Best tubes for ARC LS16 preamp

The LS16 uses four 6922 Sovtek tubes when originally shipped from the factory. This is one of my least favorite tubes among the 6DJ8 / 6922/ 7308 variety.

What type of sound are you looking for? Do you like the tonal balance of your unit with the Sovtek tubes, or would you prefer a more linear, low distortion sound?
Or maybe warmer and more romantic. You could also have very fast with an extended and greater detailed top end.

NOS tubes are capable of providing all of these personalities. Vote on which appeals to you and I will give you suggestions to try out.

Hey Albert, while your at it how about listing some for my LS-15. I'd go with fast, clean top end. I like mostly rock music. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

THANKS FO RTHE RESPONSE,I PREFER A VERY DETAILED HIGH END,LOW DISTORTION WITH A SOUND LEANING TOWARD THE WARM SIDE.HONESTLY DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN BY LINEAR ,I'VE HEARD THE TERM BEFORE ...THANKS

Linear would refer to a very clean, extremely "flat" tonal response with minimal tube warmth. For that sound the US Military Amperex 7308 CEP is one of the most accurate of this design type.

For Joeavid, very detailed high end with low distortion and good warmth, I would try Siemens 6922 Cca with gold pins.

No money would probably do well with the same tube, if the top end is too lacking in warmth for either of you, the Mullard (white dot if possible) 6922 gold pin is what I am running in my preamp. It is not as fast and extended as the Siemens, but warmer like a Telefunken with a more recessed midrange.

thanks for the suggestions ,i just ordered a siemens nos ,the cca was a bit too pricey so i went w/the 70's stock,platinium,acording to joe's tube lore,it'll still be an improvement,thanks

I have an LS-16 with the original factory tubes. Where would you suggest to buy new tubes?

Joeavid...please let us know what differences you notice when you get the new tubes going.

Does anyone have feedback on the AR upgrade ($1095) for the LS-16?

Thanks

I´m also curious to know how the original LS16 stack up to the MKII status.

Thanks,

Just got siemens 6922 e88cc today,gold pins west germany(1960's)...from tube world,a bit pricey @$105 each.Asked my dealer re:upgrade to mk11 status but he hasn't heard it yet,so i'll keep you guys updated...

Thanks for the info Albert. I have a pair of Siemens 6922 E88CC and 6922 CCas at home as well as a pair of Mullards on the way. I can't wait to try them out in my DAC.

Had to return the siemens too noisy and got a hum in my left speaker after a week.Went to vintage tube services,highly recommend you pay a visit or call Andy,the man knows his tubes.bought 4 matsushita tubes,already after r 6 hrs sound better than the siemens.

I rolled my Sovtek 6922's out of my ARCLS16 and put in Siemens NOS 1960 GOLD PIN W.GERMENY...TOO MICROPHONIC WENT BACK TO SOVTEK..BETTER LES NOISY,BETTER BASS AND DETAIL WAS MAYBE NOT AS GOOD BUT ACCEPTABLE.Then went to Matsushita 6dj8 again too noisy,highs were just a bit too edgy,bass ALMOST as good as Sovteks.Will be trying Tesla's & Jann's(price is right)But I have a feeling that the ARC is really made to sound it's best w/the sovteks ...at least on my rig.