2. amps-preamps
  3. 168085-108796

BEL E88CC/6922 tubes - what can I expect?

Lately I've been tube rolling 6922s in the gain stage of my Sonic Frontiers Line 1 preamp, and considering trying the BEL E88CC/6922 from Upscale Audio.  Since Upscale doesn't provide explicit recommendations on tubes and these aren't available other places, I wanted to see if anyone has opinions on these, or maybe there are other tubes I should try?  So far have tried 
-  Svetlana (came with preamp) and these were dull, lifeless.
- Electro Harmonix gold pin - ok but kinda boring compared to others.  Currently using these in input position.
- Amperex white label - fun but a little too tubey.
- Matsushita - I really like these but also a bit too much tubiness over time.
- Mullard - favorite so far, just sound right.
- GE "smokies" - still evaluating.
FOMO is creeping in as it looks like Upscale's inventory is dwindling.  Any opinions?  Other tubes I should try?

System - Thiel 2.3s, Krell KAV amp, SF L1 pre, bel canto 3.7VB DAC, decent room treatments, always think the higher end could get better if less sibilance/reediness.

Thanks!
128x128thosb
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@thosb

Final question - this might be too SF pre specific, but is it worth to put high quality tubes in all six positions?


i will say it again... the search bar above is your FRIEND...

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/tubes-for-sonic-frontiers-line-1

first post of this gem of a thread from 2005 when the sonic frontier linestages were the cat’s meow

""Chris suggested putting your best tubes in the two back spots, and I ended up with Siemens CCa in those spots and Siemens 6922 nickel pins in the other four spots.""

have fun, and good luck rollin’...
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,542 posts
 
thosb, If you don’t want to take the time to become an expert on tubes, the manufacturer is usually the best source of information and they are usually willing to talk about tube rolling with owners, even if you bought the gear used.

An alternative is to talk to a tube seller who has the approval of most ’goners who have dealt with them. A couple who regularly get high marks are:

Andy Bouwman of Vintage Tube Services

Vintage Tube Services | Tubes you can trust! Providing vintage audio tubes (new old stock) to audiophiles around the world. Celebrating 28 years of technical knowledge, experience, expertise, and tubes you can trust. For a free phone consultation call 616.454.3467.

Brent Jessee

BRENT JESSEE RECORDING HOMEPAGE (audiotubes.com)

Both of these guys will be happy to talk to you. Andy can be hard to get ahold of and can be slow in getting your tubes out from time to time, but he’s very knowledgeable and has great tubes. Many people swear by Andy. Brent is usually quicker and also has great tubes and service.
rushfan71
291 posts
 
The best option I found in my system for a 6922 is the Mazda 7308 1960’s French Military tube. Labeled Phillips 7308 PQ. I use them in a Manley Chinook phonostage.

Purchased from Brent Jesse @ Audiotubes.com, search the web sight under the 6DJ8 selection and he has a description of the sound characteristics of each type as a guide as well as a little background info.

They seemed more extended on both ends of the frequency spectrum and were more dynamic and transpatent than others I’ve tried in this phonostage like the Amperex 6922 Orange PQ label and the Phillips 7DJ8 that came stock selected by Manley.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
sonic frontiers is long gone as a going concern, though chris johnson is still in ontario canada, now running parts connexion, the online hifi components seller, and doing some mods on equipment on a limited basis

you could reach out and ask him his findings on the old s-f line1-3 units

andy and brent are good vendors, their prices on the rare and really good stuff are getting sky high (brent even higher than andy), and their advice is usually valuable on tubes’ sonic signatures, but be sure to be specific about what gear is using their tubes... rolling tubes can make or less of a difference in different gear with different circuits
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 
Thanks again guys, tons of good info, much appreciated.

jjss49 yes I had found that thread, that and a couple others got me on to the tube rollin.

rushfan71 now I have another tube to add to the search list, thanks!

tomcy6, I've seen Andy's and Brent's web sites and Brent's notes have been very helpful, I will certainly call him at some point esp if I dip intot he rare/expensive tubes.
More to discover