6N1P vs 6922

M

Mordante

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Jan 5, 2017
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Leyden
In the output stage of my pre-amplifier (Octave OUT 3 output module: XLR direct drive). There is 1 tube. In the manual it says:

6N1 tubes Amplifier tubes only for regulated output. Also available
under designations 6N23, ECC88, and 6922.

When I bought the amp it came with a Russian 6N1P as far as I can tell. The Russian is difficult to read. I have tried Gold Lion 6922 in that location, but twice the Gold Line broke after a while. If I remember correctly heavy distortion and 1 channel dropping out. The 6N1P never gave issues.

I am not very familiar with tube rolling and I have a feeling that this tube doesn't have a big impact on the sound. But can anyone explain me why the Gold Lions broke and what would be a good tube for that location. The 6N1P-EV seems like an option.
 
Mordante said:
In the output stage of my pre-amplifier (Octave OUT 3 output module: XLR direct drive). There is 1 tube. In the manual it says:

6N1 tubes Amplifier tubes only for regulated output. Also available
under designations 6N23, ECC88, and 6922.

When I bought the amp it came with a Russian 6N1P as far as I can tell. The Russian is difficult to read. I have tried Gold Lion 6922 in that location, but twice the Gold Line broke after a while. If I remember correctly heavy distortion and 1 channel dropping out. The 6N1P never gave issues.

I am not very familiar with tube rolling and I have a feeling that this tube doesn't have a big impact on the sound. But can anyone explain me why the Gold Lions broke and what would be a good tube for that location. The 6N1P-EV seems like an option.
Click to expand...

Some people call the 6N1P a 'super tube'. Most are all NOS and very rugged tubes for sure. Not the most refined sound but not bad either.

If those are modern production GL's you tried, not there is not a single new production tube made that compares to vintage tubes (generally speaking) in terms of life span, quality, robustness, etc.

Assuming there is nothing wrong with your amp and it really can handle a 6922, I would try an inexpensive vintage 6922 and see if it lasts.
 
Something to keep in mind is that if the pre-amp was voiced specifically for the 6N1P while a 6922 may work, it may no longer sound like it was intended. The 6N1P is lower gm, higher rp, and behaves more like a rugged, warmer tube so again if it was voiced for that warmer sounding tube a 6922 may just be a bit too much.

For what its worth I've had good luck putting 6N23 in circuits where a 6N1P started out from a reliability stand point but in the end I've ended up going back to the 6N1P in those situaations as even the 6N23 was a bit much in that circuit .. again YMMV.

Good luck

George
 
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