Audio Horizons TP 2.0 Preamplifier

I recently purchased the TP 2.3 preamp. I had some Siemens Cca ready to roll. I was surprised with the results. The synergy was not working with my system. I have had good success with Amperex 6922 and Philips SQ -- rotating between 1 to 3 and 2 to 4 -- while I await the delivery of other tubes. The TP 2.3 is starting to sound like the great amp others have written about on this thread.

Regarding tube rolling, I have read of success with Amperex PQ White Labels. I have been in touch with Joseph Chow who has suggested I try Telefunken (I assume E88CC) in 1 and 3 and Mullard CV2492 (preferred) or Amperex (not yet specified) on 2 and 4. Does anyone have experience with this? Thanks for any helpful suggestions.

When I owned my AH I found that maybe one in 5 sets of Cca's even from reputable sources sounded amazing and the rest just OK. These best sets of Cca's beat everything else, but the rest of the Cc'a for me were beat out by Amperex White labels. Hope this helps - its a great preamp!

Gammajo,

That's interesting. I tried a pair of Siemens Cca and they did not work for me in positions 1 and 3. I am now using a pair of Philips SQ in positions 1 and 3 and they are very good. I have other tubes coming to compare.

I did a lot of research over the years on the various Siemens E88cc tubes. The famous Cca and E88cc from Siemens were made identically. The only difference was that the Cca were hand selected for low noise for the German postal service. Otherwise, they both sound identical. The secret is to find either one made from 1959-1965. The best ones have a dimpled getter support( although some have no dimples) with codes etched on the glass or plate of support of three lines, reading vertically of A12, A13, A14, and A15. The A16 and A17 don't sound as good. I read this from users on the Tube Asylum and have proven it to myself. It is also important to find one of these models that has high emission rate with low, noise, zero microphonics, and no shorts or emission leaks. I spent a lot of money for an early pair of Siemens Cca a few years ago and they sounded terrible because of noise and emission leaks. I bought an inexpensive tube tester to test all tubes that I buy to make sure that they meet the seller's ad specs. Also, beware of fake Siemens tubes. A good eye can spot these fakes. In any event, once you find the right Siemens E88cc, you will have many years of wonderful music before they lose their emission strength and you have to buy another pair or more. I have a quad in my back-up that should hold me until I'm playing the trumpet in Heaven.

Sherod
That trumpet will be a relief from all that harp music, especially if you know some jazz:)