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Post by gurra1980 on Mar 11, 2007 2:19:16 GMT
is there some code on the tube type I should use? or how do I know if it fits.
I'm a total newbe to this world of tubes.
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Post by aurum on Mar 11, 2007 3:20:09 GMT
Welcome Gurra, The tubes that are in your V3 are Phillip's 6922's, The 6DJ8 tubes or ECC88 is also a common substitute. Type in the values & you will find them all over the place on the web. I suggest you buy them from a known source until you get to know what it is that you are looking for. Initially you may pay a premium but the risk that you will get faulty or counterfeit tubes is reduced. This is especially true in the New Old Stock range of tubes. My recommendation is don't buy from Asia they counterfeit everything.  NOS tubes are the most sort after because they are no longer made & because they generally sound superior to anything currently in production. It is a nice thing to listen to something made possibly 20-60 years ago, its like a fine wine for the ears.  I warn you that tube rolling is an addictive habit, & you may be labeled as eccentric by your friends but who gives a sh't.  There are a few Russian tubes with different numbers, but I have not personally used them. Do a thorough search of this site & you will find them, or Mike can point you in the right direction. |
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Post by bonesinc on Mar 11, 2007 10:36:54 GMT
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Post by gurra1980 on Mar 11, 2007 11:04:46 GMT
6922, 6DJ8, ECC88, 6H23-EB, 6H23, E88CC Hello mr beetle  Ok, so if I get this right then lets say 6922 is a TYPE of tube that I can get in different versions, or from different manufactuers, am I right? |
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Post by gurra1980 on Mar 11, 2007 11:10:57 GMT
Welcome Gurra, The tubes that are in your V3 are Phillip's 6922's, The 6DJ8 tubes or ECC88 is also a common substitute. Type in the values & you will find them all over the place on the web. I suggest you buy them from a known source until you get to know what it is that you are looking for. Initially you may pay a premium but the risk that you will get faulty or counterfeit tubes is reduced. This is especially true in the New Old Stock range of tubes. My recommendation is don't buy from Asia they counterfeit everything. NOS tubes are the most sort after because they are no longer made & because they generally sound superior to anything currently in production. It is a nice thing to listen to something made possibly 20-60 years ago, its like a fine wine for the ears. I warn you that tube rolling is an addictive habit, & you may be labeled as eccentric by your friends but who gives a sh't. There are a few Russian tubes with different numbers, but I have not personally used them. Do a thorough search of this site & you will find them, or Mike can point you in the right direction. Thanks! these nos tubes seems interesting. I think this habit can fit me perfect.  |
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Post by gurra1980 on Mar 11, 2007 21:26:34 GMT
Yes, for example I have had very good results with russian tubes. Specifically the 6H23-EB. Other tubes made in Russia are: 6H1n-EB and 6H1n. I hope PinkFloyd chips in and adds his great knowledge on tube rolling. OK, I might try some Russians. Well it would be fun if PinkFloyd could give some advice to  |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Mar 11, 2007 23:54:00 GMT
Well it would be fun if PinkFloyd could give some advice to Sorry, I've been out of the loop for a bit but I'm back.... not really a lot I can add that hasn't already been said here other than my personal favourite in the v3 is definitely the 6H1P-EB, it's also the cheapest which is an added bonus. These valves are built like brick shithouses and their longevity is assured being military grade. I only recommend using these with an uprated power supply however and it's imperative that you ensure you're fitting two "good" 6H1P-EB so source them from a reputable dealer. I've had two instances in the past couple of weeks where one amp failed and one of my Little Pinkie power supplies went into meltdown..... both had 6H1P-EB in circuit....... I've had a look at the amp and it's fine it was one of the 6H1P-EB that was defective. The Little Pinkie obviously suffered a short and, on inspection, one of the 6H1P-EB that was in circuit at the time had failed pretty dramatically. I supplied these Valves from a batch I got from Russia and have chucked the remainder of them into the bin.... even though they all appear to be fine no way will I be sending out any more from this batch, never had a problem with 6H1P-EB then two problems arising within days of one another? Dodgy batch? Possibly, possibly not but to be on the safe side I've binned the lot. I've got a fresh batch in from a different supplier and am giving each valve a 24 hour test.... all as solid as a rock and what I'd expect from this superb valve too. My other favourites in the v3 are the 6H23-EB Russians and the cheaper (non military grade) 6H23 will give equally superb results but may not last as long. Apart from the (possibly) prima donna 6H1P-EB you're safe to roll in a magnitude of valves with the stock wallwart supply and you know something? Philips JAN 6922 isn't a bad place to start, years ago I thought they sounded pretty crap in the X-Can but nowadays I think they sound bloody good..... you have to remember I only owned the 1 X-CAN all those years ago..... I have since heard HUNDREDS and the JAN philips 6922 is generally a very good performer and it lasts yonks. If I had the money and could source a GENUINE pair of Mullard 6922 then they would still be my favourites.... without doubt. I've tried the Amperex bugle boys and they don't come close to the Mullards as far as my ears are concerned plus the cost of them is ridiculous. By far the biggest improvement you can make in the X-CAN (in relation to SQ) is to recap it with good quality low ESR capacitors.... the rest is subtle garnish. Having said that, a nice pair of "branded" NOS valves and a nifty Blue / Purple LED sure do help heighten the placebo effect. |
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FauDrei
Been here a while! 
Posts: 489
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Post by FauDrei on Mar 12, 2007 16:55:21 GMT
Hey Mike,
How come you haven't mentioned National's version of 6922?
If I recall it properly - you were amazed by pair of National 6922s of Japanese origin...
V3
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Post by PinkFloyd on Mar 12, 2007 17:35:29 GMT
Hey Mike, How come you haven't mentioned National's version of 6922? If I recall it properly - you were amazed by pair of National 6922s of Japanese origin... V3Yes, correct! The National 6922 out of Japan are extremely nice sounding valves.... sorry I didn't mention them last night I posted under the influence of a sleeping pill and, thus, my head was a bit mushy ;D |
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Post by PinkFloyd on Mar 12, 2007 22:21:14 GMT
Hey, we like placebo! Further investigation reveals the 6N1P that were in the V3 (the ones I thought had gone pear shaped) are actually "OK" in another amp so wipe my previous comments....... I've got too much on at the moment and am starting to get confuddled.... I'll go have a good sleep and wake up refreshed Scrub the placebo comment too Miguel, you know as well as I do that valves do make a difference..... I'm in one of those "giving out mixed messages" phases at the moment, I don't mean to do it but it's who I am at the moment.... as I say, way too much on my mind I wish I could go back to simpler times where I would spend years concentrating on an amp.... I'm in a bad place at the moment.... midlife crisis take 7...... and have even been thinking about pulling the plug on all my X-Antics completely. No way will I do that but the fact I'm even thinking that way shows just how jaded I've become... I remember how I used to lust after a few good quality capacitors or the odd potentiometer, those were good times, now I'm surrounded by them "piled high" and I look at them like I'd look at a loaf of bread..... hard to explain but it's become more of a chore than a "passion" I'm working on these dark feelings though and hope this down will be followed by an "up" pretty soon. Mike. |
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Post by gurra1980 on Mar 13, 2007 15:01:04 GMT
Thanx for all the advice, I guess I should give my X-Can some time to settle and then later on I could buy som tubes to start Roll! I might even contact you Mike and mabe you cold modd the amp later on.
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Post by aurum on Mar 14, 2007 3:43:28 GMT
The Japanese National 6922's were apparently tooled on Mullard gear, so your ears may not be far away on that account Mike. Not the Mullard price but Japanese quality & attention to detail. I had my midlife crises last year, so I took up a couple of hobbies to get my head out of family & business. It worked a treat & was cheaper than a divorce. |
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Fergus
100+
Done a David Ike and is now known as Godkin
Posts: 197
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Post by Fergus on Mar 14, 2007 19:14:53 GMT
My mate, Steve, is going through his mid-life crisis. He's bought himself a Kawasaki Ninja and a 1966 Triumph Bonneville, and can be seen most Sundays, in full leathers, soaring around the Glens of Antrim. Good on you, Steve!!!
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Post by PinkFloyd on Mar 14, 2007 22:32:56 GMT
My mate, Steve, is going through his mid-life crisis. He's bought himself a Kawasaki Ninja and a 1966 Triumph Bonneville, and can be seen most Sundays, in full leathers, soaring around the Glens of Antrim. Good on you, Steve!!! That ain't a crisis for fck's sake.... that's called having fun! I'd be happy if I was driving a motorbike around with a 17 year old strapped onto my helmet.... I'm not, hence the midlife crisis |
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