Driver Tubes 6922

OK guys, Im going to give this NOS a try.

I what you opinion on where I should get the biggest impact to prove to myself one way or the other the value of NOS to me.

Options for first purchase are:

1- 12AT7's in Line Pre

2- 12Ax7's inputs for monoblocks

3- 6922's drivers for monoblocks

Thanks for your opinions.

And @tksteingraber , do you have any thoughts on Ken Rad?

I just ordered 2 RCA Blackplate 1950's AT7's for the pre.

If it goes well, I will find some AX7's, and so forth.

Thanks guys,

TD

@tonydennison Kentucky Radio made some excellent tubes.  I had ‘50’s 12ax7 blackplates.  They sound excellent but harder to fine and can be pricey.  I prefer the RCA over them.  Ken Rad made some pewter plates in the 50’s that are even better but I never had any. Ken Rad was bought by GE so GE 12ax7 grayplates from early 60’s are really nice and an exceptional value if cost is a concern.

The order of best impact for me would be the order you listed but all are important.  Cheers!

@tonydennison just curious where are you buying your tubes from? 

@tonydennison one more suggestion that may or may not work out.   I have had excellent results using 12at7 and 5751 tubes in place of 12ax7’s.  They are identical except the gain is lower than the AX’s. (You can go down on gain with these tube types but not up) I have used them on a DAC pre, phono stage and can’t tell a difference and they sound great. Not sure if your mono’s need the extra gain or not. 12AX7’s are becoming much pricier and harder to find now.