Chalk up another Gold Lion fan. Although I already have these..
Stock - ITT 6BQ7A (Japan)
JJ6922 / E88CC
EH- 6922 (2)
Tesla E88CC
EH- 6CG7
National 7DJ8
BEL E88CC NOS tube made in India in the late 60s/early70s (a Philips clone)
I was itchin' to try something else.
I've been using the BEL pretty much exclusively for the past 6mos or so. I've gone back occasionally to experiment with some of the others, but usually put the BEL back in there in short order. It's been the best sounding tube I have for my HE-400i's without question.
I got the Gold Lion about a week ago. I instantly liked what I heard. It was a fuller sounding tube, bigger soundstage. This, was after only about 10 min of warmup though. I listened to a couple albums. But I noticed there was a veil, especially noticeable with vocals. I put the BEL tube back in to confirm it. Yep! The BEL tube is soo clean, clear and forward sounding. Although sometimes a little sharp, with the somewhat bright sounding 400i's.
I put the Gold Lion back in the Vali 2 and left it burn in overnight. When I got back, probably 15 hrs or so to give it another listen, the veil was all but gone! It just opened up to a great soundstage, improved bass response, and nice and smooth sounding overall. And bit warmer. Top end was just perfect. It sounds more tubey, than the BEL for sure. It really matches up nicely with the 400i's as they are fast and sometimes a little bright if you're not careful with what you're pairing with. The more tubey sound really improved them for the better. They are not noted for having much soundstage either. ++ I think it's a great match.
I've been going through some of my collection and it's like they say, it's almost like hearing it for the first time. again!
Given the price of the BEL, the Gold Lion is now my recommended tube for those looking for an upgrade to the stock one.
I'm really liking it!