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Mullard E188CC - but with tight bass?

I just digged into tube rolling a bit as my dac (Lab 12 Dac 1 Reference), which is using ECC88s and variants in its output stage, needs a shot of energy and atmosphere.

The stock tubes were 6922 Electro Harmonix. Well, they were okay but nothing special and lacked a precise bass. I changed over to the legendary Amperex bugle boys. My dear, that was an excellent, precise and powerful bass, but the mids were too upfront and I couldn’t relax with them.

Next one was a pair of Siemens E188CC from 1966. Excellent tube, great dynamics, but a bit too cold and lean for my taste and the bass wasn’t as good as from the bugle boys. Finally I now got some RTC E188CC from the early 70ies. Wow, that was the midrange I was missing all the time. Absolutely rich, voluptuous and full of textures. Really amazing, just like the 3D soundstage. The only thing that bothers me is the bass. Again it’s not 100 percent tight and precise enough. Maybe on par with the Siemens but not with Amperex (I have to admit I just used them for 3 days now. Maybe the burn in process will improve the bass but who knows).

So my question is - is there ANY tube out there with such an impressive rich, involving and delicate midrange like the RTC E188CC combined with a tight and precise bass like Amperex? What about the Mullard E188CC - or is it the exact same tube? Valvo, Genalex? Open to anything but I’m not looking out for a compromise regarding the midrange.
barrista0611
barrista0611 OP
26 posts
 
Digitalviper, I don't think so.. ;] my Abyss 1266 PHI TC already IS a subwoofer and the First Watt F6 dual mono can kick his ass. It's more about fine-tuning. I don't just need a massive bass, it has to be tight!

@tvad Thanks for the link. That's really helpful. What are the exact differences between the mullard you mentioned and the E188cc?

@three easy payments. Yeah that's the trick. Don't want to miss the mullards cozyness in the mids and of course I know this is usually associated with a tubey bass. Is the Mazda as thick and rich as the mullard with a better bass? 
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barrista0611 OP
26 posts
 
Ok. That’s what I wanted to hear. Will definitely keep an eye on them. Thanks!

Still open to other solutions of course. 
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,397 posts
 
You didn’t burn your RTC’s in. I’m using the Mullard RTC E188CC (7308’s) and they provide me with everything you’re looking for. Suggested by Brent Jessee, they’ve extended the bass in my system. The 7308 also have a clearer top-end than other Mullards. 
Made in UK for French military. I think the Mullard E88CC/6922 is a great tube as well.


barrista0611 OP
26 posts
 
@lowrider57 I thought and hoped so even though the bugle boys didn't show any improvements through a process of around 100 hours of burn in.

In contrast to this the Mullards bass sounded much better yesterday evening. So when do you think can I expect them to be fully "broken in"? 
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