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.
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!
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I believe ls16 has Infinity caps I had an amp long ago with those caps. They can sometimes be a little on the cool side in certain systems. You could add a bypass cap if you can solder. Remove it when you sell it and add it to next amp or your speaker crossover. Maybe a 0.1 uf Jupiter copper foil or Miflex may help warm things up for $50 to $100 you don't like it through it in your crossover. If your fuse is stock you could upgrade it. I don't think you can go wrong with Mullard or Valvo. |
I don’t want to modify the preamp. I’ve had it for years and am familiar with its sound. I made the mess changing the tubes. I will be on the road for the next few weeks… Work. When I get home I’ll change back to the 6922eh. I’ll need to get my phono 5 and citation ll sold before buying any more tubes. Flat broke after my recent purchase of used ref phono 3 and new luxman du-6 |
Since you’re thinking about trying Amperex; I have a pair of Navy/USN-CEP 6922s, as shown in the following links, from ’62 and ’64(but- identical construction). You're welcome to try them in your ARC pre(gratis). No risk/no strings. Just review and return, once your curiosity is sated. Their sound, spaciousness and appearance is much like my early Sixties, grey plate and shield, Siemens CCa’s. Just a bit warmer. https://www.tubemuseum.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=AMP-USN-CEP-7308 and: https://www.upscaleaudio.com/products/amperex-7308-vintage-gold-pin More: https://www.tubemonger.com/Amperex_USA_MPs_MINT_NOS_1965_USN_CEP_6922_E88CC_p/625.htm |
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