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Russian Tubes or Old "American" Tubes (built where ever)?

Currently I have Aperex ECC88 tubes in a CJ 17 LS pre-amp and a backup set of Russian electro-harmonix 6922EH tubes for the pre-amp. The Aperex tubes are failing. The amps are solid state Mac 601's

What type of tubes (manufacturers/time period) would you guys recommend? Are the Russian tubes any good? Buying legacy tubes from 50 years ago gets expensive. I'm looking for a great price/performance ratio, but I lean toward performance. Do the Russian Tubes compete with the old tubes or should I "bite the bullet"?

I know folks can get passionate about this - I'm not an idiot; I would like to hear some experienced opinions about the relative merit of various tubes for this particular pre-amp. I'll then go check my budget (in secret - I'm married).

Thanks.
nab2
wolf_garcia
6,795 posts
 
I buy small preamp type tubes, matched and balanced, 12AX7s and 12At7s generally, from familiar dealers (thetubestore, Upscale), but the KT120s and KT150s as "factory" matched quads have served me well from Ebay sellers. If they tested poorly or had to be returned to those sellers, it would result in poor ratings unlike the 100% positive ratings of the dealers I use. 
marco1's avatar
marco1
617 posts
 
Based upon my personal experience with my Premier 16, you should either consider the Telefunken 7DJ8 (they are the 7 volt version of the 6DJ8), or other NOS 7DJ8's.  Check Upscale Audio.  None of the Russian tubes IMO even come close.
saki70
907 posts
 
So you have a 'backup set of Russian EH tubes' and want to know how they compare to your legacy Amperex tubes . 
nab2 OP
61 posts
 
Yes and no. The Amperex have worn out and I wanted opinions on the Russian tubes (especially if someone has experience with the CJ pre). I've heard good things about various tubes (recently, Russian tubes). In the name of saving money and time, I wanted to tap into the collective wisdom of the Audiogon community and see what you guys would recommend testing with this pre-amp. NOS tubes can wind up being a fortune (this CJ takes 4). I'm still open to suggestions and even suggestions on how you guys may systematize the process. 
marco1's avatar
marco1
617 posts
 
Should have said that the 7dj8 can sound just as good their 6 volt counterpart and they can be had for 1/2 the cost.  They worked particuarily well in my P16 and will work in your 17 as well.  Never had a russian tube in my unit that even came close. For an additional investment of $30-$40 a tube (x4 tubes) over new russian tubes you'll be very happy.
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