Driver Tubes 6922


I've heard a few people opining that the driver tube can be the most important tube.

Why is this?

What do you look for in a 6922?

What differences might I expect to hear replacing my modern GL e88cc with an expensive NOS 6922?

Any recommendations for a 6922  based on actual experience?

 

Thanks

 

TD

 

128x128tonydennison

@tonydennison 
Just my take using them in 2 Amps, phono pre and a second DAC.
So many…so little time and $…Cheers!

12AX7

RCA ‘50-60’s long blackplates (fav)

Mullard 50’s-60’s long plates (close 2nd)

Sylvania ‘50-60’s long blackplates

Amperex 50-60’s long plates or early short plates with large O getter

Telefunken smooth or ribbed plates (less warm)

12AT7

Mullard ‘50’s square getter (fav but rare)

RCA and Raytheon 50-60’s black plates

Brimar 50-60’s Yellow(rare) or white T series

Tungsram or Telefunken (less warm)

 

 

OK guys, Im going to give this NOS a try.

I what you opinion on where I should get the biggest impact to prove to myself one way or the other the value of NOS to me.

Options for first purchase are:

1- 12AT7's in Line Pre

2- 12Ax7's inputs for monoblocks

3- 6922's drivers for monoblocks

 

Thanks for your opinions.

And @tksteingraber , do you have any thoughts on Ken Rad?

I just ordered 2 RCA Blackplate 1950's AT7's for the pre.

 

If it goes well, I will find some AX7's, and so forth.

 

Thanks guys,

TD

@tonydennison Kentucky Radio made some excellent tubes.  I had ‘50’s 12ax7 blackplates.  They sound excellent but harder to fine and can be pricey.  I prefer the RCA over them.  Ken Rad made some pewter plates in the 50’s that are even better but I never had any. Ken Rad was bought by GE so GE 12ax7 grayplates from early 60’s are really nice and an exceptional value if cost is a concern.

The order of best impact for me would be the order you listed but all are important.  Cheers!