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tube recommendations for audio research LS-16?

Bought a new set of tubes on a whim. Figured the ones I have had been in place for several years... maybe I'll try something different...

So just dropped a little over $400 on a set of 6H23/6922 type 3. ..definitely more open and airy, very clear mids and plenty of top end energy...not so sure this is an ideal match for me. not feeling much energy in the mids, and the top end is clear and bright, accentuating the microphone and steel strings. Joni Mitchell sounds a bit shrill...seems like  these tubes would be great in a pre- that leans toward the warm and lush.

I would never suggest the LS-16 sounds particularly warm or lush. I am likely to be wrong, but my impression is the LS-16 could benefit from just a touch of warmth, more dynamic liquid mids, and a bit more bass energy?

opinions? suggestions?

What about the Amperex gold pin 7308 or the Mullard E188cc/7308? I'm thinking the Amperex.

or should I just stick with my Electro-Harmonix 6922EH?

Any suggestions for tubes for a Reference Phono 3?

kind regards!


128x128fanotunes
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fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
Thank you for that! Interesting reads.
rodman99999
6,130 posts
 
My pleasure.  Happy listening!
fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
Did some reading, spoke to Brent Jesse,…

Mr. Jesse recommended the Valvo E88CC...

I have just installed them… Having only just last night returned from 3 weeks in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Sounding so much better… right out of the box. We’ll see what they do with a little bit of break in time.

Will be posting a matched quad of cryogenically treated 6H23’s from Upscale Audio with about 50-60 hrs on them ...if any one is interested...
fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
So, I hear much more detail in the string and in the drum head struck. Definitely more resolution in male and female voices alike. Listening to Pentangle Sweet Child here. Clicks and pops are a bit more apparent. Bob Dylan’s harmonica has a bit more energy, verging on strident. But that may just be a harmonica ... and the Dutch pressing of John Harding that I’m listening to... so far the Valvo tubes aren’t quite as warm as the factory 6922’s. Though, I would say there is still some warmth, more detail, more resolution, a bit more energy on top, nice energy overall, a tad bit more taught down low...nice sense of ease. So far, much better!

gochurchgo
920 posts
 
Do tubes burn in when just being on or do they have to be processing signal?
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