As most of you know, I've been a long-time fan of the Leben CS600 integrated amplifier, for it's rugged & reliable build quality, it's superb appearance, its great sound & musicality, and its flexibility in accommodating a lot of different power output types for tube swapping entertainment.
Sophia Electric EL34-ST tubes peeking out over the top of the Leben CS-600.
The only nit I have to pick with the Leben CS600 is the lid, which will only accommodate the shortest output tubes, otherwise your CS600 has to go topless, like the photo above with the Sophia Electric EL34 Aqua tubes shows.
I have long hoped that Leben would offer a special cut-away or raised lid kit that would allow the listener to run taller tubes, while still be able to use the lid. It's never happened.
However, Robbie has come up with a great solution which I hope to try for myself shortly, and Robbie has been so good as to share it with us - thank you Robbie!
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Hi Jeff,
Firstly it's so refreshing to see how you interact with your readers. Not only do you give great insight into musical systems and very interesting and cost effective mods but actually take the time to read and reply to us punters, great work!
Your question on where to get the risers has actually led me to an even better, less fiddly solution. Still using brass motherboard risers/standoffs but I found that instead of the female/female ones I had on hand you can also get male/female risers than screw into the case rim from the top, really could not be easier now.
Due to the differing height requirements people may have - KT88 vs KT120 - I think the linked ebay auction would be a great start as it includes a variety of heights. And at approx. $5 with free shipping it aint gonna break the bank.
(Note: The auction Robbie referenced is no longer available at the link he provided for me, but I included another link above to another listing for a "120Pcs M3 Male Female Hex Brass Spacer Standoffs PCB Board Screws Nut Assortment" on eBay that sounds equivalent to me, and I ordered one for myself - Jeff)
For the treasures I use a 10mm height which clears the glass easily. Below is the new male/female riser.
As a safety measure I'd advise trying to screw in one of the Leben torx screws into the riser first. It should go in with no resistance.
Any resistance indicates the threads may be incompatible.
Then simply affix as may risers as you want to the top plate mounting holes on the chassis. I found 4 to be ok, but the linked auction has 10x of each height so the rim could be fully populated.
Close up with lid (didn't fully tighten that screw by the looks, shoddy!)
And a wider shot, the foreground risers is shadowed but is there.
In the flesh it looks less noticeable than the photos and provides full protection with taller tubes.
Interested to know what you think!
Regards,
Robbie
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Many thanks to you, Robbie, for your kind words, and sharing your Leben CS600 lid tip with us - it is greatly appreciated!
As soon as I get my risers I'll give it a try and report back.
As always, thanks for stopping by, and may the tone be with you!
