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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
2,612 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
6,206 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
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 
Wow thanks guys, much appreciated!  Telefunken is on my radar and actually would be top of the list except for cost, now I can add Siemens to the hunt.  I had kinda ruled out Gold Lions but maybe I'll reconsider, after all, how do you really know w/o trying?  Also the links are much appreciated, they'll help expand my not-so-vast knowledge of tubes and associated vocabulary. 

My understanding of the Amperex tubes I have is they were made in USA (White Plains NY?) and were destined for military use, as opposed to the Mullards.  But they are not plainly marked to my inexperienced eye.  

And most importantly, I can pass on the BELs and my FOMO is out the window.  

FYI, my reasons for tube rolling are 1) cheaper than equipment rolling 2) improve listening skills 3) easy to make changes when things start to not quite sound right anymore.  Last night I put the Matsushitas back in and was a very happy camper.  We'll see how long they last.

Final question - 
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