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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!
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Showing 1 response by nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,086 posts
 
When it comes to tubes, check out Brent Jessee's site (just google his name).
With each type of tube he gives a good history of it along with the various makes rated. Having said that, one time I needed a good 6922 and with my budget in mind, he recommended a '70s Mazda RTC (?-its been awhile) which made a huge improvement, across the board. There was nothing dull about it and it really opened things up: best $100 improvement for what I needed.
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