What's with BAT?


I’ve noticed that, over the last few years, BAT tube preamps have gone almost exclusively to the 6H30 tube. No more tube rolling like in the older preamps, such as my VK-3i. Any ideas as to why this has happened?

rlb61
I'm currently auditioning a phono stage that is running (3) 6922s and has a switchable high output of 72db/MC stage.

Any recommendations for musical and quiet tubes? Any variant?

7308
ECC88
6N23P

Rodman99999,

What is your source for the Seimens?
Hello, slaw- Generally speaking, it seems most that use the term, "musical", are referring to tubes that add warmth to their system. Siemens won’t. The early to mid 60’s, grey shield, internally date coded, CCa is a very neutral/clean tube, with beautiful extension(in both directions) and great sound stage. The later ones(CCa’s), with the silver shield, can be kinda zingy on top(for my tastes), but- most everything else is still there. Mullard and Ediswan made 7308/E188CC tubes that will probably fulfill your desires/tastes, if you’re looking for warmth.  Amperex, a bit less warmth than those two.  Just be certain to ask for tubes graded, "low noise". I bought a number of excellent Siemens tubes(mostly E188CC & CCa) from this guy, back when he had them: (http://www.ebay.com/usr/audiotubes_de?_trksid=p2053788.m1543.l2754) I haven’t bought any nine-pins in a few years(thankfully, given the current price of my preferences) and can’t find a link to the other sellers. One was in Argentina and it took the package of CCa’s 6 weeks to get to me. Yeah, I was sweating! Upscale Audio tests and grades their tubes for noise and a plethora of other parameters. (https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/preamp-tubes/6922-6dj8-7308-pcc88)
rodman99999,

Thanks for your response. Maybe instead of "musical" I should have said expressive?
Your response included a lot of useful info. I've used Upscale Audio in the past.
Thank you.