Telefunken vacuum tube E88CC-TK; NOS versus brand new.

op

https://www.adorama.com/tfe88cctkq.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw8-78BRA0EiwAFUw8LK11bf0-Cy4Geg8n2lXvcYvr-x5tG5...

^^^^^what you bought -- it is a gold pin sovtek/electroharmonix made russian tube

https://tubedepot.com/products/electro-harmonix-6922-eh-gold-pin-preamp-vacuum-tube?gclid=CjwKCAjw8-...

^^^^^ same same - probably one of the best modern 6dj8 types... certainly well qc’d at the plant so as to justify the price

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just so you know op - a real german made tele small signal tube will have a 4-seamed top and usually a diamond mark on the glass circle at the bottom of the glass envelope inside the 9 pins

https://www.tubemonger.com/Telefunken_E88CC_6922_MINT_NOS_NIB_1968_ULM_Diamon_p/1190.htm

To anyone's knowledge, are there counterfit TFKs with the diamond stamped in the glass on the bottom of the tube, or can one assume that if the diamond shape is there, we have a genuine TFK?  Seems to me by now someone must have copied it, so you can never be sure what you have.  In my case, I have ECC83s that I personally bought new in the mid-1970s.  Only because of that, I am fairly confident they are real.

Lew, I believe the Telefunken diamond is unique. It's too difficult to fake. Most fakes are in the lettering and logos.

I want to thank everyone for their input; you guys have really added to my knowledge of vacuum tubes.


As good as these tubes sound, the first thing I'm going to do Monday is order another matched pair and hope I luck out again.

When people who know more than I do, take the the time to answer my questions, I want them to know how much I appreciate their help. It irks me that after knowledgeable people take the time to answer questions, some folks don't even say thanks. I'm not one of those; THANKS !

noromance, I agree and that is what every knowledgeable and reputable vendor has told me. 

NOS TFK’s (<>), whether 6DJ8 variants, 12AT7 or 12AX7 have been my favorite input/driver tubes for as long as I can remember. IN MY GEAR they have always sounded the most naturally textured, extended, dynamic, you name it as compared to NOS German Siemens, Amperex (USA, Holland) and other highly regarded tubes; not to mention modern tubes. I have not tried the very recent crop of East European or Chinese tubes, but for whatever it may be worth I have not tried a modern 6DJ8 variant that has come close according to my tastes. A beautiful sounding tube.

Orpheus-10, I have a beautiful pair of genuine TFK (<>) E88CC that I am not using and is NOT for sale that you are welcome to try and compare. (you pay ship/ins). Might answer your questions. PM me if interested.