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My "ah-ha" moment with NOS tubes...

I was just about to give up on a recent tube amp purchase (Conrad Johnson Premier 140).

First I started with new Tungsol 6550's, Sovtek 6H30's & a NOS Amperex Orange label 6922 input tube. The sound was "ok" but not as good as my previous McIntosh MC275 MKV.

Next I tried changing the 6922 signal tube to a Telefunken labeled Siemens. The highs opened up, albeit glassy and bright and the bass was lacking.

Next I replaced the Tungsol 6550's with SED 6550's. Changes, yes, but not necessarily better or worse... just different.

The "AH-HA!" moment came when I put in a Amperex PQ 7308 signal tube. Gone were the bright, glassy highs. The sound was full bodied, liquid and smooth with robust bass & mids.

I'm happy... lesson learned!
128x128pdreher

Showing 2 responses by pdreher

pdreher's avatar
pdreher OP
1,184 posts
 
Samhar - I'm not sure if my Amperex is the Holland or US version... if I where to guess, I think it's the US version but would have to unscrew the tube cage to confirm.
Since your recommendation on the Reflector 6H30P-DR tubes, I've done a little searching on the web, but they don't appear to be readily available... and supposedly, there some frauds out there. Besides, at $300 a tube and the risk of getting a fake, I think I'll pass.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher OP
1,184 posts
 
check that... I've confirmed mine are the Holland version Amperex 7308 PQ's.
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