Another tube review !
Sovtek 6H30Pi EB Cryo Single Super Tube - Brand new production - 4 stars (for now)
Being a NOS tube person, I was skeptical that a new production tube could compete in this class yet; I was willing to try it for comparison sake. I had appreciated the sound of the stock 6922EH tube and felt at the worst, they would sound alike even though they are a different tube. In fact, many sites selling this tube tell you not to use it in place of the 6922 as the audio device you use may not be suited for it. Fortunately, I already had prior advice that it was a good match for the AUNE.
When deciding to purchase, I was torn between the 6H30Pi from Sovtek and one from Electro Harmonix. As it turns out, both are identical and made in the very same factory. For some reason, the EH was listed as being a bit "warmer" which sounds silly considering they are supposedly the same. I chose the Sovtek because I was seeking detail as my system is warm enough.
I fired the tube up in my Aune and was immediately impressed by the detail I was seeking. Unlike the EH 6922 tube, the Sovtek presented it's highs beautifully without a hint of "edge" or "fatiguing upper range". The mid's and vocals were nicely forward and separation, soundstage and depth were excellent. Listening to the drums and the bass, I could hear the snares, high hats and kick drum very well. If I had to say anything negative, I could not call the low bass as crisp but I also could not say I did not like it. It was not dull and boomy but more like it had a strong presence. To me this is rare and if your system needed a kick in the bass (without being mired in mud) this might be the tube for you.
I also want to mention it is a beautiful looking tube. Its a taller than the 6922 and looking at the plates, pins and getter, there was nothing crude about it. It looked like a precision made unit. Also, I gave it 4 stars (for me) because the extra bottom while not muddy, was more than I needed and in comparison to ones over 4 stars, I had to give them an edge, but it may change as the tube breaks in.
