A tube rolling story. (Part 1?)
SIEMENS E88CC (A6)
The attack speed of the SIEMENS cannot be beat. They are sharper and faster than anything else I have. As closer in my mind to SS than any of the others. However they can't seem to keep complex harmonics together. It turns the highs into harsh and the mid/lows into mud. But the space is great and synergistic with the HD800s in this respect. However, I think these grade of Siemens are just a one trick pony. That and I can't listen to them in the fun zone without encountering pain. So their a no go, but I'll put another 100 hrs on them to see if they smooth out before I give them the punt. I think maybe the only reason I'm holding onto them is because I paid $100 for them. They're only priced that way due the big brother version:
The Holy Grey Shields. But these did do what I wanted of them. While these are perhaps 'terrible', they did introduce me to the 'Siemens sound' I could expect if I forked out a few hundred more. It might just be glorious... but $300-$400 is an expensive experiment. Does the Lyr benefit that much? Maybe someone else can comment.
Cryro 6N23P-EV
Dynamic, well rounded response, but seemingly flat. While technical they don't seem to engage. I think combined with the flat response of the HD800, they fall short of what tubes are supposed to do. There's no romance. Maybe with another headphone they would shine. LCDs? I'd like to see their response graphed out on a waterfall chart. One could learn a lot about their own likes with that tool and this tube by contrasting what isn't there.
AMPEREX ORANGE GLOBAL (1967)
With break-in hitting 100hrs these really started to shine. Their punch now somewhat subdued compared to how it started out. The space and detail coming together nicely. Holographic? Almost. A really enjoyable tube. I think they might overdo the PRAT a bit however. They seem to take it and run a little. With that action, the listener is distracted and I think maybe information gets lost somewhere in the mix. That isn't to say these aren't fun. I think for the price you can find them, everyone should have a pair or three in their arsenal. These engage the listener more than any other tube I have. They grab you by the mid bass, punch you around a bit and then suck you in. I go willingly.
SEL LORENZ PCC88 (?)
These seem have everything you want and they keep it balanced. They allow your phones to sound like you would expect them to. The tubes don't stand out and simply leave the music to it. These are the best tube you won't hear. Gracious and musical. Now I don't have a large collection, but these are easily the best tube I've matched up with the Lyr. I say this without reserve even when they're not even fully broken in; just 40hrs! I'm really glad I grabbed an extra set. I feel as though I should be buying and to give them out to friends and family. Except… they wouldn't have a clue what to do with them.
So my preferences as they stand:
1. SEL LORENZ PCC88
2. AMPEREX ORAGE GLOBAL ('67)
3. Cryo 6N23P-EV OR Schiit GE JAN 6BQ7A
5. Siemens E88CC (A6)
