6922 Preamp Tube Recommendations

I used 6H23NEB in my AI Modulus 3B 6922 based preamp.  I absolutely loved them but they don’t come cheap any more.   

For new production tubes getting close to a Cca is somehow difficult, close or better than Cca can be found only in old production tubes, like Siemens E188cc A frame, Tele Cca, Mullard CV2493, Tesla E88cc gold grid,  Reflektor 6n23p SWG.

Extended and lush are Amperex Holland E88cc, E188cc, Amperex USA, Siemens E188cc, Mullard CV2492 dimple disc, Brimar gold grid, All of them old ones.

E188cc/7308 is a more quiet tube but generally tubes in this family can become easily noisy.

New production, the Golden Lions are warm and reasonably extended but not close to Dutch/British, German or USA tubes.

Russian NOS alternatives are more linear in presentation, extended with great bass, are quiet, more robust and depending on production years they can surpass anything out there at a lower cost. Though lately their prices have gone up considerably due to demand for the better ones. 

6n23p-ev is an alternative for sweet sound, though this tube is not exactly the same as a E88CC, but is ultra quiet and can take a lot of punishment. Still it is older stock and not current production but can be found easier.

     Bite the bullet and find a nice pair of Amperex USN or USN-CEP 6922/7308s, from the 50's or early 60's.

                                      They're not all that salty!

      If you can mix one with a Siemens in each channel; you'll experience the warmth you seek, without any soupiness, or blocking of the air/clarity you enjoy from the E88CC/CCa.

                                          Been there/done that*

      They were supposedly built for quiet operation, but: destined for a preamp, I'd be certain they're tested for noise anyway.

       The Russian Rocket tubes were supposed be dazzlers, but: good luck finding the rare, good years at anything reasonable.

       I'd just be surprised if you can secure something currently in production, that doesn't sully the sound of your Siemens/system.   

                                       *ditto: Duelunds, etc 

                         pet60 must type faster than I do!

Thank you @stereo5 , @petg60 , @rodman99999 , for making excellent suggestions! I’d like to try out the Amperex E88CC and 6N23P-EV. 

Mazda 7308 French Military 

rodman99999 no way, i have to check twice what i write.

rodman99999 no way, i have to check twice what i write.

                                           ONLY TWICE???

                                              Must be nice!

Decware Steve thinks highly of  these tubes as well as others.  I have not purchased any.  They are above my price point for new tubes and I have always preferred NOS. I prefer French made Dario Miniwatt / Mazda E188CC or Dutch Amperex E188CC/7308 in my DAC.

All good recommendations.

Perhaps the best sounding are the BEL E88CC gold pins - circa 1969 - part of Philips disaster recovery plan by having a plant in India (all parts still Philips).  Give one the best of the Siemens and Amperex.  Warmth, dynamics, extension, etc.