The yr 1975 6N23P Saratov Reflector Grey Shield Single Wire Getter Post tubes are considered by many to be amongst the best sounding 6DJ8/6922 tubes in the world. I understand this is an opinion, but it is shared by many. An extensive study in 2013 by RB on the Lyr thread found these little known tubes. He compared the various years and factories and features, and introduced them to others in the U.S. They are Russian Tubes. You buy them from Russia. Rarely seen U.S. tube sellers, many of whom I buy from, sell these particular tubes of this exact specification. When one comes up for sale by a U.S. seller, they have purchased it previously from Russia. Some sell similar tubes from a sister plant, so called Rockets from the Voshkod factory, however the general opinion is they do not rise to the SQ of this particular Reflector. The primary if not only place to purchase them is from Russian Tube sellers (or near Russia) on e-bay. Have found several that are reliable, knowledgeable, and honest; it was a somewhat painful process to zero in on the good ones. I wanted these particular tubes, and there is but one apparent path to obtain them. Am glad I pursued it as I now have a lifetime inventory for my use. I’ve been buying tubes since I was 15, I’m 65. Speaking for myself, I’ve confirmed they are the best sounding on my equipment for a 6922 compatible tube. This includes vs some high end Telefunkens. Generally I feel your comment is very accurate, acknowledged and usually something I follow myself. However, in this instance the market path to purchase this particular tube is rather narrow if the goal is this exact tube. Now have a supply that test well. I don’t feel beat, more like satisfied the objective was achieved and arrived at the desired end result. But there were learnings: with the PO expressing interest in buyers experiences, I wanted to share my learnings for those who may also be pursuing these.
