AlexM
08-06-2014, 13:59
Hi,
Since getting my C-J ET3 preamp, I have indulged in a spate of tube rolling to see what works best in this preamp. I have tried the Electroharmonix 6922 (fitted at the factory), and the Gold Lio 6922 up until now. As you can see, they are basically exactly the same tube structurally, being made at the Reflector factory in Saratov for New Sensor. Having said that, they do sound quite different, with the 6922 being more mellow, quieter, and having less etch in the the mid and upper frequencies.
The GL 6922 costs more than twice as much as the EH 6922. altough whether there are internal differnences in coatings, grids or whether it is just selection that accounts for the difference the plate structure and internals are identical as far as I can see. The GL is a very nice tube - clear and lush sounding, with good bass detail and clear and detailed highs. It sets quite a high standard for others to match.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3861/14187071308_295025d339_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nBEs2J)2014-06-08 11.39.24 (https://flic.kr/p/nBEs2J) by alexmastersuk (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
The Vokshod 6n23n has quite a different internal structure, and have open plates, rather than a box structure like the EH/GL tubes
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3887/14370492761_d79978bc3f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nTSwQz)2014-06-08 14.43.31 (https://flic.kr/p/nTSwQz) by alexmastersuk (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
And the sound? flippin' heck!. These are open and clear as a bell. At first I thought they were a little bright, but that seems to disappear quite quickly as they warm up. They image like nothing I've heard, and the mid range detail is outstanding. Bass is clear and firm, and sounds tonally accurate. They have lots of 'air' and space, wheras both Reflector tubes sound a little shut in in comparison. I've decided these are best I've heard in my amp, and so I've ordered another four to sit on the shelf. They are are an absolute bargain, and I'm sure they will work equally well with other 6922-based amps. There is very little noise/tube rush.
If you look at Internet reviews, you will see a lot of hyperbole equating them to the Telefunken ECC803Ca and other unobtainium-type models. I haven't heard them so I can't possibly comment, but this is definately a good sounding preamp valve.
You can get them here - http://www.watfordvalves.com/product_detail.asp?id=3775 but hurry, they only have 50 left!.
Regards,
Alex
Since getting my C-J ET3 preamp, I have indulged in a spate of tube rolling to see what works best in this preamp. I have tried the Electroharmonix 6922 (fitted at the factory), and the Gold Lio 6922 up until now. As you can see, they are basically exactly the same tube structurally, being made at the Reflector factory in Saratov for New Sensor. Having said that, they do sound quite different, with the 6922 being more mellow, quieter, and having less etch in the the mid and upper frequencies.
The GL 6922 costs more than twice as much as the EH 6922. altough whether there are internal differnences in coatings, grids or whether it is just selection that accounts for the difference the plate structure and internals are identical as far as I can see. The GL is a very nice tube - clear and lush sounding, with good bass detail and clear and detailed highs. It sets quite a high standard for others to match.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3861/14187071308_295025d339_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nBEs2J)2014-06-08 11.39.24 (https://flic.kr/p/nBEs2J) by alexmastersuk (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
The Vokshod 6n23n has quite a different internal structure, and have open plates, rather than a box structure like the EH/GL tubes
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3887/14370492761_d79978bc3f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nTSwQz)2014-06-08 14.43.31 (https://flic.kr/p/nTSwQz) by alexmastersuk (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
And the sound? flippin' heck!. These are open and clear as a bell. At first I thought they were a little bright, but that seems to disappear quite quickly as they warm up. They image like nothing I've heard, and the mid range detail is outstanding. Bass is clear and firm, and sounds tonally accurate. They have lots of 'air' and space, wheras both Reflector tubes sound a little shut in in comparison. I've decided these are best I've heard in my amp, and so I've ordered another four to sit on the shelf. They are are an absolute bargain, and I'm sure they will work equally well with other 6922-based amps. There is very little noise/tube rush.
If you look at Internet reviews, you will see a lot of hyperbole equating them to the Telefunken ECC803Ca and other unobtainium-type models. I haven't heard them so I can't possibly comment, but this is definately a good sounding preamp valve.
You can get them here - http://www.watfordvalves.com/product_detail.asp?id=3775 but hurry, they only have 50 left!.
Regards,
Alex