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
Give your tubes 200 hours just to be safe. Did the person you bought tubes have a return policy. Brent will answer phone and will let you return tubes with a small restocking fee after so many days. He will guide you to the right tube not the highest priced ones. I thought buying the amprex SQ 6922 at almost 3 times the price would better the bugle boy 6dj8, but I was wrong, sometimes more money doesn't always improve things. 

Sounds like good reasons to reach out to Brent Jesse before buying any additional tubes. May reach out to RAM tubes as well. Roger has been good to deal with in the past. Thanks!
Sounds like good reasons to reach out to Brent Jesse before buying any additional tubes. May reach out to RAM tubes as well. Roger has been good to deal with in the past. Thanks!
Wonder if there are any folks out there, with Audio research equipment, that would indicate what tubes they are running in their system.
I use an ARC LS5 mk 2.  I bought it used and it had EH 6922s that I replaced with the 6h23s. I too felt it was a little “cool” and bought Amperex 7308s and that was a definite move in the right direction for me. Sound was fuller and not as clinical.