Tube rolling

[Gordon Gray]

Hi all,

I haven't had tube gear for some 20 years and recently purchased a CJ ET5 tube preamp.

Decided, after the preamp was broken in, to swap out the factory supplied tube for an EAT ECC88 (6922).

The difference was somewhat shocking in a very positive way.

Absolutely no tube hiss, improved dynamics and mid / low bass definition and punch, better dimensionality, tonality, and imaging. Everything was improved across the board.

Was I lucky or is this more common than I think?

GG

 

[User211]

What were the stock tubes, Gordan?

The EAT KT88 was the best KT88 I ever heard. By no small margin. They cost a fortune though and were very unreliable. In those days they were Tesla Vrsovice.

I really like East European tubes... so I'm not surprised.

 

[Gordon Gray]

Justin,

I looked and could not see any brand markings.

Given my lack of tube knowledge, maybe I wasn't looking in the right place.

Gordon

 

[FoxMulder]

Gordon, what you experienced is pretty common. I've had tube gear for over thirty years and have 4 drawers full of NOS tubes that I have been buying for almost as long. I could probably retire on what these tubes are worth now.

If you really want to drive yourself crazy, you could try some Mullards or Telefunkens or Amperex, or...

The EAT tubes are really good. I have always found that a particular tube will sound different in different gear. It's really about how it is implemented in that circuit.

I had a tube DAC that I must have tried a dozen different tubes in and the tube that sounded the best, sucked in my tube phono stage. Go figure.

I've always told people that I'm a "Mullard" man. They have the best, most glorious midrange of any tube, (IMHO). YMMV.

 

[FoxMulder]

Justin,

I looked and could not see any brand markings.

Given my lack of tube knowledge, maybe I wasn't looking in the right place.

Gordon

They are probably Russian or Chinese.

 

[User211]

They are probably Russian or Chinese.

My money is on Russian.

And why did I spell Gordon Gordan? Those aliens are playing tricks with my mind again:banghead:

 

[Gordon Gray]

Happens all the time my friend.

Probably because I watched many Godzilla versus Gordan (or is it Rodan) Japanese horror movies when I was a kid.

 

[Gordon Gray]

Gordon, what you experienced is pretty common. I've had tube gear for over thirty years and have 4 drawers full of NOS tubes that I have been buying for almost as long. I could probably retire on what these tubes are worth now.

If you really want to drive yourself crazy, you could try some Mullards or Telefunkens or Amperex, or...

The EAT tubes are really good. I have always found that a particular tube will sound different in different gear. It's really about how it is implemented in that circuit.

I had a tube DAC that I must have tried a dozen different tubes in and the tube that sounded the best, sucked in my tube phono stage. Go figure.

I've always told people that I'm a "Mullard" man. They have the best, most glorious midrange of any tube, (IMHO). YMMV.

Hi Fox,

Thanks for the input. I may try a NOS Telefunken CCa variant but with a purported tube life of 10,000 hours on the EAT, this gives me reason to pause.

I'm getting too old to drive myself crazy. That happens enough without me needing to try.

Gordon

 

[jimmybananas]

Gordon is Tube Rolling.

Gordon

“Hello from Boston.”

…Tried to send you this note earlier, instead of “posting it” I believe I actually “deleted it.” …”Oh Boy!”

There's as many questions about tubes as there are tubes on the market. For almost thirty years, I've been a using / rolling tubes; specifically with a control / Pre-amp.

*** Your Home System is Brilliant. "Bravo!" ***

Discovering a specific tube or sound is all the fun. Answers about tubes + manufactures + types are very important: "what makes New-Old-Stock Siemens sound different than a Mullard?" {Both are offer exceptional sound.}

In my travels I have found these particular sites very helpful and thought you might be interested too.

Additionally, I purchase from these sites - they tend to cost a little more but the investment for "Real" product assures me comfort from a bargain that's a counterfeit.

Most important, enjoy the experience + take-your-time and learn about the history. It's all good fun. Indeed!

a.) The Tube Museum. New York. Lots of stuff about tube makers + construction.

https://www.tubemuseum.org

…this is one page about details of Siemens' 6922: very cool.
https://www.tubemuseum.org/SearchResults.asp?Cat=24

b.) UpScale Audio. Los Angeles. Another site to learn the history + background.

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/VacuumTubes/

…this is one page about F.A.Q.
http://www.upscaleaudio.com/tube-faq/

…this is one page with pictures about where they find tubes in Europe.
http://www.upscaleaudio.com/pages/Tube-Hunting-Trips-in-Europe.html

c.) "The Taste of Tubes." Published when Sonic Frontiers was in-the-game. Great History of "The" Tube + Construction + Sound …wickedly cool stuff!

http://archive.anthemav.com/OldSitev1//pdf/taste.pdf

d.) Audio Tubes. Chicago. Brent Jessee Recording & Supply. Perhaps not as "polished" as the names mentioned above, but honestly a great little site with many interesting notes about tube manufactures.

http://www.audiotubes.com/6dj8.htm


Okay Gordon, GO forth and conquer. By-the-way, there are many good sites, I just happen to enjoy these particular ones. Trust you have good adventures.

 

[Gordon Gray]

Hi Jimmy,

Thanks for the kind words and the information.

Upscale Audio seems to be the "go to" place for many tube aficionados.

I found the Telefunken CCa 6922 tube on their site. May purchase but I'm really happy with the EAT.

Best,

Gordon

 

[roberto]

Hola Chicos, and congratulations for your new preamplifier, Gordon. The EAT (European Audio Team) Company is one of the most brilliant tube factory on these days. Here is a brief document where you can see their installation and how they build the tubes...http://www.euroaudioteam.com/c2/downloads/eat-factory-tour-d0029.pdf Happy listening!

 

[twich54]

Great link, thanks for sharing roberto !

Gordon, FWIW, a guy that has never steered me wrong… Jim McShane www.mcshanedesign.net

between Jim, Upscale, and Tube Depot you'll be set !

 

[Gordon Gray]

Thank you Dave.

Thing is, if this tube lasts 10,000 hours or thereabouts, it will likely be the only one I need.

And to you and all my friends on the MLO, Have a great T Day.

Gordon

 

[twich54]

Thing is, if this tube lasts 10,000 hours or thereabouts, it will likely be the only one I need.

understood Gordon, that's why I like working with Jim McShane, his knowledge has saved me a lot of tube rolling and expense. The 10,000 hr signal tubes you speak of do provide that extra bit of detail / sculpture, call it want you want so there's nothing wrong with 'modifying to your own tastes' !

And to you and all my friends on the MLO, Have a great T Day.

Gordon

Same to you Gordon……enjoy the Bird !!

 

[timm]

And isn't turkey more analog than digital? My brother had a good experience with upscale. Kevin seems to be very good at matching what you like to a particular tube. And he will not necessarily push u to the most expensive.