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6922 recommendations for ARC PH7

Hi folks,

Looking to roll the tubes in my Audio Research PH7 phono pre. Looking for a recommendation for a 6299 that will extend the top end, midrange and give me a little more airiness without sacrificing the bottom end (Sorta what we are all looking for right lol) 

the  tubes I’m currently using are 4 Electro-Harmonix which sound good but they are a little laid back on the top. Very neutral sound which is a good thing, but want to try something new. My main room is not a very lively room as it is. However after testing the ARC in my living room system which is much more lively room I still am not getting the result I’m after. Dont get me wrong. Not complaining about the sound of the pre at all. I have been wanting to roll the tubes in this piece for some time now if not more than to just experiment with. Just got the itch to try something new. 
Thanks 

-Keith
barnettk
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Hi Keith,
I use an ARC PH3 SE. These are the best but you will not like the price 
https://upscaleaudio.com/collections/preamp-tubes/products/telefunken-cca
These are much more reasonable https://upscaleaudio.com/collections/preamp-tubes/products/electro-harmonix-6922-gold-pin?variant=29...
They are the gold pin Electro-Harmonix. I have the "Kevin's Stash" grade and they have a very clean top end and are also extremely quiet.
I may try these, https://upscaleaudio.com/collections/preamp-tubes/products/siemens-a-frame-e88cc-6922?variant=295304... Fortunately, my unit uses only three tubes. The "Kevin's Stash" grade is $160 per. I continue to argue with myself.
I really think you will be very pleased with the E-H Gold/
fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith
987 posts
 
Following up with mijostyn4's great post, and only if ARC says it is OK, I recommend you take a look at https://upscaleaudio.com/collections/preamp-tubes/products/matsushita-national-pcc88-7dj8
I recently replaced 6922's in my Manley Steelhead with them and could not be happier. 
barnettk OP
410 posts
 
Hi all. Thanks for the much appreciated recommendations. I decided to try the Phillips SQ platinum pins for the first roll. I really wanted to try the telefunkens but $550.00+/tube is a little out of my price point for this experiment. I have read really good things about the Phillips SQ so I’m very interested to see the difference they will make and how I like them. I may try the Siemens also as a comparison. Since I am going to try a couple different brands I can’t afford the price of the Tele’s and buy a couple more brands as well. Hard enough getting she who must be obeyed on board with this as it is. 😂. I will report back and let you know what I think about the Phillips as they will arrive first. 
barnettk OP
410 posts
 
@mijostyn 

Nice. The PH3 is a lovely phono stage. The ph7 uses the same circuit boards and ICs as that unit which was the main upgrade from the ph6. However still not the same machine. However it produces a lovely sound and I really like it.. I only wish it had variable gain. At 57db of gain I can’t use anything less than a 5mv output cartridge. Prob could do 4mv but that’s very limiting in regards to what’s out there. Outside of that I love the unit. Also I have not done the single power rectifier tube upgrade yet. ARC is only taking warranty repairs at the moment. Well check that they are doing upgrades but there is a wait list (I’m on it). So that will also help make things sound even better. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,185 posts
 
where did you source the Phillps from if i might ask ?

i have some Cryo treated Russian Rockets in my RM-4, they are indeed lovely
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