6N1P vs 6922

[Mordante]

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.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

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.

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.

 

[gadawg]

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

 

[Mordante]

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.

I will have a look to see if I can find an NOS 6922. Do you know any reputable seller in Europe?

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

The 6N1P was not the problem, two Gold Lion 6922 broke in that location. The wording seems a bit strange to me. Since these tubes are not an like for like replacement. Does the 6N23 sound different?

The manual:

 

[gadawg]

The 6N1P was not the problem, two Gold Lion 6922 b

I agree the 6N1P was not the problem. A potential problem was that it sounds like the circuit was designed for the 6N1P and the 6922 is not an exact electrical equivalent as you stated. It works in many circumstances but not always. Depends on how the circuit was designed and if it is truely flexible enough to accept either tube. I've run Gold Lion 6922's for years and not had issues in circuits that were designed for 6922.

The 6N23 is close to a 6922 electrically but again not 100% replacement. In the Lampizator Poseidon for instance the Noval tube section is designed to accept a really wide array of tubes but is voiced with the 6N1P. I tried a variety of 6DJ8/6922 and the 6N23's but at the end of the day ended up staying with the 6N1P as they produced the most natural sound and since it was voiced with that tube type ... probably the most accurate. And yes, the 6N23 has a different sound for sure. If you really want to hear that tube then the ones producted in 1975 are among the best but are expensive and hard to find. Other years of that tube are cheaper and plentiful but aren't as good.

Good luck!

George