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I usually get them on ebay.Is there a specific version of these tubes you are suggesting? Where can I find them?
I usually get them on ebay.
The version is pretty straight forward. These are e88cc Amperex bugle boy or e88cc Tungsram. You may also find them by 6922 Amperex Bugle boy or Tungsram.
Obviously there are measurements and different types like o getter, d getter (more expensive ones for the bugle boy).
But overall, any of these should make your echo sing very differently.
Also if you want to get a bit deeper, you could get a pair of e88cc to 5670 converter and get ge 5670 triple micra or even we396a. These are even better sounding tubes.
None of my headphone amps use 6DJ8/6922/7308 tubes, but my (now very old) BAT preamp in my 2-channel setup does. I generally preferred Amperex tubes in it. Those white label Holland 6DJ8s are plentiful, sound good, and can be had for reasonable prices. I would also keep an eye out for the white label US made Amperex 7308s as those are wonderful, but harder to find and a bit more expensive. Once I put in the 7308s, I stopped tube rolling.
Yes, these. They are lacking measurements of the actual tubes. Try to message them and ask about gain (Mu) and current of plates (mA). For instance, a listing for a Tungsram which is same type of tube provides:
Well you would have to replace the tubes eventually. They don't last forever. But how can I tell if it's a white label or what type of "getter" a tube is?
@MacMan31None of my headphone amps use 6DJ8/6922/7308 tubes, but my (now very old) BAT preamp in my 2-channel setup does. I generally preferred Amperex tubes in it. Those white label Holland 6DJ8s are plentiful, sound good, and can be had for reasonable prices. I would also keep an eye out for the white label US made Amperex 7308s as those are wonderful, but harder to find and a bit more expensive. Once I put in the 7308s, I stopped tube rolling.
@MacMan31
As a former Feliks Echo owner (mk I, but not a massive difference in sound I believe) who has used white-label Amperex 7308 tubes in that amp, I can say with certainty that it takes the Echo a leap ahead.
Those 7308s are exceptionally quiet, have loads of slam, and really make the Echo a somewhat new amp. If you prefer a more velvety, less rockin’/“speedy” sound, I’d suggest some NOS (New Old Stock) Mullard or Brimars.
A great and trustworthy source for NOS tubes (albeit overseas) is Langrex in the UK: https://www.langrex.co.uk/.
Another is Brent Jessee:
https://www.audiotubes.com/
Emailing Brent once you’ve had a look is a good move- he’s helpful, honest, and knows tubes really well. He will steer you right. Langrex is more for what you know what you want, but they are a great shop with very fair prices and great service if you should run into issues (which is very unlikely).
I looked for 7308s at Langrex, and they have a few. Not sure if Sylvania’s offerings were as good as Amperex’- you’ll have to check a bit.
https://www.langrex.co.uk/?s=7308&post_type=product
A couple of warnings: You are now entering the proverbial tube rabbit hole, and it may take a while to emerge with sonic satisfaction (see my profile image ). It can also get a bit expensive, depending on what you define as your “holy grail” level of sound, as well as you budget.
And… there can be a fair amount of reading and research involved, both here and elsewhere on the Net.
If the 7308s eventually also entice you to want to upgrade further, I would recommend looking at Woo Audio’s amps.
If you are specifically staying with ZMF dynamic-driver headphones, the Woo Audio WA2 is a wonderful amp, and there’s a used one listed here or on US AudioMart for $950, which is a pretty excellent price these days. If that suits your budget and you are curious, check out the WA2 and Woo Audio threads here on Head-Fi. You are also welcome to DM me…
Did I mention this could get expensive?
EDIT:
@Honeypot nailed it. About three years ago I knew nothing about tubes, went down the rabbit hole, bumbled around for a while, learned a lot, and emerged with a great setup that I love. It’s worth the investment, BUT there can be a few shortcuts if you do your research and don’t spend randomly.
Another is Brent Jessee:
Brent Jessie
Well you would have to replace the tubes eventually. They don't last forever. But how can I tell if it's a white label or what type of "getter" a tube is?
Hmmm- “AudioDuck, Esquire” or “AudioDuck, Attorney-At-Law”. It does have a nice ring to it.As Dave and Duck, which would be a great name for a law firm,
I know it may looks overwhelming at the beginning. But I was in there a few months ago. And people from this forum helped me with useful information on the right direction and my curiosity did the rest.
I am pretty sure you will also enjoy the journey of tubes. It's a part of history that makes you feel and understand a little better this hobby. And, if at the end of the day you don't care about these technicalities, just buy matched tubes mad enjoy.
Hmmm- “AudioDuck, Esquire” or “AudioDuck, Attorney-At-Law”. It does have a nice ring to it.
What do you say, @AnyDave - perhaps we should hang up a proverbial shingle?
(Image courtesy of CoPilot/Dall-E. No idea what the numbers are supposed to mean- they aren’t tube designators, sadly)
I’m a huge fan of the Brimar CV455, but I’d recommend checking that it is usable with the Echo II. You will, at minimum, need a pair of pin adapters- but the amp needs to be compatible with 12AT7s… please ignore if you already did this.I have bought a few other pairs of tubes for my Echo Mk2. Just a couple pairs I bought on this site here https://www.thetubestore.com/preamp-tubes/6922-e88cc-tube-types. Also these ones. https://www.langrex.co.uk/products/12at7-cv455-kb-fb-brimar-rare-triple-mica-1956-nos-valve-tube/ I may grab another pair of these.