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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
fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
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!
fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
Wonder if there are any folks out there, with Audio research equipment, that would indicate what tubes they are running in their system.
annika
26 posts
 
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.
jafox
1,453 posts
 
Another vote for Valvo as well as Amperex 7308.  Mullard 6922 are another favorite.

Great advice to read the Brent Jesse site and then email him for advice.  He is very helpful.  As for the EH, even 500 hours will still result in no value compared to the Brent suggested tubes.  Make sure to keep the EH tubes as you will sell the LS16 with these installed.
fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
Thank you Annika and Jafox. Yeah. So, I must be 50-60 hrs in on the 6h23’s and am totally bummed. Trying to give them a chance to break in. But I’m ready to put the 6922eh’s back in until I can decide on other tubes.  Will read up on Valvo. Have the Amperex 7308 and Siemens E88CC in mind as well right now. Will email Brent Jesse too. Like the dynamics, resolution, sense of ease, and slight touch of warmth I was finding in my system with my new (to me) phono stage. Have totally lost that with the 6h23. Going in the wrong direction.  
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