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Tube recommendations

Hi all
The phono stage within my pre currently uses these 3 stock tubes - Sovtek ECC83, Electro Harmonix ECC81 & ECC88 (I think it's Tung Sol).
As I'm new to tubes which tubes would you recommend to be a significant  upgrade?

Thanks 
Rich

128x128infection

Showing 12 responses by infection

infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 
@chakster  - thanks for the info. So could I replace my 3 tubes with Telefunken ECC801s or would I need to replace exact type for type?
infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 
Oh right. So what's the significance of the numbers 81, 83 & 88?
infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 
No rush...I just thought I'd inquire for future reference.
infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 
@jperry @rcprince Thanks for the info. I'll contact him.

I currently have an Octave HP700. 
I'm looking for a lower noise floor & increased detail. 
Just to reiterate this concerns the phono stage module. 
infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 
@chakster Thanks. Yes I've noticed they can cost about $500 each.
I'll speak with Andy, I suspect he can suggest some excellent cheaper alternatives.



infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 
@tzh21y Thanks for the suggestion. 

@nsp - the number on the tube is 6H23 & underneath that is 9202.

infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 
@nsp - it's a Voskhod 6H23N.
infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 

@shadorne  thanks, yes I think it will be going the Telefunken route.


@lowrider57  thanks. I did notice that they are about $130 so can't be that bad...!

infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 

@mechans  thanks very much for the info, that is extremely useful.

How much are Brimar tubes?

infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 

@lowrider57  Thanks for the info. From what people have said & from the tube characteristics outlined on Andy's site I think I'll go for the Telefunken tubes.


@chakster  Yes I can see how it would be addictive - I like to tweak so the addition of tubes is a blessing & a curse!

infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 
@chakster  Interesting commercial! I'd like to see an updated version by Seth MacFarlane!
infection's avatar
infection OP
807 posts
 
@fletchj  - as i mentioned in my initial post this concerns the phono stage module within my Octave HP700. 
The pre already has Telefunken tubes.

I've now replaced the ECC81 & ECC83 in the phono stage module with NOS Telefunken. I cleaned the pins & as soon as I tried a record it was evident that these are superior. Even at this early stage there is far more detail, depth, increased low end & lower noise floor. 
I'm looking forward to how the sound develops...

Thanks again to you all, I really appreciate your input in helping me to choose these tubes.

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