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Difference between ECC88 and E88CC Tubes?

Hi! Could someone explain the differences between these two tubes (if any)? I'm thinking of changing the tubes in my headphone amplifier (Musical Fidelity X-CANs V2) which has a couple of JAN/Phillips E88CC tubes. I want to try Amperex tubes but they sell two models, 6DJ8/ECC88-BB and 6922/E88CC-BB. I don't know anything about tubes, so any help on this matter would be very appreciated. For reference you can find the data sheets of these tubes at http://catalog.rell.com/rellecom/home/cat_home.asp
just type 'tubes' within the 'Keyword' field, click 'Go', enter to 'Tubes,Audio/Receiving' and select 'Amperex' within the Brand field and click on 'Search'.
Thanks a lot in advance.
Jorge
jorge_err

Showing 1 response by chrisgarrett

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chrisgarrett
17 posts
 
Since you have the data sheets handy, you'll see that the 6DJ8/ECC88 is slightly lower in MU than its brothers the 6922/E88CC and 7308/E188CC (which are identical I believe.)

For the most part, you'll be able to use all three tubes and each designation has its good and bad. Be careful that you check for microphonics first (ask) as a noisey tube is not fun. This family is prone to it.

Ed gives good advice re: Richardson Electronics and you really need to be careful about paying top dollar for new production garbage.

Go to WWW.AudioAsylum.com and look for Joe's Tube Lore in the FAQ section. He gives a pretty comprehensive subjective evaluation on what to look for physically in a tube and what he hears. While it's not absolute, it's a nice primer course.

Good luck, Chris
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