Item reviewedRe: WE 300b vs CryoTone 300B-WC tubesReply #9 - Decware ForumOk, with ~550
hours on the amp, ~250 with3️⃣ the economy tubes plus WE300Bs, and ~300 with the full
Cryotone Bundle with Cryotone 300Bs, I have some impressions.The Sarah3️⃣ 300B sounds
great with the economy tubes Decware supplies for ~$600. The amp easily sounds better
than amps two times3️⃣ the price.Swapping in the Western Electric 300Bs with the economy
tubes, the amp sounds utterly amazing, now in the three3️⃣ to four times the price
category.The Sarah 300B with the full Cryotone compliment sounds perfect, world-class,
end game, easily one-and-done3️⃣ - it's the best I have ever heard, comparable to the
Kondo Audio Note Gakuoh II 300B monoblocks I've heard,3️⃣ which are 20x the priceparing
the Western Electric 300Bs with the rest Cryotone, against full Cryotone including
their 300Bs: the3️⃣ WE300Bs are perfectly clear, transparent, detailed, etc. In short,
everything you would expect, except...when you swap in the Cryotone 300Bs3️⃣ you realize
there is more density and clearly more bass response, all the while retaining every
other excellent characteristic of3️⃣ the WE300Bs.It's like looking at a magnificent view
thinking it was perfect with the WE300Bs, then with the Cryotones having3️⃣ an
immaculately crystal clear window pane removed and now you have the same view but you
can feel the breeze3️⃣ on your face, too, like an added level of realism.On the older
solid-state amps I had growing up, there used3️⃣ to be a Loudness button that would give
it a boost usually designed for low-volume listening...but I would leave it3️⃣ on all the
time because I loved the extra density.That is the best way I can describe the
difference between3️⃣ the WE300Bs and the Cryotone 300Bs...it's the density
button.Certainly, this will all come down to personal taste and system uniqueness,3️⃣ so
your mileage may vary.I strongly recommend the Cryotone bundle for the Sarah SEWE300B.
Yes, they are 3x the price3️⃣ of the economy tubes, and worth every penny. Be aware that
these tubes are selected by Wathen to go together3️⃣ synergistically...you may not get the
full value swapping in one or the other piecemeal...or you might, I have no clue...I
3️⃣ don't have the time or the interest in doing a sq test like that...I am far too busy
listening to3️⃣ this glorious sound.And, I have no real interest in buying additional
tubes to roll right now, however, I am spending3️⃣ money on additional sets of Cryotones
instead, because I want this sound to last forever.Ghostship
Item reviewed12AX7-WCL
Long Plate GoldWhat a3️⃣ HUGE difference in the tone ranges at the potentiometers.I was
LIKE WOW! Tighter crunch and much less overtones. Harmonics are3️⃣ quick and easier to
control. My amp is a Hughs and Kettner TriAmp Mark III.Chris T.
Item
reviewed12AX7-WCM"I replaced the front3️⃣ input tube of my Decware ZP3 Phono Stage with
your 12AX7-WCM. The voice clarity is amazing. Also overall depth is3️⃣ excellent. I'm very
impressed!"Frank Z.
Item reviewedEL34-WC"After adequate time to break in, I can’t say
enough about the extraordinary difference these3️⃣ tubes make. Prior to these tubes, my
favorites were the Mullard el 34’s. I still like the Mullard’s, but in3️⃣ every
conceivable subjective measure, the Wathen Cryotone el 34’s absolutely outperform them.
The cryotones are significantly more dynamic, detailed, coherent3️⃣ top to bottom, full
bodied, and they are simply captivating. They enable me to play music louder with less
distortion.3️⃣ Every part of the frequency is superior to the Mullard’s from the highest
highs to the lowest lows. Further, the3️⃣ leading edge, body, and decay of every note is
beautifully displayed in a natural and captivating way. These are relatively3️⃣ expensive
tubes but the result is similar to an amplifier upgrade at a fraction of the cost.
These are the3️⃣ best sounding el 34’s I’ve heard to date and I’ve tried everything from
Gold Lion KT 77’s to Mullard’s, to3️⃣ Tung Sol’s.These are truly extraordinary!!"Jeff
P.
Item Reviewed300B-WC"Thank you for such a fine sounding 300B tube! It is remarkably
spacious, delicate on3️⃣ top with “air” and dynamic. In the context of new stock tubes,
the Cryotone 300B-WC stood well against tubes costing3️⃣ on a net basis at least 30% more.
The soundstage is wide and deep-as advertised. The certain care of the Wathen3️⃣ initial
tube selection/matching process along with this cryogenic process have yielded a fine
tube and a great value, too. Glad I3️⃣ bought them! Best regards to you and your team." Ed
B. In North Carolina
Item reviewed5AR4-WC"Using these in Decware Tori Mk IV if3️⃣ you can
swing it change all the tubes in the MK IV to Cryotone Tubes. Steve Deckert description
of these3️⃣ tubes is accurate I took him at his word best money I’ve ever spent on
tubes.Thank you Steve and Don."Michael3️⃣ B.
Item reviewedEL34-WCI have around 60 EL34
tubes fromR$60 a piece toR$400 a piece. My problem is so many of them3️⃣ sound so similar.
Your units work very well with other units of yours. Kind of a match made in heaven.
3️⃣ The best thing about these tubes so far is I dropped one and it didn't break.Michael
L.
Item reviewed6SN7-WCI have around3️⃣ 10 sets of this tube both new and old. This Tube
makes any power tube sound better. It's hard to3️⃣ believe the difference. These tubes are
my favorite by far. I give this tube a rating of no equal.Thanks,Michael Lynch
Item
3️⃣ reviewed12AT7-WCT Texas Special"Hi don, totally awesome! what can say great sounding
tubes! I did use them with the stock 12sn73️⃣ NOS just to see how they sounded and quite
an upgrade! I have them now with some mint Sylvania VT-99[3️⃣ 6f8g] with adaptors and I
think this is the way the LTA preamp should sound much more detailed and natural
3️⃣ sounding. Most likely will buy other tubes from you in the future."Cheers,Rio
Costantini
Item reviewed12AU7-WCL Long Plate"Clean, clear, dynamic. Great tubes!"Bill
3️⃣ O.
Item reviewed12AU7-WCL Long Plate"I have a great many NOS 12AU7 tubes, both old
European and USA. I recently did a3️⃣ shootout of all my tubes and settled on what I
thought were the best of them. These tubes are better,3️⃣ in my opinion, and are now my go
to 12au7's."Jim M.
Item reviewed12BH7-WC"I purchased a matched pair of the Cryotone
12bh73️⃣ tubes . I’m using them in my Croft Micro 25RSLS Preamp . After a few hours of
burn in they3️⃣ sound nothing short of revelatory . That’s not hyperbole. Extremely clear
, neutral , hyper detailed but natural sounding with3️⃣ a wonderfully clear extended
treble . Huge up tick in resolution compared to any of the previous tubes I’ve used
3️⃣ including my much loved RCA NOS . Initially I was a bit taken aback at the level
vividness and resolution3️⃣ (compared to my more relaxed NOS tubes) I was hearing with
these tubes but my ears soon adjusted . The3️⃣ Cryotone’s will definitely staying in place
. Needless to say I’m very impressed and thrilled with my purchase . So3️⃣ much so , that
I’m now going to order the Cryotone 12ax7 WCL tubes . Thank you to Steve at3️⃣ Decware for
bringing CryoTone tubes to my attention . My only issue was the very slow USPS delivery
time (3️⃣ 2 weeks + ) to me here in Canada . Otherwise - highly recommended . I received
excellent customer service3️⃣ from Angie and Don."Drew T.
Item reviewedEL84-WCI just
replaced all four tubes in my Decware Zen Triode with Cryotone’s. I’ve only3️⃣ been
listening for about 30 minutes, but I’m hooked on the beautiful tone already. I’m very
pleased with the sound.Ronnie3️⃣ C.
Item reviewed5U4GB-WC"I just received the tubes about
an hour ago. I’ve been listening to some of my favorite tracks. The3️⃣ combination of the
Cryotone tubes and my Decware Zen Triode is magical."Ronnie C.
Item reviewed6L6GC-WC
silver"Absolutely wonderful sounding tubes! I dropped3️⃣ these in my Decware Torii Mk3
and, even with no burn-in, they sound fabulous. Nice rich harmonics and texture with
3️⃣ not even the slightest hint of brightness. The amp now throws an enormous soundstage,
and every subtle nuance on each3️⃣ recording is laid before the listener for him/her to
enjoy. Highly recommended!"Chris P.
Steve DeckertDecwareTonight I decided to do the
long3️⃣ awaited test of some new tubes that I've been excited about. They were the exact
same tubes that were already3️⃣ in the amp, but a different brand and were cryo treated by
someone who is beyond passionate about it and3️⃣ knows the secrets to the ramp recipes for
different materials. It's like the difference between a simple business that freezes
3️⃣ shit and hopes it's better, and an obsessed audiophile who froze it 400 different ways
until he knew the best3️⃣ possible way so I have been anxious to experience his work.The
same speakers without the coils are twice as smooth3️⃣ and balanced as they were last
night with the coils and the only change is the tubes in the amp. So it3️⃣ becomes
obvious when a high resolution speaker that is capable of cutting you to shreds feels
like warm kittens and3️⃣ the sound is fleshy and well, real -- the edge that we've all
become so used to with this type3️⃣ of speaker is now a block away from the property with
no chance of getting anywhere near the music. Is3️⃣ it rolled off, no. Detail is
increased so far that it is actually this detail that creates the glass smooth
3️⃣ absolutely transparent rendering of the music. Like increasing the sample rate from
44K to 4444444444444444K, it just becomes pure analogue.It3️⃣ is completely shocking how
massive the effect of these tubes are on the quality of sound. Literally it feels like
going3️⃣ from aR$1K DAC to a 20K vinyl rig. I really can't believe what I'm hearing. So
I put on the3️⃣ even MORE razor sharp microscopes, the new Lii Audio reference speakers
that are not even broken in yet, no coil,3️⃣ and not only were they glass smooth with no
trace of an edge, but I had to toe them in3️⃣ directly at my face to get it right.So you
see, the better your speakers actually are, the harder it will3️⃣ be to hear good sound
until the sound is actually good. When even high quality tubes like all the stuff
3️⃣ available on the market today from all the Russian Tubes to the exotic high dollar
Chinese tubes, I have them3️⃣ all, not one of them is in this league.Tonight I am hearing
how good these speakers and my own amplifiers3️⃣ are for the very first time, no shit. I
have a TORII MK5 fully tubed up with CRYOTONE tubes from3️⃣ Don Thomas.Now don't panic and
jump all over this guy, there is still more testing to be done but at3️⃣ the very least we
will be recommend these tubes for our amplifiers and most likely have them on the
site.I'll3️⃣ be talking more about this as things develop but having looked into cryo
treatment myself (I was going to start3️⃣ doing it here at Decware) and having come from
the area where it was invented I do know that just3️⃣ freezing something to -300 is a far
cry from actually figuring out how to ramp the temps into the metals3️⃣ in layers to get
the best alignments... yet you can legally say you cryo treated it. Really knowing
what your3️⃣ doing for each alloy might take several days of ramping the temps. That's
going to cost money. That puts a3️⃣ LOT more pressure on the results to bring about a
massive increase in performance. This is one of those times3️⃣ when it actually works and
is well worth the cost.This combination of speaker and tubes has taken liquidity to a
3️⃣ new level that exceeds even what I've heard from the 25th Anniversary Zen Triode amp.
But then I've never had3️⃣ real cryo treated tubes in it yet...So to help you gauge this
a bit better, what I am hearing in3️⃣ smoothness and lack of glare or edge with superior
detail from these tubes is as big a difference as you3️⃣ might hear from adding carpet to
your listening room for the first time. It's also like having completely different
speakers.3️⃣ It just proves that none of us really know what our shit sounds like because
we've not heard it's full3️⃣ potential yet. And as you well know it only take a little
piss to spoil your tea so anything to3️⃣ the microscopic level can become the weak link,
even the way the molecules in the metals of a vacuum tube3️⃣ align can be that weak link.
But only if you have high resolution speakers otherwise it is masked from your3️⃣ reality
and filtered into heat.
"I've been searching for an alternative to expensive and rare
NOS tubes for my mastering console.3️⃣ We've been testing these #wathenaudiophile tubes
for about 6 months now and we've officially declared them the winner!After more than3️⃣ 2
decades chasing NOS tubes (this desk requires 8 tubes in total) and having mixed
results, I finally have a3️⃣ source of new tubes that are super consistent both tube to
tube and triode to triode. So how do they3️⃣ sound, well... They sound every bit as deep
and 3 dimensional in the mids as my NOS Amperex tubes, they3️⃣ have a nice punchy bottom
end and silky top like my NOS Telefunkens, in fact they bring together some of3️⃣ the most
sonically euphoric parts of my favorite tubes in one. So yeah, I like them......a
lot.The best part, when3️⃣ I need more I simply order them....no hunting. Many thanks to
Don and his crew at @wathen_audiophile."
"My 1964 Fender Vibroverb3️⃣ went from being a
cool old amp to an incredible amp. It's now the best amp I own. And I have3️⃣ a lot of
them... It's a total next level upgrade."John Bohlinger
Wathen Cryotone™ Demoby
Derek Williams6V6-WC
I’m a fan!“You don’t know what3️⃣ real tube tone sounds like and
feels like until you’ve tried Wathen Audiophile’s Cryotone tubes. No other tube has
been3️⃣ able to inspire that deeper emotional expression and actually help facilitate that
magical, powerful flow state that we’re all constantly3️⃣ reaching for as guitar
players.The Cryotone EL34’s, 6V6’s and 6L6’s simply blew my mind. They’ve got an
energy. I don’t3️⃣ know how else to explain it! I had heard good things about Wathen but I
didn’t know they were this3️⃣ good. Nothing else compares, not even close. On top of
everything, Don is one of the most genuine people you3️⃣ will meet in this industry. I’m
beyond grateful to have found Wathen Audiophile, a company that has bridged the gap
3️⃣ between the emotions I feel and the sounds I hear!"Julian Salas
The CryoTone Pro Tube
Conditioner went in seamlessly, inserted into3️⃣ our signal path between FOH Console and
the Speaker Processor. The CryoTone tubes offered us improved clarity and sparkle on
3️⃣ the top end, while simultaneously improving definition in the entire sound stage and
improving low end response. The systems we3️⃣ deploy across campuses are all Meyer
speakers, and voiced similarly, but the unit actually made the most of the subwoofers
3️⃣ at our West Campus, which are smaller in size than our other campuses due to some power
constraints. All in3️⃣ all, I was extremely pleased with the added fidelity across the
entire audio spectrum, and again impressed with the unit’s3️⃣ ability to make such
sweeping improvements to the entire sonic experience - improvements that are
simultaneously subtle and massive in3️⃣ their impact for the listening audience.Kevin
HesterTechnical Arts Director
"Been playing professionally in rock bands since 1978.
I've owned a LOT3️⃣ of tube amps over the years: Mesa, Bogner Ecstasy, Marshall, Peavey,
MusicMan, Fender, Seymour Duncan Convertible...and many others and many3️⃣ variations of
Marshalls and Mesa's. And of course, I went for the hype when Groove Tubes first came
out. And3️⃣ yes...they are great tubes. And I've probably used most tubes out there over
the years in search of the elusive3️⃣ tone. Ruby, JJ's, Sylvania, RCA, Mullard, etc., etc.
But these Cryotone tubes? I have NEVER experienced anything like this. I3️⃣ currently use
a Mesa Boogie TC-50. And this amp is a monster. But as a guitarist...I'm NEVER
satisfied with my3️⃣ tone. Always looking for that extra something to give me that edge. I
want that buttery, molten gold mid-punch lead3️⃣ and crunch sound. I want my guitar to
sing when I'm playing a lead and to be tight, powerful, and3️⃣ present when I'm playing
rhythm. So I see these Cryotone 12ax7-WCM tubes at this price...and I'm thinking: This
has to3️⃣ be a scam. But...being a guitarist, I went for it anyway! LOL! I decided to buy
2 of them. One3️⃣ for the 1st gain stage of the crunch channel. And one for the 1st gain
stage of the lead channel.3️⃣ I fired up the amp thinking: "I'll probably hear a slight
subtle improvement" Oh hell no! It is a RADICAL3️⃣ IMPROVEMENT. The crunch channel is
exactly what I was hearing in my head...an AC/DC type rhythm sound with a touch3️⃣ more
gain. And the lead? WOW! The noise level in the lead channel is now negligible. The
guitar no longer3️⃣ has a "woo" feedback when the volume is all the way up but I'm not
playing a note. The articulation3️⃣ of each note is beautiful. And the tone is PERFECT.
Guitar is easily catching sympathetic even ordered harmonics on held3️⃣ notes and sustains
beautifully. The specs on this tube speak of a boost at 1K. And I would say that3️⃣ is
exactly what it's doing. This tube, with the right amp...is THE "Brown Sound" that I've
been looking for. I3️⃣ HIGHLY recommend this." Also, do you guys have a Facebook page? I'd
like to "like" it.Robbie Boyette
"Julz"Julian GarciaHoly Crap.Its insane hearing3️⃣ a
before and after (especially of something I was currently pleased with). The Wathen
CryoTone tube added much more clarity3️⃣ and pronounced the high end with such clarity. I
think it redefined sparkle. One thing was super cool that I3️⃣ didn't see coming, these
are such quiet tubes! My orange isn't really noisy, but it's an old 72 head, and3️⃣ it
really did some magic. It's unbelievable. I'm about to piss all of my neighbors off.
Even when I turned3️⃣ the drive pedals on, the response was much tighter and pronounced.
It feels as if before, I was driving a3️⃣ sports car on donuts honestly, is the best way I
can put it.
…I installed the Wathen CryoTone tube and now3️⃣ I actually enjoy using that
mic pre. It sounds lightyears better than it did before. It's so much clearer, warmer
3️⃣ and much more articulate.Peter Charell / Trapt
Jason RossI didn't believe the hype is
as drastic until I heard these tubes for3️⃣ myself in my amp. These really improve all the
things I like in my amp, and minimize everything I don't3️⃣ want...drastically! Don't look
any further when it comes to replacing tubes or when looking to upgrade your sound. The
products and3️⃣ the people in this company will pleasantly surprise you!
PUBLISHER’S
NOTE:I met Don at Summer NAMM. He demonstrated some of his3️⃣ speakers for us and I can
honestly say that I had not heard recorded music sound so clean, warm and3️⃣ genuine since
listening to theR$100k stereo system my audiophile-freak trust-funded buddy put
together back in the early 70’s before everything3️⃣ in the audio world went to pot (Don’s
amp and speaker cost a fraction of that). We got to talking3️⃣ and it was immediately
clear that Don was the audiophile’s audiophile – he talked the talk and clearly walked
the3️⃣ walk. As we were leaving the booth, he gave us a couple of his guitar amp tubes to
try. We3️⃣ did try them and minds were blown for a second time. I’ll personally NEVER use
another tube in any of3️⃣ my amps.I asked Don to contribute an article for this issue of
RIFF and happily he generously complied. Prepare thyself3️⃣ for mind blowage in following
said article. – Brad Wendkos
Hello all, Billy Decker here.. I just finished up mixing
Sony3️⃣ recording artist , “Chris Young's” new 2024 release and had the pleasure of using
the Wathen Reference .5’s to aid3️⃣ in that process….First off I have used the same set of
speakers since I started mixing back in 1998, so3️⃣ I was a little apprehensive to try
anything. “If it aint broke? Why fix it”….. A friend of mine introduced3️⃣ Carl, son of
founder Don Thomas. He came walking in to my studio carrying the coolest “wooden”
speakers….. Being an3️⃣ amateur woodworker myself, I was instantly intrigued? I was
thinking to myself…”please sound as good as they look”.. lolAfter Carl3️⃣ hooked up their
proprietary amplified that pair’s perfectly with the Wathen Reference.5’s….. We let the
fun begin….. The first thing3️⃣ I noticed was a speaker that was fun to listen to…. I went
back and forth a/b-ing against my old3️⃣ standby’s and quickly noticed a very smooth
midrange with “soft muted” highs…..the .5’s are a speaker that “everyday’ers” like
myself3️⃣ can listen to without fatiguing… I was actually able to listen at much lower
volumes, and still feel like I3️⃣ could hear my low end correctly…After referencing some
of my favorite records, I then dove into my stuff to see3️⃣ how that sounded….. I
immediately realized i could now “really”, hear my reverb tails and delays trailing
off…. If my3️⃣ old speakers were 2d, then the .5’s were 3d…. It was almost as if i could
peer into them…..I convinced3️⃣ Carl to leave them so I could take them out for a test
spin… It just so happened I was3️⃣ starting on Chris’ new record the next day….. Well 2
#1’s later, I guess you have your answer?…. I am3️⃣ not only sold on the Wathens, I can’t
live without them anymore…. They have become my main mixing speakers… Yes3️⃣ as you can
see in the pictures, I still have my old ones, but they can get really loud and3️⃣ I’d
rather let the client blow those up rather than the Wathens…hahahahaha……So in summary,
the answer to my question is3️⃣ yes……they do sound as good as they look!…Billy DeckerMixer
of 11 country billboard #1’sbased out of Nashville TNthe Cabin at3️⃣ Westwood
"Having
been an audio enthusiast for over 20 years and an audio engineer/ producer for over a
decade I've monitored3️⃣ on just about every caliber of speaker from Jensens to Genelecs
and everything in between. By now I'm afraid to3️⃣ say I've become somewhat of a speaker
snob.I recently had the pleasure of using a pair of Wathen Reference .50 speakers
3️⃣ during the making of my band's third album. I had multiple other options during the
recording process including several sets of3️⃣ high-end studio monitors, but I found
myself going back to the Wathens time and time again to the point of3️⃣ using them almost
exclusively.The fidelity of the speakers is simply superb. Even at extremely low
volumes EQ decisions are easy3️⃣ and enjoyable. Crank them up and they sparkle without
being the slightest bit shrill, while projecting just the right amount3️⃣ of punchFor
serious monitoring the sub woofer is a must. Paired with a sub these have become my
absolute favorite speakers.3️⃣ They sound as good as they look... and they look
amazing.Big thanks to Don and Carl at Wathen for turning3️⃣ me on to these bad boys.I
highly recommend these speakers! JB PattersonSinger/ Songwriter/ Producer/ EngineerJB
and the Moonshine Band"
I like the3️⃣ tubes very much.Every time I use them,I am reminded
of the first time I ever played through a tube amp.3️⃣ The harmonic character and touch
sensitivity is tremendous.Dennis Shepherd
There I was, walking through NAMM when my
buddy told me that3️⃣ there were these studio monitors that I just had to check out. My
understanding of the differences between studio monitors3️⃣ was pretty limited at that
point despite my working in studios and producing for years, but his enthusiasm won me
3️⃣ over. When I sat down and listened to the sound coming through those Wathen Audiophile
Inertia Cubes, I suddenly understood3️⃣ the difference between “ok speakers” and
professional-grade studio monitors.The best way that I can describe it is this: Imagine
a3️⃣ graphic EQ on a really good stereo, which usually covers 8 bands of graphic EQ that
you can tweak. Now3️⃣ imaging that Graphic EQ expanded to 64 bands that you can hear and
tweak. That’s the level of clarity we’re3️⃣ talking about here.Since getting my own set of
Inertia Cubes - as well as my killer Wathen Audiophile power amplifier3️⃣ - my mixes have
gotten exponentially better simply because of how much I can now hear that I never
realized3️⃣ was there. They are my go-to and I wholeheartedly recommend them to any
producer regardless of your experience. And as3️⃣ a bonus, everyone at Wathen Audiophile
is super helpful and about the friendliest people I’ve ever met. They’ve quickly become
3️⃣ extended family to me!Johnnie FerroMixed Media Girl Photography
"These Wathen CryoTone
tubes really bring out the best of my rig! I3️⃣ never believed I would hear such a tonal
change but it was like a whole different beast jumping out!" Stephen Lewis
A3️⃣ good
tube amp can be inspiring. And with the right tubes not only will you hear the
difference but you3️⃣ will feel the difference. For me Wathen Audiophile CryoTone tubes
are the only way to go. The sweet spot is3️⃣ huge. I've never sounded more "in
tone".Laurence Bell
“Holy cow, Don! These are amazing and clearly NIGHT AND DAY from
the3️⃣ Groove Tubes I had been using. The power tubes are incredible and the preamp the
12AX7-WCB in the V1 position3️⃣ is the best for my ’79 Marshall.Love these! Every guitar
shop should carry these! Michael P”
All I can say is3️⃣ “OMG”. With all CryoTone tubes
installed, my pre and amp sound FANTASTIC.You’ve saved me. I’ve been so frustrated
with the3️⃣ sound of my recent pre/amp purchase. I just could not believe this expensive
gear could sound as bad as it3️⃣ did. It was like a blanket over the sound, thick and
flat. I turned the volume up so high in3️⃣ my struggle to find the missing detail, that I
might have permanently damaged my hearing.In an attempt to “fix” the3️⃣ sound, I began to
search for “better” NOS tubes to replace the NOS tubes supplied with the pre and amp.
3️⃣ I was discouraged from the start, by the prices and by my awareness that most of the
NOS tubes I3️⃣ had tried in the past were expensive disappointments, even though all were
premium-priced, highly-regarded NOS tubes, with accurate and favorable3️⃣ test results,
from top boutique NOS tube suppliers.Eventually, I came to my senses and remembered how
a previous CryoTone tube3️⃣ purchase had made my headphone amp sound wonderful. I don’t
know why I had let myself be led astray again3️⃣ by NOS propaganda, and did not reach out
to you sooner. I could have spared myself a lot of grief.When3️⃣ the new CryoTone tubes
arrived, I was immediately taken with the beauty of the 12AX7 “Long Plates”. They were
at3️⃣ least as well-constructed as any highly-praised NOS tubes I have ever seen. When I
installed the full set of CryoTone3️⃣ tubes, I experienced an immediate revelation.
Everything sounded so rich and clear and correct, with much less noise. Don’s
recommendations3️⃣ had become prophecy.Now, with the full set of CryoTone tubes broken-in,
I can’t believe just how amazing my system sounds.3️⃣ Everything sounds completely
“right”. Strings and piano are dynamic without the unrealistic “ringing” of many
European NOS tubes. Snare and3️⃣ toms are clear and punchy. Bass drums “thump” as they
should, not the “thwack” produced by the NOS tubes I3️⃣ had tried. The difference between
a stick hit on an open hi-hat and a stick hit on closed hi-hat is3️⃣ now distinguishable.
Symbols produce an accurate “sizzle”, not a weak “tizz”.Every note and instrument has
exactly the correct balance and3️⃣ emphasis. The dynamics of the CryoTone tubes paint a
very musical portrait, without being exaggerated or “shouty”. Vocals are crystal3️⃣ clear
and natural. Chest and palate are equally present in the vocals, unlike the overly
“chesty” rendition by some “warmer”3️⃣ NOS tubes.The quietness, clarity, and dynamics
provided by the CryoTone tubes has allowed me to significantly reduce the volume while
3️⃣ retaining all the detail and musicality. No more listening fatigue from noisy NOS
tubes and straining to hear missing details.I3️⃣ could go on and on, as I sit here
enjoying all my favorite music like I’m hearing it for the3️⃣ first time. All genres:
folk, jazz, bluegrass, rock, electronica, classical, you name it. The CryoTone tubes
reproduce all correctly, something3️⃣ no NOS tube was ever able to accomplish.I don’t know
how you do it. But I am so glad to3️⃣ have you providing me with the best sounding tubes
from now on, so I can get back to focusing on3️⃣ enjoying the music.Gratefully
yours,Ritch Greensboro, NC
The absolute best preamp tube out there!!!I stumbled across
this tube while looking up another preamp3️⃣ tube on Musicians Friend and decided to give
it a shot. I have a JCM800 2205 with 5 preamp tubes3️⃣ and have learned that V1 and V5 are
the most important tubes. I decided to buy this one to try3️⃣ in V1. When I turned the amp
on I could hear and feel the difference immediately. It was exactly as3️⃣ it was described
and has an incredible smooth feel. I've experimented with many preamp tubes and spent a
small fortune3️⃣ trying to find the right combination, but this is the one!!! Will be
getting another one for V5!!!By JAMFrom Illinois
After 50 operating3️⃣ hours, I can tell
that the my audio experience is surely plenty excellent. The scene isperfectly focusing
and every instrument,3️⃣ if audio recording was great, stay exactly in the right
positionand plane. Female voice is articulated in every detail so3️⃣ as the male voice are
deep and rich of color.Bass frequency are deep, steady and really full body also when
3️⃣ the frequency touch 35 Hz and under.High frequency are clear and brilliant without
producing any listening fatigue. The stage is3️⃣ absolutely silentwithout any kind of
noise or 50 Hz vibration noise. These 12AU/7 tubes are really a perfect mix of
3️⃣ moderntechnology and warm sound of rare and more and more expensive rare NOS.Sincerely
yoursbeppe malòItaly
I received the 12DW7-WC tube today.3️⃣ Wow! The reverb is
swimmingly nice, but the tremolo is SOOOO much more liquid and fluid. Almost like
being intoxicated3️⃣ in a gooey vibe. All the "edges" have been blunted but with full
clarity. Very nice.Thank you for making the3️⃣ atmosphere so much more enjoyable.Lou
Vergne
Well, just writing to let you know that I FINALLY get the Wathen CryoTone tubes
3️⃣ two weeks ago. Pre-amps tubes changed and I don't know if my english is good enough to
say what I3️⃣ felt when I turned my amps on. My Swart AST (with 12AX7-WCB) now has an
incredible mid-range, more definition and more clarity.3️⃣ The top end is absolutely the
best thing I noticed. It is so great when the reverb or tremolo (or both)3️⃣ are on.
Another thing is that I noticed a little less headroom if we compares to JJ 12AX7 which
I3️⃣ was using, for me, at the beginning, was not a good thing but I realized that the
breakup got more3️⃣ smooth and more dynamic. On other words, it starts to breakup around
three but it does not get completely dirty3️⃣ until 7. It increased the sweet-spot of my
AST and now it is easier to play with dynamic. It feels like I just3️⃣ started to
rediscover my amp and try another possibilities, which I realy like and love in the AST
circuitry. With that3️⃣ said, I put on the preamp of my Morgan Dual 40 a 12AX7-WCM (on the
front of the AC circuitry)3️⃣ and the CryoTone EF86-WC (on the front of
the top-boost channel) and OH MY GOD. With the WCM on the front of3️⃣ my AC Channel I
noticed more chime because the increased mid-range. The low end is heavy and tight, I
really liked3️⃣ in that way. The cleans are stellar and as the 12AX7-WCB I noticed a
little more gain on this one compared3️⃣ to JJs. But I think the greatest change on my
Dual 40 was the EF86-WC on Top-boost channel. It seems to be3️⃣ much more alive, the
cleans on this channel are stellar and I noticed much more definition, clarity and
presence compared to3️⃣ my other tube (I don't know the brand because it has no label on
the tube). The top-boost channel is now my3️⃣ favorite on this amp so tight, so punchy and
so balanced.The feeling I had was something like you listen your music3️⃣ after the
mastering process. Everything seems to be more present, more alive. I can say that I am
really happy3️⃣ with this tubes on V1 of my amps and I think it really put them on another
level. I am3️⃣ in love with the Wathen CryoTones, especially this EF86-WC and the
12AX7-WCB.By the way, thank you, Angie and Don for3️⃣ your product and for do what you did
to get this tubes delivered in time. Well, so much time since3️⃣ we first get in touch but
finally the tubes are here and already doing their jobs.In September I will be in the
3️⃣ US myself and I would love to get some power tubes. (the Dual 40 takes a matched quad
of EL84,3️⃣ for example)Thank you very much!Best regards,Victor de AlmeidaBrazil
I'm
running 3 different hi-fi systems, all of which incorporate Wathen CryoTones in the
3️⃣ respective tube compliment. Their noise floor is way below anything out there --NOS,
NIB, Vintage, or current production; and it's3️⃣ consistent across the entire CryoTone
line. I laugh when I hear them called "pricey" because I don't consider the cost
3️⃣ comparison tube to tube. It's far more accurate to consider the Wathen CryoTone price
compared to the cost of trying3️⃣ tube after tube after tube in an ongoing search for what
Wathen makes available. They actually represent a savings because3️⃣ they bring that
search to an end.Douglas L. Horn
The CryoTones are working very well. All tubes have
been replaced with3️⃣ CryoTones. I have them in my Swart ST-Stereo amp(s). 12AX7’s for
preamp and reverb, 12DW7 for tremolo, 6L6’s for power tubes3️⃣ and 5A4 for rectifier.The
sound is not colored, but firmer. More “there” without any residue, if that makes
sense. The3️⃣ sound is more focused. Similar to either hearing something directly in
front of you instead of around the corner. I3️⃣ especially notice the difference in the
hollow body guitars. More of the volume of the guitar is present. The tremolo3️⃣ is more
present than previous.The sound is definitely firmer. I am able to be more dynamic and
punch it with3️⃣ more clarity at the old volume settings on the amp and can add a little
more output to the amp3️⃣ if I want it to grind. But again, the sonic clarity of the
highs and lows are not so much3️⃣ effected. They are relatively the same. They are just
more clear and present allowing more dynamics and touch sensitivity. It’s3️⃣ almost
“acoustic” if that makes sense.You have a great product. Thank you for improving
my sound.Lou Vergne
ARE U KIDDIN ME!!! ..OMG...OMG.. I3️⃣ Just Replaced my beloved
CIFTE 12au7 with One of Yours. NIGHT and DAY Difference. My CIFTE has Now Taken Up
Permanent Residence on3️⃣ the SHELF!! I will NEVER-EVER Buy ANOTHER TUBE...EVER..UNLESS IT
SAYS...WATHEN... ON THE PACKAGE..INCREDIBLE. I've been an Audiophile for 30 years, What
a WONDERFUL3️⃣ REVELATION Your CryoTone Tubes Are.. THANKYOU-THANKYOU-THANKYOU..For
developing these..ALL...And I MEAN ALL, My Future Tube Purchases will be From
You..Sincerely Mike G.
