6DJ8/ECC88 Tubes

rromeo923

I want to do some tube rolling and am interested in checking out some different tubes. I am fine with used tubes. What ya got??

headrott

I have a quad of Telefunken ECC88/6DJ8 tubes. They are in nice shape both electrically and physically. Actually I have 2 quads but I will keep one for myself. I've decided I don't need all 8 though as I have a lot of ECC88/6DJ8 tubes and equivalents.

Greg

rromeo923

I am looking for pairs. All I have now are Russian NOS 6N1P-EV's. I bought a pair of GE 6DJ8 off ebay and am awaiting there arrival.

rromeo923

Ok now. Since I can't sleep tonight I have been doing some research (reading this forum, Google, etc.)
It seems that the Amperex Bugle Boy 6DJ8/ECC w/ D getter 1958/59 is considered one of the best. It seems to be just what I am looking for (want more warmth etc). However it also seems that they are not cheap!

Have any of you compared the Bugle Boy 1958/59 tubes with some of the newer Amperex 1960's/70's?
They seem to be more in my price range.

headrott

Yes, if you remember in the other thread you started about tubes I stated that therewa a pair of them on Audiogon for $100.00. That is a pretty good price for a pair. I would make sure they actually test good though.

I have compared the different Amperex tubes (i.e. 50's "D-getters" and 60's "O-getters") and there is a difference. There is even a difference between the small O-getters and large O-getters. The D-getters are the most "real-sounding" tube. that is, the tones of everything sound like a live music event. The high end is bright, but not too bright and relatively smooth (but not as smooth as the Telefunkens or Siemens). There is a good amount of detail, again not as detailed as the Telfunkens or Siemens though. Also, the soundstage of the D-getters is slightly better than the O-getters. The Amperex tubes (basicallly all types) have one of the largest soundstages there is.

Personally, I would steer away from the 70's 6DJ8's as (IMO) don't sound as good as the 50's and 60's.

Between the O-getters I prefer the sound of the larger ones for the 6DJ8 tubes (although the opposite for the 12AX7's). The larger O-getter 6DJ8's have a wide soundstage, nice bright highs, but not as smooth as the D-getters, although only slightly less smooth. They are pretty detailed and with all of the Amperex tubes have great vocals!! If you like the vocals more forward, the Amperex tubes are for you.

Basically, the smaller O-getters are 95% of the large O-getters, but a little less of all aspects listed above. In summary, get the D-getters. If you don't want to shell out the money for them then get the large O-getter 6DJ8's. The Ameperex tubes are very nice. I hope this helps you out.

Greg

heiney9

rromeo923 wrote: »

Ok now. Since I can't sleep tonight I have been doing some research (reading this forum, Google, etc.)
It seems that the Amperex Bugle Boy 6DJ8/ECC w/ D getter 1958/59 is considered one of the best. It seems to be just what I am looking for (want more warmth etc). However it also seems that they are not cheap!

Have any of you compared the Bugle Boy 1958/59 tubes with some of the newer Amperex 1960's/70's?
They seem to be more in my price range.

In general I would stay away from later 1970's Amperex many of those were made by Richardson Electronics after Philips sold out. They are not worth the money so be careful.

H9

rromeo923

Well I got my hands on two pairs of Amperex Globes. One pair from 67 w/small halo and one pair from 69 w/dimple disc getters. I first put in the small halo and immeadiately noticed a much warmer sound. However there seemed to be a loss of clarity and highs. The soundstage seemed larger but less defined. I then popped in the dimple disc ones and some of the clarity was back and the instrumentation in the soundstage was much more clearly defined. The midrange and vocals are amazing. It is like being wrapped in a blanket of love and warmth!!!

Tube amps and tube rolling is unbelievable.
All I can say is amazing!! I am experiencing audio bliss

headrott

The large halo getter 6dj8's have better clarity, smoother highs and more dynamics. I think they also have a more defined soundstage, but it's been a while since I've heard the small halo getters. How do the 67 small halo getter tubes test? Are they noisy? That is, is there any tube rush sound? Usually, if there is lack of high end from some Amperex tubes it's due to an old tube because all the Amperex tubes I've heard have a sparkley high end. Although, some more sparkley than others.

To get more focus and clarity from the tubes (any tube for that matter) try some Herbie's tube dampeners found here: http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ I would suggest the Ultrasonic Rx for 9 pin tubes. They will improve the clarity, focus and soundstage of any tube. They make a fantastic improvement. I still suggest buying some earlier i.e 1958-1959 Amperex D-getters or earlier 1960's Amperex large O-getters. If you like the ones you have, you will love the ones listed above. Also, if you like warmer sounding tubes, you should absolutely get some Mullard 6dj8's. Mullards are one of the warmest sounding tubes you can get. Again, the earlier the better (age wise).

That said, I'm glad you are enjoying the tube audio! It's really interesting and fun to hear the differences between tubes. Plus, it makes your audio experience that much better when you find the best sounding tubes for your equipment and tastes. Enjoy the journey!

Greg

rromeo923

Got a pair of GE 6DJ8 1967 made in Kentucky. They are very similar in sound to the Amperex Globes. A bit more bass and a little less clarity. Not sure which I like better. I am leaning toward the Globes but after a few minutes of listening they both sound good. I have some 1958 Bugle Boys w/ D Getter coming. I look forward to listening.

headrott

You will like those D-getters best, believe me. Please let us know what you think of them.

Greg

zingo

I have some quads of vintage Russian 6N23P and 6N1P if you've interested.

rromeo923

Zingo- I have both of those already.

Thanks though!

rromeo923

ok I got the amperex bugle boy 1958 D-Getter tubes.
I am not sure how to describe them in comparison. They just sound damn good. Like everything working together to make a great tube. Not too warm, good detail, sweetness in the midrange etc, etc, etc. They just sound right.

I would like to try some Mullards or maybe some Telefunken just for comparison. However, I am running out of $$$

headrott

Yep, those D-getters are extremely good. Much better than the later Amperex tubes you have huh? Don't forget the soundstage too. HUGE!!!!:cheesygrin:

Greg

falconcry72

rromeo923 wrote: »

ok I got the amperex bugle boy 1958 D-Getter tubes.
I am not sure how to describe them in comparison. They just sound damn good. Like everything working together to make a great tube. Not too warm, good detail, sweetness in the midrange etc, etc, etc. They just sound right.

I would like to try some Mullards or maybe some Telefunken just for comparison. However, I am running out of $$$

Hell yea man, congrats.:biggrin:

I've got some '61 Amperex PQ's that should be better than my '64 Bugle Boys, but there's something about those BB's that keeps them in my preamp...

heiney9

Bugle Boys of any type seem to be special and the older BB's with the "Treble Cleft" are even sweeter still.

H9

zingo

zingo wrote: »

I have some quads of vintage Russian 6N23P and 6N1P if you've interested.

Which ones are what do you think of them? They've kind of been my hobby lately...