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Tube rolling experts!!!

Hi guys,

I am looking for advise based on your experience with these particular tubes in my components.  

I own a Raysonic CD128 since 2009. The player came with 4 Russian 6922 EH tubes. I don't know what's the average life span of tubes or when they start to deteriorate from their optimal performance. The player is used sparingly, may be no more than 500 hours over last 7 years. Is it time to replace stock tubes?  

The second components is Modwright Elyse with Phillips NOS 5R4GYS Rectifier and Tungram PCC88/7DJ8. Is there anything else out there that I can experiment for substantial boost in sonics?

I am after that lush midrange and extended top end. More air around the instruments, but stay away from anything that overly 'bright'.  

The associated components are Krell Evolution processor and Modwright KWA150SE (both solid state). 

Thank you for your time!
128x128lalitk

Showing 1 response by brownsfan

brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
I strongly recommend you try a Canadian Westinghouse VU-71 rectifier.  It is a 5U4 rectifier.  This is my favorite of all the 5U4, 5U4GB, GZ34, and 5R4GYS tubes I have tried in my ModWright power supplies.   There is one on sale for $149 on e-bay now, so you can see what I am talking about.  Take a look around and you can probably find one cheaper.  I think highly enough of this tube that I bought 5 of them.  Three are in use and I'm holding 2 as spares.  I have paid anywhere from $99 used to $199 NOS.  I suspect this will be more closely aligned with your stated goals.  I found it to have less of a bright edginess than the Phillips 5R4GYS, but has a nice sweet extended top end with a very sophisticated layering in the midrange.  Brent Jesse has a nice description of these tubes although he has been sold out for years.  They are a well kept secret and getting scarce.

I don't have any experience with the 7DJ8 you are using.  I am using Telefunken 6922's that I got from Upscale.  They are mighty nice tubes, but I can't make a guess how they would compare to your Tungrams.  Enjoy your Elyse!  Dan does nice work.
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