2. amps-preamps
  3. 1236288195

Best 6DJ8 tubes?

I have a Carver C-19 pre and SDA/490t cd, both use 6DJ8 tubes. Both units were recently serviced and had Sovtek tubes installed. The tubes in the cd player only have about 10 hrs on them, but the sound isn't nearly as warm as it was before replacing the stock tubes. I was wondering if anyone could recommend the best brand I could use, if 6922's would improve the sound, and the standard burn in time for the new tubes.
skipf
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,969 posts
 
This link will keep you busy for awhile. Don't go crazy trying to find the "perfect" tube. Many factors are involved...

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/faq/joes-tubes.html#6DJ8
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
You may find some interesting reading here: Joe's Tube Lore.

My personal favorite is the Amperex 7308 PQ white label, but it is all system synergy and personal taste dependent. I know others who love the Mullard sound. There is no one right answer for you, just as no one can tell you which interconnect you'll prefer. There is no "Best", you'll just have to figure it out for yourself.

Cheers,
John
newbee
4,767 posts
 
If you are looking for new production tubes (cheap) try JJ's E88CC'S (6922's). They are a fairly warm tube and fairly reliable. The EH 6922 is probably between the Sovtek (which is about as 'cool' as they get) and the JJ tone wise.

I like (use) a couple of NOS's the cheapest of which is the EI 6DJ8 (if you can find any), Tesla E88CC's, Amperex Bugleboys , and Seimans 7308's, but high quaility new, unused versions, are hard to get, expensive, and as John sez, for you they may not be 'best'.
More to discover