VAC Pre-amp to roll or not to tube roll...

Hello.  I had an Sig Mk IIa SE line stage a few years back and now have a Master with phono.  I rolled the 6922’s which I would recommend that you do first if you haven’t done so already.  I found Mullard’s to give a warmer presentation.  Amperex tubes are more neutral.  I ended up purchasing NOS Telefunkens.  They’re neutral, detailed, present a nice soundstage, extend high and have tight and accurate bass.  I liked them so much that I purchased medical equipment grade Telefunken 12AX7’s from Brent Jessee recording.  His website has tons of info about 12AX7’s and 6922’s.  He’s also very responsive to emails and can provide guidance based on your listening preference and budget.  Regarding 6922’s, I purchased matched cryoed Kevin’s stash ones from Upscale Audio.  

HTH.  Happy listening.

So you ended up with 6922 Telefunkens from Upscale for $500+, whoa, for that price they must really be something special.  I thought about buying a pair back when they were $250, but i kept putting it of an the price sadly ballooned 

Yes they are special and worth every penny IMO.  The red tipped 12AX7’s from Brent are $575 a pair.

In my VAC MkVI Renaissance the OEM Electro Harmonix tubes got replaced with 6922 Refector’s. The resulting sound was more pleasing to my ears.  

In my Phi Beta, predecessor to the Sig IIa, I much prefer the 8416 to any of the many 6922 types I’ve rolled. For the phono, my favs are actually Sovtek 12ax7LPS,  the only Sovtek tube I’ve ever liked. They are balanced throughout the spectrum. Trick is finding low noise examples. I’ve tried many NOS, including the medical Amperex, but prefer these.

In my VAC Ren V, I have enjoyed Mullard (Blackburn) ECC88 O getters from mid 60s in the line stage side. For 12AX7s in the phono stage,  I've been sticking with the Amperex Orange Globes that the prior owner upgraded to. I may try Telefunkens at some point.

FWiW, Brent Jessie's descriptions are spot on! Cheers,

Spencer