What's a gorgeous sounding 6922/6DJ8? [Archive]

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hal55

19-12-2013, 12:33

I use a LITE DAC 60, fitted with Tunsol 6922s, and although I have no intention of selling it, I'm starting to think the Tungsols I put in it many years ago are no longer at their best. First surprise is that the 6922, which I thought was a plentiful tube, seems to be strangely unsupported these days and second surprise was that I couldn't even find modern "large plate" versions of it. My interest in the latter is that I have Sovtek 12AX7 LPS tubes in my Yaqin phono stage and, although I know this tube isn't everyone's first choice, I'm quite bowled over by it. Does everything right, nothing wrong, is quite cheap and sounds better than any other tube I put in it bar possibly the Mullard reissues, which I think were also a large/long plate design.
Any recommendations for a 6922 that has similar presentation to a Sovtek 12AX7 LPS? And preferably at a sane price would be a big bonus!

Hal55

Yomanze

19-12-2013, 12:43

I have a matched pair (including matched triode sections) of these (unused):

http://www.thetubestore.com/Tubes/6922-E88CC-Tube-Types/6H23n-EB-6922

"The NOS 6H23n-EB tube is a very noticeable upgrade over the Sovtek 6922 tube and Electro Harmonix 6922 tube. They are incredibly durable and can handle the punishment of modern pre-amps, including those made by Audible Illusions. They excel in detail, speed, and soundstage. The highs have air and sound natural."

They were £70, but you could have them for £40 if you like...

hal55

19-12-2013, 13:12

They look tempting, but I'm after a very analoguey, euphonic tube that will push digital into a more relaxed, vinyl sounding direction. My SP10/Yaqin combo, when it's really flying and often with old not high tech recordings, utterly pastes digital. Guess I'm trying the impossible, getting standard CD to mimic classic vinyl. I don't expect to actually achieve that, but pushing it a bit in that direction would be nice.

Hal55

StanleyB

19-12-2013, 14:49

Guess I'm trying the impossible, getting standard CD to mimic classic vinyl. I don't expect to actually achieve that, but pushing it a bit in that direction would be nice.
It depends. One thing that I don't see mentioned often is the difference in sound between direct drive and belt drive turntables. I find the belt drive stretch out the sound a lot more than direct drive. The nearest I have managed to get with the sound of a DAC is that of the sound of a direct drive TT.

Theadmans

19-12-2013, 16:03

I have 6H23N-EB tubes in my Musical Fidelity X10D which has had a full component makeover from Rock Grotto.

The 6H23N-EB tubes are available seperately from Rock Grotto :-

http://www.rock-grotto.co.uk/x-ccessories.html

Yomanze

19-12-2013, 19:55

hal55

19-12-2013, 22:10

If I could afford a Weiss I'd buy one in a flash! Heard that one at a hifi show two years ago and loved it. Actually a DAC upgrade will probably happen, but not until I find one that also handles downloaded DSD which I rather like. See no point at upgrading at the moment when I'd probably be after another upgrade not that far off. In the meantime just trying to make the Lite warmer/smoother/more musical. I'm not criicising the Tungsols, which are mighty fine tubes, but I'm just after a different presentation after getiing used to the Sovtek LPS.

Hal55

Ali Tait

20-12-2013, 08:18

Mullard E88cc gold pin.

hal55

21-12-2013, 05:39

Any comments on these Matsushita E88CCs??

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Matsushita-6922-E88cc-tubes-valves-NOS-/261214055161?pt=AU_Electronics_Vintage_Electronics&hash=item3cd1922af9#ht_108wt_718

Supposed to be in the same vein as Amperex/Mullards and made on Mullard tooling.
Hell of a lot cheaper as well!

Hal55

anthonyTD

21-12-2013, 09:45

The original Siemens are probably the most musical, however, very scarce and expensive if you can find them!
A...