Soundscape Product Information
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Questions/Answers
Can I convert my original Quicksilver 8417 Mono Amplifiers to use KT88 output tubes?
No. These amplifiers were designed around the 8417 output tube, which was one of the last tubes to be developed. KT88 output tubes have about 8 to 9 db less gain than the 8417 tube does. Thus the front end circuitry and the bias supply would need to be changed, which would be an expensive modification and the result would be a unit that does not sound as good.
How should I re-tube my Philips 8417 Mono Amplifiers now that you are out of Philips 8417 tubes?
We have modified one tube burn-in machine to select GE 8417 tubes for low leakage. We have found that about 20% will meet the leakage requirements to allow them to work in the Philips 8417 Mono Amplifiers. We have several thousand GE 8417s in stock.
What bias should I set my Quicksilver amplifiers at?
M135 Mono Amplifiers EL34 40ma
V4 Mono Amplifiers KT88 40ma
M80 Mono Amplifiers EL34 60ma
Silver Mono Amplifiers KT88 90ma
KT88 Mono Amplifiers KT88 120ma
8417 Mono Amplifiers 8417 110ma
MX190 Stereo Amplifier EL34 53ma
The M60 Mono Amplifiers, the GLA, and the Mini-Mite Mono Amplifiers are self biasing. Burned-in, matched pairs of output tubes should be used in these amplifiers.
What is the input impedance of Quicksilver amplifiers?
All Quicksilver amplifiers have an input impedance of 100 K.
What is the input sensitivity of Quicksilver amplifiers?
The input sensitivity of all Quicksilver amplifiers is in the range of 1 to 1.5 volts.
What about balanced inputs?
At Quicksilver we believe very strongly in KIS--Keep It Simple! Balanced inputs require extra circuitry in the signal path--circuitry that we believe gets between you and the music. There are applications for balanced inputs in the recording industry where noise becomes an issue when using long cable lengths with low level (microphone) signals. Our experience in both the professional recording and home audio industries coupled with extensive listening tests, have demonstrated the superiority of single-ended inputs in home audio applications.
What cables should I use?
We recommend you keep it simple. Use simple cable geometries, high purity copper or pure silver, shielded interconnects, and keep your speaker wire as short as possible.
What is Quicksilver Audio's warranty?
Three years parts and labor; 90 days on tubes. Please review our complete warranty statement.
I would like more information on vacuum tubes that Quicksilver Audio uses.
Please visit our Vacuum Tubes page.
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Updated: January 5, 2002
1044 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone/Fax 707-578-4434 or 800-450-HIFI
marcs@sonic.net
