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BEL E88CC/6922 tubes - what can I expect?

Lately I've been tube rolling 6922s in the gain stage of my Sonic Frontiers Line 1 preamp, and considering trying the BEL E88CC/6922 from Upscale Audio.  Since Upscale doesn't provide explicit recommendations on tubes and these aren't available other places, I wanted to see if anyone has opinions on these, or maybe there are other tubes I should try?  So far have tried 
-  Svetlana (came with preamp) and these were dull, lifeless.
- Electro Harmonix gold pin - ok but kinda boring compared to others.  Currently using these in input position.
- Amperex white label - fun but a little too tubey.
- Matsushita - I really like these but also a bit too much tubiness over time.
- Mullard - favorite so far, just sound right.
- GE "smokies" - still evaluating.
FOMO is creeping in as it looks like Upscale's inventory is dwindling.  Any opinions?  Other tubes I should try?

System - Thiel 2.3s, Krell KAV amp, SF L1 pre, bel canto 3.7VB DAC, decent room treatments, always think the higher end could get better if less sibilance/reediness.

Thanks!
128x128thosb
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Is Telefunken on your radar OP.. Tough to beat that valve.. I've used E88C/6922 ECC82/12AU7 and ECC83/12AT7. 

Every valve preamp or power amp I've ever used with any of those valves always sounded wonderful. There are a LOT of Tellies branded under other names.. A little research pays big dividends.

Same with Mullard, there are a LOT of other names branded on the valve, but they are 100% Mullard. Amperex for one.

Volvo, Mazda, Hammond, Siemens

Golden Lyon? Serious fan base, good valve for the most part.. The way you're describe valves, GL would be LESS tubey more like a Mullard the way YOUR describing, But Amperex is tubey and it's a Mullard?

There a FEW variance within a brand.. Mullard BIG time..

I mean you are "Rollin on the River"...Might as well run the entire gauntlet.

Have fun
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,597 posts
 
I believe that BEL tubes were part of the Phillips conglomerate made in India.  Here is the Factory Code etched into the glass: V     
 which stand for: Bharat Electronics (Private) Ltd, Bangalore 13, India

You can read about these codes here:
D:\MyFiles\WordPerfect\Philtitle.PDF (pocnet.net)

When I was buying NOS tubes they were not highly regarded, but the only way to know for sure is to try them in your system.

rodman99999
6,159 posts
 
      The only fault I could find with the pair of Amperex USN/CEP 7308, mid 60's, that I tried, was their slightly warm coloration.    Other than that: everything was lovely.

       Seems we may have the same tastes, regarding presentation.

       Try to find a NOS pair of Siemens CCa, grey shields, external date coded, from the late 50's or early 60's.

       If you can locate a pair of E188CCs, of the same description, they offer almost the exact presentation.

                        Bet either would suit your aural palate, to a tee!

        Some history:  https://www.tubemuseum.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SH%5FCCa%5Fsingle

        I found those later CCas, with the internal date codes and silver shields too bright/zingy, for my tastes.

         
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
my recollection on the bel tubes is the same as @tomcy6
philips/amperex set up a plant in india and these were among their production

i never had these, so cannot comment on their s-q

being old stock tubes made under the auspices of one of the major 1st world producers, i would guess they would sound better than modern day 6dj8 equivalents, which are poor sonically
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