Also stick with E88CC/6922 if you want full/balanced mid-bass with less than a WAY full range speaker setup sans subs.
You might also look into current production (based on some online assessments).
I stopped using 6922 types 15-20 years ago, but acquired/listened to pretty much everything and sold in excess of 50 matched pairs as well as gobs of singles (some of them here on A'Gon, though Ebay was the main venue).
Don't know if stock is still floating around but Richardson Electronics purchased the Amperex namesake and their tubes could be ANYTHING (go by the etched codes or use a reputable dealer).
Hi, tonaly rich tubes are Mullards, the E188CC 1960's is a great version also, very hard to find. e188cc Holland = VR1 (D-getter 1960), VR3-VR5 (0 getter 1960-1963) 6922 USA = 7L6-7L8 (1961-1963) Mullard e88cc = 7L1R (1962).... Unfortunately with tubes is trial and error when not becoming noisy
lowrider57... Nope, only tried the 6922 PQ USA. I love its rich tonality but find it lacks the clarity and spatiality of the 7308 USA, which, unfortunately, is comparatively lean and edgy in my rig.
From Brent Jessee... Fabulous original 1957 D-getter vintage white label Holland made PQ type Amperex tubes, and have the rare, indented glass midsections ("pinched waist")and wider bottoms that are famed for ultra-low microphonics. These 1950s pinch waist tubes are rarely found, since they are so fine most are in private collections and stocks!
@petg60 , I agree to go for the white label. I've been following @pmboyd 's quest for a specific sonic signature. I like the 7308 Amperex PQ/Philips SQ Holland large O-getter for it's transparency, warm liquid mids, deep low-end, and smooth extended highs. Not a rich sounding tube. @pmboyd , maybe you would like the D-getter version, although hard to find.
petg60... In my system the USA 7308, although having great clarity and spatiality, is too lean and edgy, not at all relaxed on top. I prefer the rich tonality and more relaxed white label USA 6922. I'm looking for something with the richness of the 6922 but more articulate and airy. Moreover, the 6922 has better midbass than the 7308, whereas the 7308 has better low bass. It would be great to have both -- a more balanced low end.
Hi, depends where you want to use them for, and believe that 1960-1964 are the ones to seek. USA 7308’s cannot go wrong, are nice, quiet with very good bass but a bit relaxed on top always leaving something to be desired. Holland ones sound more complete with a bit better attack and sense of flow. Between the 2, Siemens E188CC fills the space nicely with great bass and livilier top. More effortless sound, flow and richness comes from Holland D-getter 1960, otherwise any VR5 O-getter (generally my favourite E188CC) will do. Even though Holland ones are branded as Philips Miniwatt, Amperex, Valvo, Dario, RT..i would search for Philips Miniwatt SQ or Amperex PQ with 2 stars on them (i’ve seen only 1963). And now to make things more complicated try to listen to some 6N23P (not EV) Voskhods from 1975-1976 NOS, they are fit and forget with the best flow, soundstage and presentation of detail, they do not last as long as the E188CC, can take abuse have the lowest running temperature and are cheaper. Anyway these are the ones i use in my line stage and Hollands or Siemens in my phono stage-depends where you want to use them.
Not from rodman99999, elsewhere. Better than my orange label USA 7308. More articulate. Deeper bass. Now if I can only find something with its clarity and spatiality and the rich tonality of the 6922...
lowrider57... Yes. Still looking for the iteration that's a marriage between the flavors I cited here, not that I'm unhappy with either. Far from it. Besides, tube rolling is a pleasant pastime during the lockdown here in Seattle.
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