Re-tube time for a BAT VK30. Advice please


It's time, the tubes are going sideways on me. You sure notice when your tubes are done eh? The VK30 uses (6) 6922 tubes. I've rolled tubes plenty over the years but I'd really like to avoid buying a bunch and experimenting. I like my sound laid back, the 'statics are plenty detailed enough. Musical taste is all over the map, Associated gear:

Oracle Delphi MkIV, SME345 Arm, Grado Reference Cartridge (marble base)

Lehmann Black Cube Phono Preamplifier

YBD CD Integre CD player (Brightstar base, with remote)

Magnum Dynalab FT11 tuner (Brightstar base)

Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette Deck

Grado RA-1 Headphone Amplifier

Balanced Audio Technology VK500 amplifier (with BATPAK)

Martin Logan Quest Z speakers

(2) 5' Synergistic Research AC Reference power cords (preamplifier, phono stage)

(1) YBA Diamond power cord (CD player)

(2) Harmonic Technology Pro AC11 power cords (amplifier)

(2) Maple Audio Works Ambiance interconnect (Black Cube, CDP)

(2) Transparent MusicLink interconnect cords (Tuner, Grado Headphone amp)

(2) Phoenix Gold RCA-Balanced interconnect cable (Nakamichi Deck)

Goertz Micropurl 25' Balanced interconnect (preamplifier to amplifier)

Transparent MusicWave 10' Bi-Wire speaker cables (spades)

I'd prefer to keep the re-tube cost reasonable, appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks, Jeff
jeffloistarca
I've used the Phillips NOS JANs I got on ebay and they worked just fine in my VK3i. Not as good as the Amperex PQs I've got in there now, but way cheaper and I thought they were a noticeable improvement over the (admittedly older) Sovteks I've had before.
I have a VK30. Amperex all the way - I have 7308s in there now, but also had a bunch of 6922s which were equally as good (in some ways better. sold most of them - here on Agon.). Sovteks - bleah. There's so many better choices, Sovteks are the low common denominator at best. Forget Upscale, all you get are second-string crap from them unless you buy your gear there. (This applies only to 6922 and 6SN7 variants.) Some other dealers have the Amperex. Tubeworld.com has some, but pretty pricey. I will post more for sale if/when I find them. 6N1P is NOT an identical tube as the 6922. Not recommend using that, esp. when so many good 6922 choices exist. Check out Joe's Tube Lore at the audioasylum.com. early phillips are ok (50's-60s), but the later ones are not so hot. Since Amperex invented this tube (basically) it only makes sense to go with them if you can find/afford them.

-Ed
Kevin worte me:

"In the 6922 position, you can go with the earlier Russian 6922 made in the 1970's…called a 6N23. They are tubes that were sometimes branded “Sovtek” but “Sovtek” is not a manufacturer, but a name for export. They look similar…but sound waaaay different. And last. These will be dynamic and not have quite as much glare as the regular later production Russian 6922. We have a "Private Reserve" grade for $25 that will have the highest Gm, anda triode balance of about 10%."
Yawn. Sure he says that since he has a big stock of them, and won't sell the really good stuff. Whatever. There's other places to shop in my book.

-Ed
I've used the Upscale 6H23's and they do sound very nice. Surprisingly very nice. Per $ they can not be beat. If you open up your wallet a bit, I would suggest Mullard, Tungsram or Valvo for a reasonable economical upgrade.