[thyname]

And you guys buy those iFi NOS 6922 tubes directly from iFi website? As a set with the adapters?

 

[MattTCG]

And you guys buy those iFi NOS 6922 tubes directly from iFi website? As a set with the adapters?

I bought then from music Direct.

 

[kayhikski]

   
I am still a fan of the iFi NOS 6922 tubes; they are based on the JAN GE5670 which as far as I remember Mike himself has recommended. You can get them cheaper if you buy the tubes and adaptors separately but in my opinion it is worth the extra cost to get piece of mind by getting it all pre-made and ready to fit into the Mjolnir 2. They go for about $100 as well so fits right in your budget.

 
+1
 
I bought my iFi 5670 (6922) matched pair from Music Direct. 
 
These are my first and only NOS tube purchase currently having only purchased my Mjolnir 2  a month or so ago. I am enjoying the way they sound immensely. 

 

[FLTWS]

I bought then from music Direct.

 
Ditto!

 

[thyname]

Guys:
 
Rolling tubes is really hard with MJ2. I have read about "socket savers". Any brand / type that you guys recommend?
 
I found these, but not sure if these are the right ones, or good enough for MJ2:
 
http://www.tubemonger.com/NOVIB_Socket_Saver_1960s_NOS_British_McMurdo_B9A_p/novib-mcmurdo.htm

 

[winders]

  Guys:
 
Rolling tubes is really hard with MJ2. I have read about "socket savers". Any brand / type that you guys recommend?
 
I found these, but not sure if these are the right ones, or good enough for MJ2:
 
http://www.tubemonger.com/NOVIB_Socket_Saver_1960s_NOS_British_McMurdo_B9A_p/novib-mcmurdo.htm

I use those and they work great!

 

[JerryLeeds]

Thanks for confirming.... I purchased those as well to use with my ordered MJ2 .. I'm hoping it is sent out soon

 

[winders]

Thanks for confirming.... I purchased those as well to use with my ordered MJ2 .. I'm hoping it is sent out soon

My Mjolnir 2 hasn't shipped yet, either. I am using the socket savers in my Lyr 2 and used one in my Vali 2 before that.

 

[DWbirdseye]

Guys:

Rolling tubes is really hard with MJ2. I have read about "socket savers". Any brand / type that you guys recommend?

I found these, but not sure if these are the right ones, or good enough for MJ2:

http://www.tubemonger.com/NOVIB_Socket_Saver_1960s_NOS_British_McMurdo_B9A_p/novib-mcmurdo.htm

I've been using them for over a year now. I can recommend them.

 

[thyname]

Thanks everybody (on socket savers)!
 
I went ahead and ordered a pair from Tubemonger direct.
 
As for the tubes, I still wrap my head around to what I should buy, as an improvement from the MJ2 stock tubes. From Schiit site, it seems like the only options for their tube amps are:
 
6DJ8
 
6922
 
ECC88
 
6N23P
 
6B27
 
I do know NOS is preferred.
 
When I browse the tubes section on tubemonger, music direct, and other sites, a bunch of different names, and codes / numbers come up. Which makes me totally confused. I also noticed eBay has some of the tubes stuff at very cheap prices, although not sure of authenticity of what they sell.
 
I looked at the iFi stuff, but at $100 for the pair, still sounds like a lot to me, considering that I am just getting started with tubes.
 
So, what do I do?

 

[winders]

I prefer the Siemens CCa and Telefunken CCa tubes from the early 1960's. I also like the Soviet Reflektor 6N23P (Single Wire Getter and Silver Shields) from 1975.
 
The CCa tubes can cost a lot. I got mine from eBay from specific sellers I trust and never spent more than $250 per pair. I don't trust anyone on eBay for the Reflektor tubes.
 
You can get tubes made in the Heerlen factory that sound great in the $100 range. I am not the person to ask about those tubes. But, you can search through the Lyr 2 Tube Rollers thread.

 

[DWbirdseye]

Thanks everybody (on socket savers)!

I went ahead and ordered a pair from Tubemonger direct.

As for the tubes, I still wrap my head around to what I should buy, as an improvement from the MJ2 stock tubes. From Schiit site, it seems like the only options for their tube amps are:

6DJ8

6922

ECC88

6N23P

6B27

I do know NOS is preferred.

When I browse the tubes section on tubemonger, music direct, and other sites, a bunch of different names, and codes / numbers come up. Which makes me totally confused. I also noticed eBay has some of the tubes stuff at very cheap prices, although not sure of authenticity of what they sell.

I looked at the iFi stuff, but at $100 for the pair, still sounds like a lot to me, considering that I am just getting started with tubes.

So, what do I do?

Check out Rob2013 6922 tube review. He spent lots of time and money buying and reviewing many, many tubes. Make sure you buy from a reputable dealer. Some of the ebay dealers overseas are questionable. If you read through Rob's thread you might get a feel for what kind of sound you want. Don't cheap out as it will cost you in the end.

 

[kayhikski]

Has anyone tried Amperex 7308 tubes?
 
rb2013 rates the Amperex 7308 highly in his tube review. Actually 2 different 60's vintage Amperex 7308 tubes make his top ten.
 
Upscale Audio has 1960's Amperex 7308's for $129 each (platinum grade).

 

[DWbirdseye]

Has anyone tried Amperex 7308 tubes?

rb2013 rates the Amperex 7308 highly in his tube review. Actually 2 different 60's vintage Amperex 7308 tubes make his top ten.

Upscale Audio has 1960's Amperex 7308's for $129 each (platinum grade).

Rob was specific about the year and the characteristics. It makes a difference, but since you don't have a perspective it doesn't hurt to jump in.

 

[kayhikski]

Rob was specific about the year and the characteristics. It makes a difference, but since you don't have a perspective it doesn't hurt to jump in.

Thanks. I take your point, and it's the reason I've decided to buy from a reputable source vs ebay.