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How the hell do you select a tube?

I was using some Vintage Tungsram tubes on my PS Audio BHK 300 Amps.They need to be replaced, but those vintage Tungsrams are no longer available.  The Tungsrams sounded noticeably better than the Gold Lion tubes that came with the amps, so I understand that the tubes will make a difference.

I am hoping I can get some good recommendations here... I understand my ear, my room, the kind of music I play etc etc are unique.  But for various reasons I don't have time to experiment and mess around with different possibilities.  So I am hoping I can benefit from someone's experience/opinions.   So what are using?   I am not super price conscious.  

The amps are driving Dynaudio Contour 60 speakers.  I have PS Audio DirectStream DAC.   It's a nice system but I got some help putting it together, I am more or less a dweeb about all this stuff.
schneider21
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oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
6922 valve? Amperex, Volvo, RCAs, Blue tip Tesla, all would be better than the the new reissue GL. GL is either 10% or 5%, you can get a better valve in GL, BUT Amperex/Volvo, or Amperex/RCA, Tesla Blue tip matched, very hard to beat..

Regards


jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
by calling / writing ps audio, or reputable tube seller like upscale audio and asking their advice
schneider21 OP
2 posts
 
I did, the guy I spoke to said they'd rather not advise on this... I think he said it's too personal, too subjective.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,555 posts
 
Check with Vintage Tube Service, Brent Jessee, or Jim McShane.  If you call them have some idea of what change to your current sound you'd like to hear with new tubes.
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,604 posts
 
Go to Brent Jesse's site and read about the various brands and their 'flavors'.You can call and discuss your preferences with him also.
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@schneider21 

https://upscaleaudio.com/collections/preamp-tubes/products/tungsram-pcc88-7dj8

read this and speak to them, see what they suggest 
jperry
2,440 posts
 
Try a google search. They are out there available for purchase.

https://www.tubemonger.com/MP_MINT_NOS_Tungsram_PCC88_Jan_Feb_MAR1971_Hungary_p/756.htm
rodman99999
6,039 posts
 
Here are a couple compilations, regarding the presentation (etc) of various 6922 iterations:   (https://www.head-fi.org/threads/6922-tube-review-17-top-6922-6n23p-e88cc-cca-7308-e188cc-tubes.76107... )    and: (http://www.audiotubes.com/6dj8.htm)                                                                                       +1 on Brent Jessee Recording as a top source, for info and tubes.
rodman99999
6,039 posts
 
Further info: http://hktubeaudio.homestead.com/files/6dj8.html
facten
2,790 posts
 
+2 on Brent Jessee ; that link that rodman provided to audiotubes has good insights on his take of the  various 6922 brands and model equivalents
jbrrp1
423 posts
 
I would suggest reading through threads on the PS Audio website Forum.  Lots of BHK 300 users commenting on their direct experiences:
https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-signature-250-or-300-tube-rolling/2652/254
https://forum.psaudio.com/t/since-my-first-bhk-300-thread-got-sort-of-hijacked-heres-mine-on-evaluat...
There very nice amps for the dollar, and they can be moved around sonically via tube choice.  I liked Amperex 6922 White Labels from the early '60's a lot.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
there you go:
https://www.audioasylum.com/audio/tubes/bbs.html
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