Forums - Print Page

Forums
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl
OLDER DECWARE GEAR SUPPORT >> SE84A, SE84B, SE84C, SE84C+,SE84CKC >> SE84CS - what new tubes are good?
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1201281343

Message started by smokingdrum on 01/25/08 at 17:15:43

Title: SE84CS - what new tubes are good?
Post by smokingdrum on 01/25/08 at 17:15:43

Hi All

My current input tube (Jan Philips) has gone microphonic, my Amperex PQ 6922 is on its way out...so I need to get at least one new input tube, maybe a selection.

I'm fed up with trying to buy the Amperex 6922 - I think it sounds fantastic, but the price has gone nuts and I'm no expert - in some of the eBay auctions the tubes do not look authentic.

So, to relieve my stress, can anyone recommend a good sounding NEW input tube (or perhaps just a reliable supplier of NOS tubes who will at least send to the UK).

I always preferred the Jan Philips tube to the Sovtek one which was supplied with the amp.

As always, thanks for the help,

John

Title: Re: SE84CS - what new tubes are good?
Post by Rivieraranch on 01/25/08 at 22:49:26

Folks have expressed that the JAN Phillips past 1975 are no good. Look for the pre-1976 Sylvania 6922's.

As to the new production, many believe that the quietest new production 6922 is the Electro Harmonix 6922EH.

I have also heard that the JJ E88CC (6922) is voiced closest to the European tubes that you seem to like.

Title: Re: SE84CS - what new tubes are good?
Post by ZYGI on 01/26/08 at 01:28:58

John,

I like and run Cryoset Electro Harmonix 6922EH. There also great people to deal with.

BobZ

Title: Re: SE84CS - what new tubes are good?
Post by Rivieraranch on 01/26/08 at 02:59:31

I still don't understand the science behind cryogenically treating vacuum tubes. It seems that it could cause as much trouble as it might do good.

Another alternative could be some PCC88 7DJ8, a 7 volt version of the 6922/ECC88.

Title: Re: SE84CS - what new tubes are good?
Post by Rob on 01/26/08 at 12:56:44

There aren't too many of the newer tubes that really float my boat in the Selects. Don't get me wrong, they are listenable, but they just fall short of that "magic" sound. The Sovtek 6N1P I prefer over the Sovtek 6922s. in these amps. The Phillips JAN6922 is livable.

I prefer NOS tubes, and am lucky to have an obscene collection of nice ones to chose from.

My favorite by far is the Tungsram 6DJ8 - I prefer them over the Amperex, Siemens, Mullards, Brimar, Telefunken, et al.

To my ears, the Tungsrams have the sweetest overall balance and presentation.

Do some searching, they often some up on E-bay for reasonable prices($20-25)
Kevin Deale at Upscale Audio sells these, but if you aren't an equipment customer customer, he gets anywhere from $50-100 depending on grade.

I was lucky to some across a lot of 20 of them 6-7 yeras ago, and got them for around $15/tube.

Title: Re: SE84CS - what new tubes are good?
Post by smokingdrum on 01/26/08 at 13:08:24

Thanks for all the responses, guys!

There are more than enough suggestions here to keep me occupied, I think I'll get two or three new tubes from these decent looking shops and maybe keep my eyes open for the NOS.

John

Title: Re: SE84CS - what new tubes are good?
Post by JM on 02/02/08 at 10:43:58

I kike my Russian milspec 6H23P-EV tube (with the Reflektor logo, I think). I'm not sure it's in current production, but it can be found as NOS and won't cost an arm and a leg.

Title: Re: SE84CS - what new tubes are good?
Post by Eli Duttman on 02/02/08 at 19:00:57

JM wrote on 02/02/08 at 10:43:58:

I kike my Russian milspec 6H23P-EV tube (with the Reflektor logo, I think). I'm not sure it's in current production, but it can be found as NOS and won't cost an arm and a leg.

ElectroHarmonix (EH) brand 6922s ARE 6n23p-ev. ;) They are quiet and TOUGH. If you want an affordable 6922 that's voiced closer to W. European NOS than the Russian tube is, buy the JJ E88CC.