ohbythebay
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Wait ! This is the Computer/Digital Audio forum. What is Rob doing posting tube rolling here ? Oh..off his meds again, we understand. Not quite.
So recently I posted about my first DAC purchase, the very popular but often not talked about outside of Head-fi Aune T1 Enhanced. The DAC uses a 6922/6DJ8 buffer tube to "sweeten" the analog output. And sweeten it does.
The 6DJ8 family (its a big family) was never intended for use in audio. It was originally made for use in VHF, UHF and medical equipment. That never stopped audiophiles from plugging it in and seeing what it sounds like. I tried a potato once but it didn't;t sound so good.
So along with discovering that this family makes great audio tubes, they also discovered that like other tube families, different makes and types had different sonic qualities. Some of them very special. If you look at Brent Jesse's tube page on this you will also see some of them command some pretty hefty prices which is not to say one can't do better but it gives you an idea of what is perceived as rare and sonically superior.
Being the rascal that I am, even before receiving my stock unit, I was researching and ordering tubes. What I found was most interesting in that these tubes truly have very different sounds and presentation of staging, depth, clarity. So here are some insights. Oh, and the other thing I have discovered(or re-discovered) is that just because a tube sounds awesome on your system, it may sound so so on mine. It really comes down to trial and error coupled with a bit of research. Patience in getting a good price helps also.
The Stock tube - 6922EH - New tube by Electro Harmonix - 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)
For a stock, new design tube, I have to say it has its merits. it has strong gain, very wide soundstage, brings the mid's into focus where they should be. The vocalist is present where they should be and clearly distinct in a 3D sort of way. The bottom is nice, not boomy but the top end, while detailed can be a bit fatiguing. I can say it is like an Audio Technica microline cart that hasn't broken in yet. Vaguely bordering on sibilant in that high upper range - not quite getting there but you almost expect it. For a stock new issue tube, not bad.
Russian Voskhod 6N23P - 1986 vintage - Made for medical use (red tip) - 1 star
Unlike some very good SOVTEK, SVETLANA and others that are sturdy and have a decent sound quality, these were as dull and lifeless as they come. The soundstage was narrow and flat (no depth). I really have nothing positive to say except I am glad I only paid $9.00 for a pair. I'll sell them for $7.00 - any takers ? LOL
Vintage Amperex Tube 6GM8 / ECC86 - With Orange Globe and made in Herleen Holland - 1968 - 4 stars (or maybe 3.8 stars ?)
This is one of the holy grail tubes, hard to find with the globe in this setup. More often it has a bugle boy on it (not BUGLE BOY tubes..long story). They can be expensive and I snagged this for $14.99
It is a fine sounding tube, very holographic with nice highs and mids. It takes the edginess off that was present in the 6922EH but without being rolled off. Bass is very deep...perhaps too deep. I could feel it which was nice but found myself wondering if it was a bit boomy. Certainly would not be describe as tight crisp bass. Sort of made me think my bottom end was replaced with some Cerwin Vega D9's. From what I have heard so far..I would almost (and did) give it 4 stars but more listening with other types move it down to 3. So much for one of the better recommended. This is where system variations truly dictate what is good for whom
6GM8 ECC86 Tube (GE Label marking) made in HOLLAND - Vintage 1963 - 4.25 Stars
This one made my eyes pop. It is not one that was advertised as remarkable, in fact, I don't see a lot of listing for it (Brent J doesn't) but I guess for me it is a best kept secret. From top to bottom, everything was detailed, in the right place with a wide holographic sound stage. The bass is where the Amperex SHOULD have been but was not, the vocals a pure joy as you could hear the vocalist at the mic. Vey nice, clear separation of instruments, nothing munged together. So far, my best tube. One note, it says MADE IN HOLLAND on it (factory lettering) but the CODES say it was made in Hamburg Germany. WWII was over in 1963, right ? LOL
I hope I did not bore anyone with this. The point here is if you are looking for a pretty good quality USB DAC and also want to have some TUBE rolling fun...The AUNE T1 might be for you. Quite inexpensive and makes a fine gift...LOL
So recently I posted about my first DAC purchase, the very popular but often not talked about outside of Head-fi Aune T1 Enhanced. The DAC uses a 6922/6DJ8 buffer tube to "sweeten" the analog output. And sweeten it does.
The 6DJ8 family (its a big family) was never intended for use in audio. It was originally made for use in VHF, UHF and medical equipment. That never stopped audiophiles from plugging it in and seeing what it sounds like. I tried a potato once but it didn't;t sound so good.
So along with discovering that this family makes great audio tubes, they also discovered that like other tube families, different makes and types had different sonic qualities. Some of them very special. If you look at Brent Jesse's tube page on this you will also see some of them command some pretty hefty prices which is not to say one can't do better but it gives you an idea of what is perceived as rare and sonically superior.
Being the rascal that I am, even before receiving my stock unit, I was researching and ordering tubes. What I found was most interesting in that these tubes truly have very different sounds and presentation of staging, depth, clarity. So here are some insights. Oh, and the other thing I have discovered(or re-discovered) is that just because a tube sounds awesome on your system, it may sound so so on mine. It really comes down to trial and error coupled with a bit of research. Patience in getting a good price helps also.
The Stock tube - 6922EH - New tube by Electro Harmonix - 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)
For a stock, new design tube, I have to say it has its merits. it has strong gain, very wide soundstage, brings the mid's into focus where they should be. The vocalist is present where they should be and clearly distinct in a 3D sort of way. The bottom is nice, not boomy but the top end, while detailed can be a bit fatiguing. I can say it is like an Audio Technica microline cart that hasn't broken in yet. Vaguely bordering on sibilant in that high upper range - not quite getting there but you almost expect it. For a stock new issue tube, not bad.
Russian Voskhod 6N23P - 1986 vintage - Made for medical use (red tip) - 1 star
Unlike some very good SOVTEK, SVETLANA and others that are sturdy and have a decent sound quality, these were as dull and lifeless as they come. The soundstage was narrow and flat (no depth). I really have nothing positive to say except I am glad I only paid $9.00 for a pair. I'll sell them for $7.00 - any takers ? LOL
Vintage Amperex Tube 6GM8 / ECC86 - With Orange Globe and made in Herleen Holland - 1968 - 4 stars (or maybe 3.8 stars ?)
This is one of the holy grail tubes, hard to find with the globe in this setup. More often it has a bugle boy on it (not BUGLE BOY tubes..long story). They can be expensive and I snagged this for $14.99
It is a fine sounding tube, very holographic with nice highs and mids. It takes the edginess off that was present in the 6922EH but without being rolled off. Bass is very deep...perhaps too deep. I could feel it which was nice but found myself wondering if it was a bit boomy. Certainly would not be describe as tight crisp bass. Sort of made me think my bottom end was replaced with some Cerwin Vega D9's. From what I have heard so far..I would almost (and did) give it 4 stars but more listening with other types move it down to 3. So much for one of the better recommended. This is where system variations truly dictate what is good for whom
6GM8 ECC86 Tube (GE Label marking) made in HOLLAND - Vintage 1963 - 4.25 Stars
This one made my eyes pop. It is not one that was advertised as remarkable, in fact, I don't see a lot of listing for it (Brent J doesn't) but I guess for me it is a best kept secret. From top to bottom, everything was detailed, in the right place with a wide holographic sound stage. The bass is where the Amperex SHOULD have been but was not, the vocals a pure joy as you could hear the vocalist at the mic. Vey nice, clear separation of instruments, nothing munged together. So far, my best tube. One note, it says MADE IN HOLLAND on it (factory lettering) but the CODES say it was made in Hamburg Germany. WWII was over in 1963, right ? LOL
I hope I did not bore anyone with this. The point here is if you are looking for a pretty good quality USB DAC and also want to have some TUBE rolling fun...The AUNE T1 might be for you. Quite inexpensive and makes a fine gift...LOL
