Russian Tubes or Old "American" Tubes (built where ever)?


Currently I have Aperex ECC88 tubes in a CJ 17 LS pre-amp and a backup set of Russian electro-harmonix 6922EH tubes for the pre-amp. The Aperex tubes are failing. The amps are solid state Mac 601's

What type of tubes (manufacturers/time period) would you guys recommend? Are the Russian tubes any good? Buying legacy tubes from 50 years ago gets expensive. I'm looking for a great price/performance ratio, but I lean toward performance. Do the Russian Tubes compete with the old tubes or should I "bite the bullet"?

I know folks can get passionate about this - I'm not an idiot; I would like to hear some experienced opinions about the relative merit of various tubes for this particular pre-amp. I'll then go check my budget (in secret - I'm married).

Thanks.
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Showing 2 responses by marco1

Based upon my personal experience with my Premier 16, you should either consider the Telefunken 7DJ8 (they are the 7 volt version of the 6DJ8), or other NOS 7DJ8's.  Check Upscale Audio.  None of the Russian tubes IMO even come close.
Should have said that the 7dj8 can sound just as good their 6 volt counterpart and they can be had for 1/2 the cost.  They worked particuarily well in my P16 and will work in your 17 as well.  Never had a russian tube in my unit that even came close. For an additional investment of $30-$40 a tube (x4 tubes) over new russian tubes you'll be very happy.