[xkonfuzed]

Cool yeah that looks like a delta tube. Creases on the top, shape of the nipple, the construction of the getter and stage, mica and shield.

How do you find the sound? Do you have any other Philips/Amperex tubes?

Thanks for that!
 
I found the sound to be very similar to how the guys here describe the Amperex Orange Globe 6DJ8. Very soft sounding in the treble, a bit soft in the bass too, but wonderful, slightly forward midrange. Extremely musical. Pairs well with my brighter headphones. Soundstage and imaging are also impressive. The only other Amperex I own is the 7308, and compared to that, the 6DJ8 doesn't quite have the supreme transparency and clarity of the 7308, but its very close, and it makes up for it in musicality. 

 

[mejobloggs]

Sounds like a tube that'd solve my issue with highs

 

[xkonfuzed]

  Sounds like a tube that'd solve my issue with highs

I'd imagine it will help take the edge off. What headphones are you using?

 

[mikoss]

Excellent impressions @xkonfuzed - sounds like you've described the Philips tubes very well. I also agree about the 7308's... very refined sounding treble.
 
I would strongly recommend the E88CC and E188CC's for beautiful treble. It doesn't emphasize and bring out spatial cues like the Siemens CCa tubes do, but it's non-fatiguing, refined, and pleasant. I find the Siemens to do amazing things with imaging and details, but the treble has an emphasis that causes me fatigue just a bit.
 
I think I have been suffering from hyperacusis and didn't even know it was a condition, but I do find tubes to be very pleasing, especially the upper end. Basically I am sensitive to treble and everyday noise in general. I can definitely handle the Philips/Amperex tubes though... Holland made ones especially. The US made ones are a different story... my opinion is that they shift the midrange focus the Holland ones have up a couple of notches, into the upper mids/treble region. It can bring out some different details, but ultimately with the 650's, I prefer the Holland tubes. Other headphones, who knows.

 

[xkonfuzed]

  Excellent impressions @xkonfuzed - sounds like you've described the Philips tubes very well. I also agree about the 7308's... very refined sounding treble.
 
I would strongly recommend the E88CC and E188CC's for beautiful treble. It doesn't emphasize and bring out spatial cues like the Siemens CCa tubes do, but it's non-fatiguing, refined, and pleasant. I find the Siemens to do amazing things with imaging and details, but the treble has an emphasis that causes me fatigue just a bit.
 
I think I have been suffering from hyperacusis and didn't even know it was a condition, but I do find tubes to be very pleasing, especially the upper end. Basically I am sensitive to treble and everyday noise in general. I can definitely handle the Philips/Amperex tubes though... Holland made ones especially. The US made ones are a different story... my opinion is that they shift the midrange focus the Holland ones have up a couple of notches, into the upper mids/treble region. It can bring out some different details, but ultimately with the 650's, I prefer the Holland tubes. Other headphones, who knows.

I own a Siemens ECC88 - albeit not as good as the E88CC nor the E188CC, but I absolutely agree with your findings. The imaging on that tube is laser-like and very accurate. Also concur on the detail part. These are my exact thoughts on it (quoted from my tube review): 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

I was looking for a tube that does electronic music well and ended up getting this. So, is it any good? Yes. Absolutely. First thing i want to mention is the level of detail this thing has. I was shocked. This thing costs as much as makes no difference half the price of my Amperex 7308 and has the same amount of detail. And the 7308 is already hyper-detailed to my ears. Both those tubes are the most detailed in my collection. This tube is fun! The bass extension is deep and subbass has got a lot of presence. Bass quality is very good, bass stays tight and controlled. Maybe there's a tiny, and i mean tiny bit of looseness but that may be my imagination. This tube had the impact i was searching for in the bass. The mids are withdrawn and sound a bit thin compared to say a 6dj8 Amperex. However, they are clear and detailed. The highs have slightly more presence than neutral, but the treble is not that fatiguing. Unlike the stock tube, the treble here (although etched) is clean and not splashy. Soundstage is only decent, however the imaging is extremely good. This tube has the best imaging in my collection. Definitely a keeper.

For now though, I think I'm done with getting new tubes. I like to think that I've tried all tube sound signatures now, and should spend my money elsewhere. I'm saving up to get a better standalone Amp, either the Garage1217 Polaris or Ember. I might end up with the Polaris because going from tube DAC to tube Amp (Ember), well, it will be a pain to find the right synergy. What do you think?
 
Also wanted to ask, how do you like your HD650's out of the WA2? 

 

[mikoss]

Lol we seem to have the same impressions for those tubes, excellent!
 
As for the WA2, it is a match made in heaven with the 650's. Here are my thoughts on it from a while ago. The Woo amps tend to sound like traditional tube amps... rolling in different tubes really makes a big difference in sound signatures, and they are very romantic sounding... warm, lush, organic.
 
Since getting an Eddie Current though, I have to say that the Zana Deux with the 650's is perfection. It sounds very solid state with speed, precise details and plenty of power so that the bass/mids and highs sound very linear and dynamic. Where it really shines though is what it does with the tubes... you hear just the right amount of warmth so that you aren't left craving anything else, but it pushes through amazing euphonics. The resolution plus the euphonic decay is such an experience. I realize it costs quite a bit more than the T1, and also more than the Woo, but if you want the absolute best end-game amp for the 650's, the Zana Deux is definitely it (or top 3).
 
I haven't rolled any of the tubes because it sounds so great stock. The WA2, I was constantly rolling different tubes, and it seems that a lot of Woo owners spend a lot of time chasing down different tube combos and trying different sounds, in search of something better. I was doing that for quite a while, and I have also stopped adding more tubes to my collection. The T1 is great for discovering tubes, and hearing different sounds for a reasonable price... the WA2 is a bit more costly, especially since you need matched pairs and power/rectifier tubes as well as the drivers.
 
Haven't heard the Project amps, but there are a lot of people who like them... let us know if you do end up getting one. It's always cool to read about other gear that uses the 6DJ8 tube family.

 

[xkonfuzed]

That Zana Deux looks like its something special. Your mere description of that Amp is making my eyes water lol. Can't ignore that price tag though, $2,000 is way over my budget 

 I think the maximum I can go in terms of Amps (as of now) is $500, any more than that and I would have to wait a seriously long time to save up. Maybe one day though..
 
I've also read a lot about people loving the pairing of  HD650's and Woo Audio amps in general. Damn, I really can't wait to climb up that audio ladder with you guys and get a taste of what the ultra-high end OTL's and SS amps are like. The only way to get that is to actually purchase the amp, which is a problem for me because there are no headphone meets and such in my region.
 
Yup, will make sure I report with feedback about the amp once I buy it. 

 

[mejobloggs]

I'd imagine it will help take the edge off. What headphones are you using?

I have AKG k612 headphones.

I bought the Aune T1 for about $100 US and some tubes seem to be about that much which I can't afford. At the moment I'm browsing different sites trying to find a good tube for below $40 US that also ships to NZ. Seems a wee bit tricky to find

 

[mikoss]

I have AKG k612 headphones.

I bought the Aune T1 for about $100 US and some tubes seem to be about that much which I can't afford. At the moment I'm browsing different sites trying to find a good tube for below $40 US that also ships to NZ. Seems a wee bit tricky to find

6922/E88CC tubes = longer life, a bit more refined than 6DJ8/ECC88 tubes:
 
Telefunken tube (fast, ss sounding, natural tube euphonics, not much warmth):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Telefunken-E88CC-6922-6DJ8-Vacuum-Tube-/131552290719?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea120a79f
 
Amperex tube (US made, see post above):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MATCHED-PLATE-AMPEREX-6922-E88CC-USED-TUBE-TESTED-B-K-707-103-104-/281630662518?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item41927edf76
 
I think this is also US made, can't tell:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NOS-Amperex-6922-E88CC-Vintage-Tube-Gold-Pins-O-Getter-/151737045179?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23543b90bb
 
Brimar CV2492 tube (Made in the UK, similar to the Holland 6922's):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-X-CV2492-6922-BRIMAR-TUBES-NOS-TUBES-PRICE-IS-FOR-1-PC-CRYOTREATED-/191294020982?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c8a031d76
 
6DJ8/ECC88 = less life but cheaper:
 
6DJ8, Philips/Amperex Holland made:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-Amperex-6DJ8-ECC88-Holland-TUBE-10-200-8750-/400940505443?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d59ea9963
 
6DJ8, Philips/Amperex 1965 Holland made (A good deal, I'd recommend this tube):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-Amperex-Holland-Bugle-Boy-white-text-ECC88-6DJ8-preamp-tube-tested-65-/351293745274?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51cabd287a
 
6DJ8, Philips/Amperex Holland (Also a decent deal):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ECC88-6DJ8-Made-In-Holland-/111717617410?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1a02e38f02
 
 
More results:
 
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_odkw=6922+tube&LH_PrefLoc=2&_sop=2&LH_BIN=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.H0.X6dj8+holland.TRS0&_nkw=6dj8+holland&_sacat=0

 

[Strat-Mangler]

  Excellent impressions @xkonfuzed - sounds like you've described the Philips tubes very well. I also agree about the 7308's... very refined sounding treble.
 
I would strongly recommend the E88CC and E188CC's for beautiful treble. It doesn't emphasize and bring out spatial cues like the Siemens CCa tubes do, but it's non-fatiguing, refined, and pleasant. I find the Siemens to do amazing things with imaging and details, but the treble has an emphasis that causes me fatigue just a bit.
 
I think I have been suffering from hyperacusis and didn't even know it was a condition, but I do find tubes to be very pleasing, especially the upper end. Basically I am sensitive to treble and everyday noise in general. I can definitely handle the Philips/Amperex tubes though... Holland made ones especially. The US made ones are a different story... my opinion is that they shift the midrange focus the Holland ones have up a couple of notches, into the upper mids/treble region. It can bring out some different details, but ultimately with the 650's, I prefer the Holland tubes. Other headphones, who knows.

Hey Mike.
 
I too suffer from hyperacusis. It's terrible and taxing on a day-to-day basis. Hang in there, bud!

 

[Strat-Mangler]

  6922/E88CC tubes = longer life, a bit more refined than 6DJ8/ECC88 tubes:
 
Telefunken tube (fast, ss sounding, natural tube euphonics, not much warmth):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Telefunken-E88CC-6922-6DJ8-Vacuum-Tube-/131552290719?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1ea120a79f
 
Amperex tube (US made, see post above):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MATCHED-PLATE-AMPEREX-6922-E88CC-USED-TUBE-TESTED-B-K-707-103-104-/281630662518?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item41927edf76
 
I think this is also US made, can't tell:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NOS-Amperex-6922-E88CC-Vintage-Tube-Gold-Pins-O-Getter-/151737045179?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23543b90bb
 
Brimar CV2492 tube (Made in the UK, similar to the Holland 6922's):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-X-CV2492-6922-BRIMAR-TUBES-NOS-TUBES-PRICE-IS-FOR-1-PC-CRYOTREATED-/191294020982?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c8a031d76
 
6DJ8/ECC88 = less life but cheaper:
 
6DJ8, Philips/Amperex Holland made:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-Amperex-6DJ8-ECC88-Holland-TUBE-10-200-8750-/400940505443?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d59ea9963
 
6DJ8, Philips/Amperex 1965 Holland made (A good deal, I'd recommend this tube):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-Amperex-Holland-Bugle-Boy-white-text-ECC88-6DJ8-preamp-tube-tested-65-/351293745274?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51cabd287a
 
6DJ8, Philips/Amperex Holland (Also a decent deal):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ECC88-6DJ8-Made-In-Holland-/111717617410?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1a02e38f02
 
 
More results:
 
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_odkw=6922+tube&LH_PrefLoc=2&_sop=2&LH_BIN=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.H0.X6dj8+holland.TRS0&_nkw=6dj8+holland&_sacat=0

 
I'd like to add that I did a direct comparison between the 7308 and 6DJ8 Amperex OG and I preferred the 6DJ8 by far. Giving a rough quantifying percentage, I'd say it sounds roughly 20-25% better in my view.

 

[mejobloggs]

I see eBay link for Amperex 1965 Holland says it's a used tube. Is that a good idea to buy used? How long are their lifespan?

 

[mikoss]

I see eBay link for Amperex 1965 Holland says it's a used tube. Is that a good idea to buy used? How long are their lifespan?

I believe it says in the listing that it tested at 108 on a B&K 707 meter... full scale looks to be 120. 
http://s473.photobucket.com/user/francm09/media/B%20K%20707%20Tube%20Tester/DSCF4050.jpg.html
 
Life span should be at least 3000 hours. There is no guarantee that a new old stock tube will last 3000 hours, but having it test good on a tube tester is a good sign. It could last longer than 3000 hours as well.
 
 

  Hey Mike.
 
I too suffer from hyperacusis. It's terrible and taxing on a day-to-day basis. Hang in there, bud!

Oh man, I may have to PM and ask you about that. I always knew I had sensitive hearing, but I honestly had no idea how abnormal it was. My perfect day would be ear plugs 24/7, removed only to listen to headphones at a very low volume for as long as possible 

 
Anyway, I have been taking it very easy with my listening sessions as it seems there is more and more "hurting" my ears - the shower, people talking, doors closing, pretty much everything. The door beep noise from my truck at work seems incredibly loud and makes me cringe everytime I get in the truck. Brutal, but at least no tinnitus or abnormal hearing loss. Booked to see a specialist in August, and do some LDL tests just to see where I'm at.

 

[mejobloggs]

Bought the tube
 
Said it'd take about 2 weeks to arrive. The anticipation

 

[mikoss]

Nice... the good thing about eBay is that everything seems to now be in the buyers favour. For example, even if the seller doesn't have a return policy, if you receive the tube and find it doesn't work properly, or has noise, or some other issue, you can contact eBay and have them resolve the issue with the seller, to your satisfaction. Of course, this may be a bit of a pain, especially if you end up waiting on shipping and such, but I've never been dissatisfied myself. Anyway, let us know how it goes.
 
I've found NOS tubes take 20-40 hours to sound their best, if they truly haven't been used in a long while/ever. It's also been confirmed that the tube measurements change after 24 hours, so burn-in definitely exists for vacuum tubes.