What are the really awesome tubes out there

polkfarmboy

I know there are many different types and variations but what brands are the best?

Phasewolf

That would depend on the tube. One company may make a sweet sounding 12ax7 but not so hot 6LQ6

Which tube are you looking for that would help with determining which maybe best.

headrott

If yo are looking for some for the VK-30 you just bought....... I would seriously look at some Amperex 7308's from the early 60's (pre-1967). They are outstanding!! Also, some early 1960's (pre-1964) Seimens grey-shield (NOT silver-shield) 6922's are very good. Also, some Amperex D-getter 6DJ8's from the late 50's (1958-1959). And, last I would check out some Telefunken early 1960's 6DJ8's. I would recommend them in this order........ They are all good, but would absolutely start with the Amperex 7308's first, and work your way down from there depending on your taste of what tonal, detail, and transparency properties you are looking for.......

Hope this helps.

heiney9

You need to be more specific

H9

decal

Just buy the most expensive ones you can find on ebay then start a thread on how you were ripped off !!!! screwy.gif

pitdogg2

^^^^^^^^classic^^^^^^^^^thanks for the laugh

pitdogg2

asleygo wrote: »

Any one here have used neon bending tubes, Any idea about it

I think your lost........

SCompRacer

asleygo wrote: »

Any one here have used neon bending tubes, Any idea about it

Those are in aisle two, just past the campfire smoke benders.

There is no spoon....

---

+1 on the Amperex 7308's. I had some once upon a time. Also had some most excellent Ediswan CV2492/6922's.

nspindel

If you can find any from the Civil War era, they usually sound best.

SCompRacer

So that's what the CW designation means on some tubes!

Gold pins look great when worn around the neck on chains, gangsta rapper style. In a socket steel pins are just fine.

pitdogg2

In my limited experience and it is very limited. My 6ak5 Russian Voshkod tubes with gold pins come to life much faster than the same tube with shiny clean silver pins(not sliver as in precious metal). Both same year from same factory same everything except pins.

for what its worth

bobsauto49

Ive got some Amperex 7308 from NY 60's era ultra premiums if ur interested. Got them from upscale audio, and would sell for less than him. pm if interested

billbillw

The VK-30 was designed by a Russian (Victor Kohmenko). I believe one of the best tubes for it are the old stock Reflektor 6H23N-EV. I'm pretty sure this is the tube that Victor designed his early preamps around (before he switched to the 6H30)
They are about 1/3 the price of the Amperex that Headrott is talking about. They have a reputation for having the lowest noise, lowest microphonics, and are one of the longest lasting 6922 type tube. 10k hours pretty common with them. I tried some Amperex Holland in that preamp with bad results.

Cryoset and Partsconnexion both have them depending on whether you want cryo treated or not. Some thing cryo shortens life, some believe opposite.

http://www.cryoset.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_24&products_id=243&osCsid=989394468e72022c4be91b5f31781d87
http://www.partsconnexion.com/NOS-64369.html

SCompRacer

In regards to cryo, I've had more early failures with cryo'd tubes than with non cryod's tubes. Two or three pairs from ModWright, even a pair from Tube World. That left a bad taste so I avoided them when possible. YMMV.

EndersShadow

SCompRacer wrote: »

Gold pins look great when worn around the neck on chains, gangsta rapper style. In a socket steel pins are just fine.

Rich I am totally showing up to the next RAS with a tube gangsta necklace around my neck! Just for you and Dave :biggrin:

SCompRacer

EndersShadow wrote: »

Rich I am totally showing up to the next RAS with a tube gangsta necklace around my neck! Just for you and Dave :biggrin:

I'm older and hard to shock. Mo' bling is mo' betta.

We had Mr. T back in the day. Lots of folks had Mr. T starter sets for neck ware.

EndersShadow

SCompRacer wrote: »

I'm older and hard to shock. Mo' bling is mo' betta.

We had Mr. T back in the day. Lots of folks had Mr. T starter sets for neck ware.

Home Depot chain + gold spray paint = Mr T.

I know all about the a-team, hogans hero's, mcales navy, the rifleman, ponderosa, the wild wild west ect...

cnh

nspindel wrote: »

If you can find any from the Civil War era, they usually sound best.

Good one.

PFB. H9 is right and he's a good source since he's run through almost everything. You'd benefit from sending him a PM and tell him what you have in mind, i.e., the kind of sound you prefer as all that tube rolling affects what comes out the other end and it can become a life long obsession and a HUGE sinkhole if you're not careful!

cnh

headrott

billbillw wrote: »

The VK-30 was designed by a Russian (Victor Kohmenko). I believe one of the best tubes for it are the old stock Reflektor 6H23N-EV. I'm pretty sure this is the tube that Victor designed his early preamps around (before he switched to the 6H30)
They are about 1/3 the price of the Amperex that Headrott is talking about. They have a reputation for having the lowest noise, lowest microphonics, and are one of the longest lasting 6922 type tube. 10k hours pretty common with them. I tried some Amperex Holland in that preamp with bad results.

Cryoset and Partsconnexion both have them depending on whether you want cryo treated or not. Some thing cryo shortens life, some believe opposite.

http://www.cryoset.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_24&products_id=243&osCsid=989394468e72022c4be91b5f31781d87
http://www.partsconnexion.com/NOS-64369.html

Bill,

I have more recently come to discover that there is a definate sonic difference between Amperex Holland and Amperex USA tubes. Of course, it depends upon which tube type you are referring to as well. If you are referring to the Amperex Holland made D-getter (or halo-getter) 6DJ8's, I cannot say I have tried them in my VK-31, only in my VK-3i. If you arereferring to Amperex Holland made 7308's. I have tried some paired with Amperex USA 7308's. The Amperex Holland made 7308's are so rare it's rediculous (particularly the D-getter types!!!). They are damned near impossible to find. I think Brent Jesse has a pair of them (halo-getters) for $385.00. You have to call for the D-getters, because they are damned damned impossible to find! WHEN he has them in stock, they are $450.00 for a pair!! The USA made 7308's are relatively common, however.

The Holland made 7308's have a *slightly* smoother, richer tone to them than the USA made 7308's. While the USA made 7308's are *slightly* more dynamic than the Holland made ones is what I found.

I have a set of 6 "Rocket logo" 6H23's that Chris sold with the VK-31, but have not tried them in it yet. I have been so buysy, I usually have little time to listen as it is, let alone switch tubes and then listen! I will need to listen to them eventually though.

If anyone that wants some Amperex USA 7308's, I highly recommend te Tektronix tested tubes as they are selected to have the lowest noise and microphonics (and in the 7308 that's saying a lot since the 7308 is a specially selected 6922 for its low noise and microphonics).