2. amps-preamps
  3. 159694-100164

Balanced Audio Technology MK-30 tubes. Alternative to Sovtek 6922

I just picked up a MK-30, that had been checked out at BAT in 2017 with a clean bill of health. Receipt says "clean and clear".

But on my efficient Tekton Moabs, the tube noise is very audible at the listening position. So much so, I can not use this preamp. I am debating on just reselling it, or trying new tubes to see if the noise goes away or at least down. The Sovtek 6922s are now hard to find from any reputable source, what is a good alternative. I don't need the best fanciest NOS tubes, just a good solid performer.

Any suggestions?
128x128brad1138
jond's avatar
jond
5,851 posts
 
If you just want to retube fairly inexpensively something like Electro-Harmonix gold pins would work. I would also suggest getting them from a good dealer, I use Upscale Audio and springing for their highest graded lowest noise tubes.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,902 posts
 
Buy the Gold Lion 6922, sure Genelex never even made a 6922 but it is a great tube .   When using a single dual triple make sure you get one that the triodes are matched.   This is important if you are using a pre , dac, headphone amp with a single 6922

I agree with Jond, buy a tube from a reputable source that matches tubes like upscale or jim mcshane or brent jessee.....

I had a Gold Lion in my c-j Classic 2SE which is tough on lesser tubes... that GL is three years old, still quiet.   By luck I came across a few Reflector Rocket logo 6h23 en tubes and that is the only reason I pulled it.   The Glod Lion is the best modern 6922 in many peoples opinion.   I love the tone of the JJ 6922 but I experienced short life, less than 6 months... so it is Gold Lion when I buy a preamp or phone 6922.   I use standard EH 6922 in my amps phase splitter and they last forever in that position.  But there are a number of pres that push that tube hard and you need GL or a Pcc88 which has a 7v heater so it can take the punishment a little better.
brad1138's avatar
brad1138 OP
72 posts
 
Thanks,
My worry is the tubes won’t solve the issue, and I will be out more money. From Upcale Audio, there are 3 options; Gold, Platinum and Kevin’s Stash. Which would you go with?
Some in another discussion are saying it could be dirty power that the tubes are sensitive to, but none of my other stuff is. My systems are dead silent (aside from this). I have tried the MK-30 in both my top 2 systems, same prob. Other equipment, PS Audio, Mark Levinson, Moon...etc.
More to discover