Best small signal tube for a preamp?

After some more testing, I've found the Siemens ECC81 (12AT7) lacked some bass punch with most jazz & rock, and compressed at normal to higher volume levels. As you'd suggested, it may be due to lack of gain with 12AT7 in the ZOE. I put back the 6H30 but it was the same story: too much weight, not much detail, and very noisy. I'm now trying Mullard's ECC88, which is same family as 6922. It's similar to their 12AU7 but more space and midrange resolution, and the gain seems right: I don't need to turn the volume up more than half way.
This leads me to believe that 12AU7 and the 6922 family work best in the ZOE, as their gains seem right in my setup. I'm curious to hear how the Amperex 6922 sounds in this pre, so please do let us know. It seems the US-produced white-labeled PQ is the one audiophiles all over are after.
BTW, my system:
Wadia 830cdp
Technics 1200 tt
Plinius SA100MK3 power amp
Reference 3A Veena speakers

If you haven't heard the Siemens CCa from the '60s(grey plate under getter support),: you haven't heard all the music. The entry price is steep(I had to find three NOS, matched pairs for my BAT VK-D5), but worth every dime. I've had a wide variety of the 6922 family in my ARC pre-amps, California Audio Labs Sigma and Delta DACs, etc. and nothing has come close to the musical realism of this tube. If you are looking for "tube sound", "warmth", euphonics, or sugar coating: don't waste your money. All you'll get through this tube is the pure unadulterated signal.

Rodman99999, I'd love to hear those Siemens in my Cal Sigma/Delta. But, don't they use 12AX7a? :-)

I use 6h23EB's in my BAT (original version - no upsampling). Do you think there is a significant improvement over these when using the Sieman's you mentioned?.

Do you think these Siemens are rugged enuf for an ARC SP10?

Thanks........

Hi Newbee- You got me there!! It's been awhile since I've owned those CAL pieces and I've slept since then. BUT- You're absolutely right, and what I ended up with in there was the Telefunken ECC803S. If you're looking at that family(12AX7) what I said about the CCa applies here as well. I can't imagine ARC running a bias hot enough to shorten the life of a tube as rugged as the CCa(10,000 hrs expected). If they did the units would positively eat lesser tubes. Honestly- I've never listened to 6H23EBs in my VK-D5. I had Siemens E188cc's in it until I could find the three matched pair of CCa's(a pair from Brazil, and two from W Germany). Had to get rid of those original tubes ASAP(don't want to say, "Russian tubes" 'cause the unit itself was designed by one, and I love it). A less expensive experiment would be to try 6 E188cc's in there. If they are more musical: remember that the CCa's will be another magnitude of improvement. I don't believe you'd be disappointed at any rate. Even after going through finding three matched pairs and at the cost of entry! Happy listening!

Hey- Weren't the 6H23's what came in the VK-D5? If so- I guess I DID listen to them, and started tube tasting right away. One more thing: If you shop for those CCa's make certain you're looking at tubes from the 60's. They have a dull grey plate under the getter support. The ones from the 70's have a shiney plate and will sizzle your ear hairs(of course- some would call that, "detailed")! I you make the switch- You won't be shopping for another CD player for a long time.