Best tubes for ARC LS16 preamp

I HAVE A LS16 PAIRED WITH HE ARC 100.2,WHAT WOULD BE A SIGNIFICANT TUBE UPGRADE OVER THE SOVTEKS SUPPLIED W/THE LS16?

joeavid04-09-2002 2:03am

albertporter Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,949 posts 04-09-2002 at 03:58am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete 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.
albertporter Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,949 posts 04-09-2002 at 06:45pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete 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.