First Sound Preamp Owner's - What NOS tubes?????

Thanks for the info Grant that's exactly what I'm looking for. Don

The MIT PPFX capacitors are contributing to the lack of sweetness and bloom. I would change those caps, otherwise IMO sell the pre-amp.

Anyone have a good source for Mullard tubes? Looking for a pair of Mullard E188CC tubes.

Philips SQ E188CC. These add a little warmth to the FS which it needs. I prefer even a little more bloom than the FS can give.

I have found my FS Presence Del. Mk II, like any other component, highly sensitive to other gear in the system.

My Merlin TSM-MM monitors were excessively bright and this was tamed by moving from NOS Amperex (D-getter 6922, BB and Orange Globe 6DJ8s) to '60s vintage Mullard, Blackburn factory ECC88s.

Well, for the record, mine are VR5s. Thanks for the info Ace. I didn't realize there were so many variations.

I preferred the VR5s to any of the Amperex 7308 or 6922 tubes in the First Sound, as well as others.

When one mentioned Philips SQ E188CC, one has to realise that Philips produced E188CC over many years. This mean that the sound of Philips SQ E188CC can be very much different within themselves. There a total of 8 product codes for Philips SQ E188CC representing each period of it. Starting from the most earlier VR0, follows by VR1, VR2, VR3, VR5, VR6, VR7, VR8 and VR9. You can find this code etched on the glass. I didn't come across VR4 all these years, if anyone come across it, do let me know.

Cheers!
Ace_Hayashi

When I owned a FS preamp, I really liked the Philips SQ E188CC tubes. Very well balanced tubes.

Congrats on your FS purchase!

I've found the Amperex NOS tubes to be outstanding. I have 6922s and, 7308s, both PQ and USN. Some are Holland, (under the Philips lable) and some are USA made. All are white lable. These are sonicaly even, clear, extended and seemingly un-colored.

Emmanuel, at last communication, seemed to like the less expensive, and currently produced Electro-Harmonik tubes. Sadly, these (EH 6922 Gold Pins) don't seem to work as well in my system. I still have apair just sitting here. :( Email me if you want them.

I have also tried the Ei 6dj8, with good results. These are very surprising, considering the cost is about $20 for a pair! They are not the same as the NOS Amperex tubes, but at 8 -10 times LESS than the Amperex, they are pretty darned good.

good luck with your new toy. :-)

paul

Siemens 7308's. No question.

I don't think he is at CES as I spoke to him yesterday and while his gear might be there, I'm pretty sure he isn't. He also mentioned he loved the EH 6922 gold pins is his preamps.

Hello R,

Why not call Emmanual Go, (the manufacturer) and ask him yourself? He is likely to know better than anyone else.

He is likely at CES, so maybe try towards the end of next week.

Best,

Jack

What don't you like about the sound you have now and what do you hope to attain?
Larry