tube choice for Audible Illusions L1

I am reading Joe's tube Lore page. He also recommend the Amperex white label PQ 6922. I found a couple posting on eBay, but it is not matched pair and are expensive, average to be $180. =(
09-24-10: Gte357s

Gte357s,

Not for the AI

Special warning to Audible Illusions preamp users:
The one you can say for the Sovtek is that you can run it hard and it can take it - and apparently that’s exactly what AI does. Unfortunately the classic NOS tubes in this family just cant take this kind of treatment and will rapidly fail when used in these units (and some of you guys have the fried tubes to prove it!). So you AI users are probably best off limiting yourselves to the Sovtek, the Russian 6H23N & 6N1P, the 7DJ8 and the E288CC. There may be others the range of tube types and variations is quite literally bewildering but these are the ones I’m aware of that should be able to handle the higher stresses of this brand of preamps. I review the Edicron, Siemens E288CC and 6H23N here but there are other brands for some of these. I’ve seen Phillips E288CCs & Amperex 7DJ8s advertised on some web sites in the past and there are probably others. It might be worth your while chasing them down & evaluating them for yourself to increase the number of alternatives for use in your AI.

http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d.pl?audio/faq/joes-tubes.html#6DJ8
.

I am very confused. So, the Amperex 6922 is not good? From the AI FAQ, it says:

"Only "mil-spec, low-noise" 6922, 6DJ8, 7308 or European E88CC tubes are recommended for use in Modulus preamplifiers.

Previous production Modulus M2, M3, M3a and L1 preamplifiers used Russian 6922 tubes. While quality and sonic performance of these tubes were excellent for several years it is unfortunate that current-production from the Sovtec/Reflector factory does not have the same sonic identity and a high percentage prematurely fail.

Current production Modulus M3a and L2 Preamplifiers use a Russian Military Type 6922 with "Grey Plates" and have excellent sonics and reliability.

Similar tubes which have different technical specs should not be used.

7DJ8 tubes require higher filament voltage and performance is marginal.

6NIP tubes should not be substituted as they require additional filament current and their use will compromise performance."

So, the 7D8J and 6N1P conflict with Joe's comment. And Joe said 6922 is not suitable? ... So, the remaining choice are:

6h23n, 6DJ8, 7308, E288CC ?

Previous production Modulus M2, M3, M3a and L1 preamplifiers used Russian 6922 tubes.
09-24-10: Gte357s

Gte357s,

You have the L1 correct?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

09-24-10: Audioconnection
Go inside the unit and make sure the Cap dip switches are set to on
the amp you are using may better interface this way.
Also call AI with your serial number and they will
get you the right tubes for that unit
Best Johnnyr

Sounds like good advice.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>

09-24-10: Theduke
Get some choice EH6922. Try "The Tubeman". He has cyro'd tightly matched triode pairs available.

Also good advice
A good rugged tube.
http://www.upscaleaudio.com/6DJ869227308_c_42.html

thanks for the advice. I will try turn on the cap. It is currently turn off based on recommendation from AI. It won't hurt to try turn it back on. Actually, what is that cap thing?

Also, the Electro-Harmonix-6922 seems worth a try. Not expensive, and it says it may help to remove some of the harshness.

My friend came over and he have a better word to describe other than harsh. It is "dry". It is hard to describe, but when he said this word, I feel it describes the sound.