ShengYa CD-10


I picked up one of these just recently. This player has two sets of switchable analog outputs. One for usings its tube circuit and a second for by-passing the tube circuit and using its SS output.

The tube section uses two Electro-Harmonix 6922 tubes. The transport and Dacs are comprised of a Philips VAM1202/CD7-II digital driver, Burr-Brown PCM1732,24Bit/96KHz HDCD decorder and DA chips and Solen MKP capacitors.

Comparing the two outputs thus far the SS output sounds much better to my ear than the tube does. The SS is very open and detailed with a good wide soundstage. The tube output by comparison is warmer, less detailed, narrower and just not as articulate (perhaps somewhat smeared?) in its presentation of the music.

So my question is would replacing the Electro-Harmonix tubes with something different yield better results. Meaning while keeping the warm richness of the tubes but providing a wider soundstage and more capable articulation.

Any recommendations tube wise or if you have actual experience with this player or a Vincent counterpart (apparently the same company makes both) I would be grateful for your replies!
digitalaudio

Showing 1 response by bbroussard

Definitely try some better tubes before making a final judgement. Anything from the Amperex family should be better than the EHs. I prefer early 1960s 7308s, but the 6922s, and even 6DJ8s should be fine.

Disclaimer: I buy and sell tubes.