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BEL E88CC/6922 tubes - what can I expect?

Lately I've been tube rolling 6922s in the gain stage of my Sonic Frontiers Line 1 preamp, and considering trying the BEL E88CC/6922 from Upscale Audio.  Since Upscale doesn't provide explicit recommendations on tubes and these aren't available other places, I wanted to see if anyone has opinions on these, or maybe there are other tubes I should try?  So far have tried 
-  Svetlana (came with preamp) and these were dull, lifeless.
- Electro Harmonix gold pin - ok but kinda boring compared to others.  Currently using these in input position.
- Amperex white label - fun but a little too tubey.
- Matsushita - I really like these but also a bit too much tubiness over time.
- Mullard - favorite so far, just sound right.
- GE "smokies" - still evaluating.
FOMO is creeping in as it looks like Upscale's inventory is dwindling.  Any opinions?  Other tubes I should try?

System - Thiel 2.3s, Krell KAV amp, SF L1 pre, bel canto 3.7VB DAC, decent room treatments, always think the higher end could get better if less sibilance/reediness.

Thanks!
thosb
rodman99999
6,207 posts
 
      The only fault I could find with the pair of Amperex USN/CEP 7308, mid 60's, that I tried, was their slightly warm coloration.    Other than that: everything was lovely.

       Seems we may have the same tastes, regarding presentation.

       Try to find a NOS pair of Siemens CCa, grey shields, external date coded, from the late 50's or early 60's.

       If you can locate a pair of E188CCs, of the same description, they offer almost the exact presentation.

                        Bet either would suit your aural palate, to a tee!

        Some history:  https://www.tubemuseum.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SH%5FCCa%5Fsingle

        I found those later CCas, with the internal date codes and silver shields too bright/zingy, for my tastes.

         
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,926 posts
 
my recollection on the bel tubes is the same as @tomcy6
philips/amperex set up a plant in india and these were among their production

i never had these, so cannot comment on their s-q

being old stock tubes made under the auspices of one of the major 1st world producers, i would guess they would sound better than modern day 6dj8 equivalents, which are poor sonically
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
206 posts
 
Wow thanks guys, much appreciated!  Telefunken is on my radar and actually would be top of the list except for cost, now I can add Siemens to the hunt.  I had kinda ruled out Gold Lions but maybe I'll reconsider, after all, how do you really know w/o trying?  Also the links are much appreciated, they'll help expand my not-so-vast knowledge of tubes and associated vocabulary. 

My understanding of the Amperex tubes I have is they were made in USA (White Plains NY?) and were destined for military use, as opposed to the Mullards.  But they are not plainly marked to my inexperienced eye.  

And most importantly, I can pass on the BELs and my FOMO is out the window.  

FYI, my reasons for tube rolling are 1) cheaper than equipment rolling 2) improve listening skills 3) easy to make changes when things start to not quite sound right anymore.  Last night I put the Matsushitas back in and was a very happy camper.  We'll see how long they last.

Final question - 
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
206 posts
 
Final question - this might be too SF pre specific, but is it worth to put high quality tubes in all six positions?
rodman99999
6,207 posts
 
     Imagine yourself watching an HD video, through three lenses per eye.

     How many dirty lenses are you willing to tolerate?

     A very subjective question.
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