6922 not 6H30 Based CD Palyer

Not to drift off topic, but reading the description you give I have to ask. Are you running the Counterpoint SA11 out of the buffer outputs or direct? Have the NP-100 mono blocks been updated?

Also, what output tubes are in the Counterpoint, particularly the final stage octals.

I just got a Cayin SCD-50T. It uses two 6922s and a 12au7. I am using some Soviet NOS 6922s and a Mullard long plate 12au7 (or Telefunken smooth plate). I like the Soviet tubes a bit more than Amperex PQ's in this piece. The stock EH tubes do not sound very good to me.

CD output is lovely, and SACD is unreal. I listened to the Heifitz/Reiner RCA Beethoven violin concerto. I have listened to that performance over several decades in many formats including excellent vinyl. But I have never heard the level of nuance that I hear on the SACD. You may find yourself scouring the web for cheap deals on SACD versions of you favorite recording. All of that without solid state edge and gain, but with excellent resolution.

Cayin built quality is beyond reproach - although I am not that crazy about the transport that they chose (Sony) for this piece. It has a rather high mechanical noise level. No doubt you can tweak caps if you feel the need.

Anyway, you can get one used for < $1000. It is worth a try.

Hi Albertporter,

I used direct output from SA-11 and CV1988 tubes for the fully upgraded NP-100.

Thanks!

Otto