2. amps-preamps
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BEL E88CC/6922 tubes - what can I expect?

Lately I've been tube rolling 6922s in the gain stage of my Sonic Frontiers Line 1 preamp, and considering trying the BEL E88CC/6922 from Upscale Audio.  Since Upscale doesn't provide explicit recommendations on tubes and these aren't available other places, I wanted to see if anyone has opinions on these, or maybe there are other tubes I should try?  So far have tried 
-  Svetlana (came with preamp) and these were dull, lifeless.
- Electro Harmonix gold pin - ok but kinda boring compared to others.  Currently using these in input position.
- Amperex white label - fun but a little too tubey.
- Matsushita - I really like these but also a bit too much tubiness over time.
- Mullard - favorite so far, just sound right.
- GE "smokies" - still evaluating.
FOMO is creeping in as it looks like Upscale's inventory is dwindling.  Any opinions?  Other tubes I should try?

System - Thiel 2.3s, Krell KAV amp, SF L1 pre, bel canto 3.7VB DAC, decent room treatments, always think the higher end could get better if less sibilance/reediness.

Thanks!
thosb

Showing 2 responses by tomcy6

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,623 posts
 
I believe that BEL tubes were part of the Phillips conglomerate made in India.  Here is the Factory Code etched into the glass: V     
 which stand for: Bharat Electronics (Private) Ltd, Bangalore 13, India

You can read about these codes here:
D:\MyFiles\WordPerfect\Philtitle.PDF (pocnet.net)

When I was buying NOS tubes they were not highly regarded, but the only way to know for sure is to try them in your system.

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,623 posts
 
thosb, If you don’t want to take the time to become an expert on tubes, the manufacturer is usually the best source of information and they are usually willing to talk about tube rolling with owners, even if you bought the gear used.

An alternative is to talk to a tube seller who has the approval of most ’goners who have dealt with them. A couple who regularly get high marks are:

Andy Bouwman of Vintage Tube Services

Vintage Tube Services | Tubes you can trust! Providing vintage audio tubes (new old stock) to audiophiles around the world. Celebrating 28 years of technical knowledge, experience, expertise, and tubes you can trust. For a free phone consultation call 616.454.3467.

Brent Jessee

BRENT JESSEE RECORDING HOMEPAGE (audiotubes.com)

Both of these guys will be happy to talk to you. Andy can be hard to get ahold of and can be slow in getting your tubes out from time to time, but he’s very knowledgeable and has great tubes. Many people swear by Andy. Brent is usually quicker and also has great tubes and service.
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