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tube recommendations for audio research LS-16?

Bought a new set of tubes on a whim. Figured the ones I have had been in place for several years... maybe I'll try something different...

So just dropped a little over $400 on a set of 6H23/6922 type 3. ..definitely more open and airy, very clear mids and plenty of top end energy...not so sure this is an ideal match for me. not feeling much energy in the mids, and the top end is clear and bright, accentuating the microphone and steel strings. Joni Mitchell sounds a bit shrill...seems like  these tubes would be great in a pre- that leans toward the warm and lush.

I would never suggest the LS-16 sounds particularly warm or lush. I am likely to be wrong, but my impression is the LS-16 could benefit from just a touch of warmth, more dynamic liquid mids, and a bit more bass energy?

opinions? suggestions?

What about the Amperex gold pin 7308 or the Mullard E188cc/7308? I'm thinking the Amperex.

or should I just stick with my Electro-Harmonix 6922EH?

Any suggestions for tubes for a Reference Phono 3?

kind regards!


128x128fanotunes
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fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
I’m probably 24 hrs in at this point. Hoping things will settle down. But would have to change in character a lot. 
fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
 So, I’ve left the stereo running all day for the last two days. I have a new cd player and have taken the opportunity to run it in a bit as well…

 The tubes have definitely settle down. Much better. Still not impressed with the difference over the much less expensive  6922EH it came with.

No suggestions?
paulcreed
559 posts
 
I think you may like a Valvo, can be a goldylocks tube with right amp, it's a little on warm side but not as much as a mullard. My Preamp is tubey and warm it likes the bugle boys best,more than other expensive 6922 type. I have the amprex gold pin SQ 6922 and amprex gold pin and find it very detailed with transparent highs but prefer the bugle boy. Also have amprex early orange globe that is one super detailed tube, the Valvo is a nice tube in my Preamp I like it better than mullard. I use bugle boy mostly with valvo second and rarely use the rest. Bugle boy has good bass with solid highs and it's cheap. If you want to try a bugle boy cheap get Hewlett-Packard white label it's the same tube. I think you can get HP and Valvo from Brent Jesse for $80 a pair last time I bought some.

fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
 PaulCreed, 

  Thank you for your response. I have not spent much time on the Brent Jesse site in the past.  I did spend some time poking around and reading on the site this morning. A lot of information there! I’ll need to read through some of it again. I’ll try to spend more time learning about the Valvo tubes you mentioned as well. Thank you again.
big_greg
6,623 posts
 
I don't have a specific recommendation, other than to just email Brent Jesse and let him know the kind of sound you're after and your budget.  
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