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6922 recommendations for ARC PH7

Hi folks,

Looking to roll the tubes in my Audio Research PH7 phono pre. Looking for a recommendation for a 6299 that will extend the top end, midrange and give me a little more airiness without sacrificing the bottom end (Sorta what we are all looking for right lol) 

the  tubes I’m currently using are 4 Electro-Harmonix which sound good but they are a little laid back on the top. Very neutral sound which is a good thing, but want to try something new. My main room is not a very lively room as it is. However after testing the ARC in my living room system which is much more lively room I still am not getting the result I’m after. Dont get me wrong. Not complaining about the sound of the pre at all. I have been wanting to roll the tubes in this piece for some time now if not more than to just experiment with. Just got the itch to try something new. 
Thanks 

-Keith
barnettk

Showing 4 responses by petg60

petg60
1,486 posts
 
6n23p Voskhods Rocket logo, 1974-1979 period, earlier the better, you will not look back for other NOS, and are more economic than western alternatives. Fit and forget, simply they are not sounding like hifi and have a better musical flow, and are quiet.
Prices have gone up but they worth it, only thing to find a is a good vendor.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Philips had factories everywhere.
Holland made tubes, were branded as Philips, Philips Miniwatt, Amperex, Dario, RT, Mazda...and having the triangle sign etched at bottom of tube, including tube type and manufacturing dates, noted that they were manufactured at Heerlen factory in Holland. All were the same tube, having the SQ logo or not. In fact some Holland made ones, were branded Amperex, had the PQ logo, that was used for the ones made in USA and having the * sign etched instead.
India made tubes under licence for Mullard, BEL factory same tooling, different etched codes.
So to be sure always check what the etched codes are for finding out which factory they were coming from.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
@barnettk, you will be amazed of the sound difference between a Holland E88CC and a 6922 USA, same year, both made with sane tooling.
For sure both are good tubes but my preference are the Dutch ones for a single reason. They do not become noisy so quickly compared to their USA cousins. 
@jjss49 i totally agree that tubes are not created equally and testing is required for all these old tubes.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
@barnettk, yes they used the same tooling in manufacturing, but they have sonic differences as all Philips tubes made around the world. When having the chance make the comparison yourself, you may find that you prefer more one from another, but as i said they are both good tubes, so you cannot go wrong with either of them. Upscale is doing a very good job and you do not have to change vendor since you are pleased with them, i would not do it either.
Happy tube hunting.



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