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Tube Recommendations Please

I use an Audio Research PH5 phono preamp.  It is the only tube gear in my system, and I am far from an expert in tube electronics.  I've had the preamp for at least a decade, and I am feeling it's probably getting to be time to replace its four 6922 tubes.  The problem is that I don't know how to go about selecting from among the various brands that I see online, including Amperex, Telefunken, Electro-Harmonix, etc.  Can anyone suggest tubes that will be quiet, reliable, and provide both midrange warmth and a tight, extended presentation in the high and low ends?  Yes, I want it all ...

FYI, the rest of my system is VPI 'table, Lyra Delos cartridge, Ayre Acoustics amplification, Vandersteen 5A speakers, with all cabling from Audioquest. 

Thanks for any advice, and happy listening!  

dawgfish
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,583 posts
 

Many of the "NOS" that are sold are pulls.   Be careful who you buy them from.  With ARC gear I would probably buy them from ARC.   Gold Lion 6922 are great when you get quiet ones.   As others have said , Brent Jessee is a trusted source.  Tube Museum out of NYC is also.   He has a bunch of NOS 6922, not cheap but premium tubes.

I have a whole box of tubes that were "NOS" , and I say were NOS because once I bought a tube tester I found a number of them that were not well balanced or barely strong enough to call NOS.    

There are a lot of self proclaimed Tube Dealers out there , be careful.

bgross's avatar
bgross
532 posts
 

Yeah, these came from an estate of fabulous vintage audio gear. The Tungsrams I'm speaking about are in boxes that had never been opened... until I popped out two and put them in my linestage. The gentleman was stashing them away for himself and or I'd guess his closest audio friends. Anyway, have made many purchases from all the most reputable dealers. I can test tubes myself so I know exactly what I'm buying once I get them home. Have never been let down. Felt like sharing an incredible tube experience. Thought I had climbed the 12ax7 ladder to the top. I was wrong... always one more rung  


   

 

 

wolf_garcia
6,898 posts
 

Viva tubes...I bet Audio Research charges way too much for not so special tubes  because, hey, they can. Viva sells "vetted" tubes at some of the best prices.

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