2. amps-preamps
  3. 178829-1931

Tube Recommendations Please

I use an Audio Research PH5 phono preamp.  It is the only tube gear in my system, and I am far from an expert in tube electronics.  I've had the preamp for at least a decade, and I am feeling it's probably getting to be time to replace its four 6922 tubes.  The problem is that I don't know how to go about selecting from among the various brands that I see online, including Amperex, Telefunken, Electro-Harmonix, etc.  Can anyone suggest tubes that will be quiet, reliable, and provide both midrange warmth and a tight, extended presentation in the high and low ends?  Yes, I want it all ...

FYI, the rest of my system is VPI 'table, Lyra Delos cartridge, Ayre Acoustics amplification, Vandersteen 5A speakers, with all cabling from Audioquest. 

Thanks for any advice, and happy listening!  

dawgfish

Showing 1 response by jjss49

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jjss49
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any of the reliable tube sellers (andy bauman, brent jesse, jim mcshane, kevin deal) will sell you good 6dj8 variants and test them for low noise and triode balance, which, as others have said, is crucial for good performance in a high gain phono stage like the ph-5

i never had a ph-5 but i did have a ph-3se for some time, and for that one, iirc, i really liked usa made old stock amperex orange globe gold pin 6922’s, uk mullards were a little rolled off and german siemens/philips seemed a little too etched

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