016, 16:45
Thanks Timothy and Bernie. The 83 has only been in for a day or two so looking forward to more listening time and seeing what it can do. Glenn has suggested that a good 12BH7A will sound even better so I might see if I can find one and give that a go in due course. One step at a time.

Cheers

Anthony