Help with tube choice


I need help choosing an E88CC/6DJ8 tube for my headphones/preamp.    I know Siemens, Telefunken, etc, but I'm looking for people who use the E88CC/6DJ8 and have heard of tubes, im open to any tube, i only have a $125 budget for a pair.

 

I like a warm sound but not too warm, good bass, and magic in the midrange with a sparkle on top, don't we all want that?  Shoot me the best tubes you use in this group; there are too many to choose from, and my budget makes it difficult.

 

Thanks

128x128audiomike33
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FWIW I use new production JJ or Tesla (older versions) E88CC in my Woo headphone amp and my Raysonic CDP. Tonally they are a bit on the warm side of neutral and dead quiet in both units. They have good longevity and, best of all, are inexpensive. FWIW, if you want warm tubes of this variety I'd stay away from the Russians and I expect that any NOS tubes you buy that are both on the warm side and low noise will be a bit expensive. Caveat emptor. :-)

@audiomike33, 

I'd also check out Brent Jessee at https://www.audiotubes.com/ and Andy Bouwman at https://vintagetubeservices.com/ 

It's best to call and talk to them as they can better understand your needs. Of course after you've visited their web sites and took the time to see what they may have. It's actually a fun way to educate yourself and have your questions ready for them when you guys talk. Hope this helps.

 

 

I have heard of JJ and they're not very expensive.  Lots of great choices you guys have given me.  It's really kind of overwhelming so so many tubes.  I don't expect to nail it on the first buy, i will have to roll for sure.

I think in the amp I'm getting the E88cc/6922 will have the most impact on the sound.

Cannot help you, sorry.

I wish I knew what E88 tubes Luxman uses (and Cayin 6sl7/6sn7 also) so when their branded tubes get old, I know what to get that sounds like them.

I bought a pair of 6SN7 or 6SL7's from Brent for my Cayin. Didn't like them even after break-in, returned them, tried another version (half the price), sounded wonderful just like the Cayin's, I paid the shipping, Brent gave me a refund for the cost difference. Just dumb luck, a different tube might have sounded 'better'. 

I think 'preferred', not better) is my reality with tubes over the years.

I also found some original Cayin tubes on eBay (seller was using different tubes in his Cayin amp., bought them for the future.