I will say on the subject of Gold Lion 6922's I retubed my preamp with them and found them to be too bright. I love the Gold Lion KT77 but with the 6922's I ended up taking one pair out. My preamp uses 6 tubes, I rolled in a pair of Matsushita 7dj8's in first position and ran with that and 4 Gold Lions and it was perfect. As always YMMV.
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?
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?
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- 15 posts total
Thanks @jond I have decided to gamble and order new tubes, and hope that fixes it. And I might as well get tubes I want to keep. I'll probably go with the Gold Lions "kevins stash" and cryo. If they are too bright, I will follow your suggestion. But "too bright" may be fine for my aging ears... :) Also, I have an email in to BAT, waiting to hear back. I may just call them tomorrow. |
Well, new tubes fixed the "tube noise issue", but revealed an intermittent crackling in the right channel. Excuse me while I go bang my head against the wall..... The seller actually left a receipt in the box that shows it was in for service at BAT in 2017 for EXACT same issue, but BAT could not reproduce problem.... The guy I bought it from bought it from the guy who had sent it into service. The crackling is similar in volume to just under a normal talking volume... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWGGgaXMhd4 |
- 15 posts total