Suggestions for Preamp Tubes

I've owned this exact pre since 2013 and love it. However, in my system it's not particularly revealing of tubes. I've used the stock EH 6922s as well as 6N1Ps and currently Reflector 6922 equivalents, and pretty much same sound from them all. This pre is easy on tubes, btw, and I've yet to have one go bad on me yet...lovely piece in my opinion.

That is an excellent tube for rolling.  Do some reading and try a lot of different tubes.  there ae lost of options, all with a different sound.  

My favorite 6DJ8 has always been the Amperex early to mid 1960s production. Still reasonably priced. If you can get the tubes guaranteed to be noise and microphonics free. The tubes may not be to blame in regards to your system's bright quality.

Thanks to all of you for these wonderfully helpful responses. I am grateful for the good advice. @bojcak, glad to know that your experience with this unit has been so positive. Thanks again, everyone.

I have have had very good results using Siemens ECC88 (6922) vintage tubes fro both my current CJ GAT preamp and my previous Sonic Frontiers SFL-2. The Siemens CCA is yet another level better, but are rare as hen's teeth and obscenely expensive, My second favorite is the vintage Philips Miniwatt 6922.

If brightness is a problem and you want a bit of warmth you might try JJ 6922's. They don't get great press (JJ in general). They aren't NOS either, but they are inexpensive. I used them for some years in both a pre-amp and CDP with great success.  FWIW, they aren't noisy either. Of all of the new production tubes they get my vote if 'brightness' is an issue. 

I find that AI can be good for a starting point with sound characteristics. It often can point in the right direction. I’d recommend trying your own searches. But here is the results of a quick one I performed.

The sonic characteristics of 6DJ8/6922/7308 tubes in preamplifiers are known for their warmth, lushness, and a natural, slightly rounded sound signature, often described as having a "sweet" and "silky" quality, particularly in the midrange and lower regions.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• 6DJ8/6922/7308:

  These tubes are known for their ability to deliver a clear presentation of the entire frequency spectrum, with a focus on the upper mid-range and extended highs, sometimes referred to as "air" or "transparency".

• 6DJ8/6922/7308:

  They are often praised for their ability to reveal subtle details in the music, contributing to a more immersive and 3D soundstage.

• 6DJ8/6922/7308:

  Some tube brands, like Mullard, are known for their relaxed and extended sound, while others, like Telefunken, are praised for their tonal coherence and refined treble.

• 6N1P:

  This tube is a Russian equivalent of the 6922/6DJ8, and is known for its similar sonic characteristics, including a warm, slightly rounded sound.

• 6AQ8/E88CC:

  This tube is another name for the 6922/6DJ8, and shares the same sonic qualities.

• 7308:

  This tube is considered a higher-tier, more sought-after version of the 6922/6DJ8, known for its exceptional quality and sound.

• NOS (New Old Stock) Tubes:

  Tubes from manufacturers like Telefunken, Siemens, Valvo, and others are known for their impressive "air" at the top end, a large soundstage, and a ruler-flat midrange.

• Amperex, Philips, Mazda:

  These tubes are known for a clean, airy top end, nice midrange warmth, and accurate bass, offering a good balance of sonic qualities.

• Mullard, Genalex, Brimar:

  These tubes are known for their sweet warmth in the midrange and lower regions, with a silky and pleasant top end.

This is too open a search. They often get better as you get more specific.

Could also be the KT150's IMO they can be overly bright tubes and IMO not a great match with Klipsch. pobably way more power then you need as well. 

JJ's are not the tube i'd go with if your looking for a warmer sound.

you really need to look at a SET with the Corwall 4's I have two friends with them and both have, over time, migrated to SET's like 300b's, 804's etc and similar. 

Many, many thanks to all of you for these excellent insights and suggestions. I appreciate the ideas. Frankly, I am going to have a blast pursuing the recommendations you've shared.  Thanks again, everyone.

You will get more mileage by replacing the rather pedestrian coupling caps.

You have a Quicksilver preamp with a remote??!

I didn't know there was such a thing...🤔

Longtime member petg60, who hasn't posted since June 23, 2023...and I think may have died due to his prior relatively high posting frequency, told me in this thread: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/1975-new-reflektor-6n23p-swgp-or-siemens-amperex-telefunken-cca

"Try to get some 6n23p Voskhods 74-79 period and you will never look back..."

He was right.

Amperex 6922s or 7308s are by far my favorite, but they can be really expensive for a pair.....but they can be magical.

Reach out to Brent Jessee https://www.audiotubes.com/6dj8.htm he keeps a great stock, and gives great advice.....and stands behind his tubes

@thecarpathian Here ya go! I've owned one many moons ago!

https://quicksilveraudio.com/products/rc-line-stage-preamp/

Amperex 6922, 7308 white label.

Tele's are fabulous also.

All Gold pins.

@yogiboy ,

No kidding!

For some reason I had it in my head they don't come with remotes.

Now I want one!

@yogiboy and @thecarpathian, I'll vouch for the remote on the Quicksilver preamp. Thus far, it has worked flawlessly.

@thecarpathian FYI: The remote is used for volume only and no other features.

@jksimmons The vintage Sylvania 6DJ8 is a great sounding tube with that preamp.