2. amps-preamps
  3. 1015036941

Re-tube time for a BAT VK30. Advice please

It's time, the tubes are going sideways on me. You sure notice when your tubes are done eh? The VK30 uses (6) 6922 tubes. I've rolled tubes plenty over the years but I'd really like to avoid buying a bunch and experimenting. I like my sound laid back, the 'statics are plenty detailed enough. Musical taste is all over the map, Associated gear:

Oracle Delphi MkIV, SME345 Arm, Grado Reference Cartridge (marble base)

Lehmann Black Cube Phono Preamplifier

YBD CD Integre CD player (Brightstar base, with remote)

Magnum Dynalab FT11 tuner (Brightstar base)

Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette Deck

Grado RA-1 Headphone Amplifier

Balanced Audio Technology VK500 amplifier (with BATPAK)

Martin Logan Quest Z speakers

(2) 5' Synergistic Research AC Reference power cords (preamplifier, phono stage)

(1) YBA Diamond power cord (CD player)

(2) Harmonic Technology Pro AC11 power cords (amplifier)

(2) Maple Audio Works Ambiance interconnect (Black Cube, CDP)

(2) Transparent MusicLink interconnect cords (Tuner, Grado Headphone amp)

(2) Phoenix Gold RCA-Balanced interconnect cable (Nakamichi Deck)

Goertz Micropurl 25' Balanced interconnect (preamplifier to amplifier)

Transparent MusicWave 10' Bi-Wire speaker cables (spades)

I'd prefer to keep the re-tube cost reasonable, appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks, Jeff
jeffloistarca

Showing 3 responses by jeffloistarca

jeffloistarca OP
1,004 posts
 
I emailed Kevin at Upscale, I'm pretty sure he'll recommend Sovtek. Upscale keeps their more difficult to get tubes for customers who buy gear from them. I went over to Ebay, seems the Philips NOS are readily available and quite inexpensive but I don't have any experience with them. I'm wondering if any of you have had some great experiences with a particular brand in your BAT preamp?
jeffloistarca OP
1,004 posts
 
Kevin worte me:

"In the 6922 position, you can go with the earlier Russian 6922 made in the 1970's…called a 6N23. They are tubes that were sometimes branded “Sovtek” but “Sovtek” is not a manufacturer, but a name for export. They look similar…but sound waaaay different. And last. These will be dynamic and not have quite as much glare as the regular later production Russian 6922. We have a "Private Reserve" grade for $25 that will have the highest Gm, anda triode balance of about 10%."
jeffloistarca OP
1,004 posts
 
Michael, what did BAT charge you for the tubes? Parrot, I checked out vintage tube, by all accounts he has his s**t together. Seems the 6922's he sells are roughly $75 a copy, to retube my preamp it would set me back $450!
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