Thanks to all, particularly EBM-so gracious!
I believe the Matsushita 7DJ8 is simply a nicer tube than those spec'd by Manley which were JAN Philips 6922's. Before buying a brand new ARC Ref 6 from a local AD I had an Audioprism Mantissa preamp for over 12 years and did a ton of tube rolling with it. In my experience the JAN is a polite solid 6922, an all-rounder and a good choice by Manley. In my system the 7DJ8 provides a bump up. Greater air, extension, and palpable grip. Not warmer per se but more meat on the bones.
I believe the Matsushita 7DJ8 is simply a nicer tube than those spec'd by Manley which were JAN Philips 6922's. Before buying a brand new ARC Ref 6 from a local AD I had an Audioprism Mantissa preamp for over 12 years and did a ton of tube rolling with it. In my experience the JAN is a polite solid 6922, an all-rounder and a good choice by Manley. In my system the 7DJ8 provides a bump up. Greater air, extension, and palpable grip. Not warmer per se but more meat on the bones.