New phono stage arrived

Just for fun, I looked up the characteristics of the 6N1P and compared them to those of the 6922. First, they are compatible, meaning a socket wired for one will work for the other. Both have a gain factor (mu) of 33, so no difference there. However the 6922 has more than twice the transconductanc (Gm) and less than half the plate resistance (Rp) of the 6N1P.  Also, the 6N1P requires 600mA of filament current from the power supply; whereas the 6922 requires 300mA.  I would say there is no obvious reason based on specs to think that one would sound so much better than the other in a given circuit, except with regard to filament current.  If the PS cannot deliver 600mA to each tube filament, then the 6N1P would never be working at its full capacity and would sound "bad". Maybe someone up the line who was not cognizant of this limitation stuck the 6N1Ps in there after import.

Like I said, it is quite possible your unit was not functioning at full capacity.  That's especially possible with tube gear, which tends to "work" even when broken.  Whereas a solid state device is usually alive or totally dead. 

I’ve read some reviews of the Greek phono. As you say, it is highly regarded. For a product and company trying to establish itself in the US market, I can’t understand why the distributor didn’t step in to help, if your dealer was recalcitrant. Because now you’ve given the product a black eye it may not deserve. If so, it’s their fault.

Congratulations. I never heard of either unit or the companies that make them. Perhaps others can benefit from your experience. What amplifiers and speakers? If the first phono was as bad as you say, chances are there was a cryptic defect. Did you consult the dealer or the makers?