@larryi They are ECC 801S. Clearly labeled with the Telefunken logo. I assume they are legit, but they aren't the $2000 pair that you mentioned.
Do vacuum tube test values reflect sound quality?
I recently ordered a pair of output tubes to try in my LTA MicroZOTL preamp. Two Sylvania 6SN7WGT tubes, Gold Brand. I’ve had good luck with Sylvania 12sn7gt bad boy tubes, so I thought I’d give them a try.
After I bought them, I saw a similar pair for more money that had slightly higher test values. Does that mean they might sound better or that they just have more life left? What properties do you look for in tubes?
Below are the values of the tubes that I bought.
Tubes are matched for dynamic gain and structure, testing at 3000-2750 and 3000-2750 where pass/fail is 1625 micromho. They have the same structure inside and out, having matching date codes of "922", the 22nd week of 1959
Showing 8 responses by sls883
@lewm Thank you. So, would it be better if the 3000 and 2750 values were more closely matched? The two tubes match each other closely which I assume is good. |
@elliottbnewcombjr I've tried several different input tubes as well as output tubes. I can hear noticeable differences. I'm pretty set on Telefunken ECC801S for input tubes. Siemens ECC801S being a close second. I hadn't tried very many different output tubes until recently. I now have a couple of pairs that work well. I just thought I'd try something different for grins. |
@lewm @larryi Thank you for the replies. The Telefunken came with my LTA which I bought used. The seller seems to be knowledgeable about tubes. He paid $375 for the Telefunken tubes. He's a straight shooter, so I believe that to be correct. But, as far as my knowledge, I'm no expert with tubes. I'm learning. I buy from sellers that have lots of feedback and specialize in tubes. I guess I rely on their expertise and honesty.
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@larryi You made me curious, so I pulled one. There is a diamond on the glass bottom. |
@donavabdear LOL. I'm probably close to 30. I have ten 6922 tubes that I bought for a c-j preamp that ended up having issues and I returned it. Found a set that liked (four + 1 extra), so I bought five more. I don't have anything that uses 6922 tubes. |