Depends upon what the tube is doing in the DAC. If it is supplying gain, then yes you'll hear "a difference". What sort of difference is impossible to say without knowing the circuit and even then it would be a guess. If the tube is just acting as a cathode follower that drives the downstream linestage or amplifier, then the difference afforded by different tubes would be much less profound or maybe not noticeable. Are you sure the 6DJ8 is electrically compatible with a WE396A and/ or a 5670? I am totally unfamiliar with the latter two tube types. There's more to tube replacements than just having a correct adapter.
Rolling Mullard 6DJ8 into GE 5670 Application
I have a Maverick Audio TubeMagic D2 DAC that has the three op amps upgraded to Sparkos Labs discrete SS3602 and I currently have a 1950s Western Electric 396A tube in it. I just ordered an adapter that will allow me to install a 1960s Mullard 6DJ8. I use the Mullard tubes in my Pathos Classic One MkIII and love the resulting sound, so I'm curious what the result will be in the DAC. The Western Electric 396A replaced the GE 5670 that came with the DAC as an upgrade option.
Anyone have any idea what I might expect to hear?
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https://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_5670.html 5670, premium model of 2C51, was introduced in 1946 and its successor was 6922 but it is not entirely the same tube. Some people though claim it sounds better than a 6922.
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I would ask the manufacturer or the distributor before I would ask here. I recently considered a different brand tube DAC that ran the same tube. I searched on line and saw the adapter and the recommended 5670 replacement tube. In my situation the E88CC was not compatible nor was the 6DJ8. Also in rolling that value tube ( I have a significant stash of nos ), the Mullard was dark and veiled and not to my liking. I realize YMMV , but I had better results with Tekefunken, Siemens CCA, Tungsram, and Tesla. Even the better Russian tubes beat the Mullard. I have dabbled with Rogue gear and they recommend Mullard, but it’s generally used to tame a harsh sound. Although the premium NOS Mullards are well received. But I’d really verify compatibility as I guess it’s not. Also in searching that topic the Westinghouse did seem to be the most poplar substitute. And the price is reasonable. Finding and buying premium medical grade Telefunkens is expensive and ugly these days. I worship my black coated G73-R’s . And I really do like Mullards for a rectifier or power tube. Happy Listening, Mike B. |
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