musicfan145
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2016
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I used to hoard Siemens CCa and Telefunken CCa tube pairs for my Mjolnir 2 because they were the best sounding tubes I had ever heard. Then I tried the Western Electric "JW" 2C51 tubes (5670/396A equivalent) and was blown away. They had all the detail and clarity of the CCa tubes but had warmth and incredible soundstage as well. I sold all the pairs of CCa tubes and now I don't own a single 6922 tube. That's not quite true. I do have the 6922 tubes that came with my Mjolnir 2 and Vali 2.
The Western Electric "JW" 2C51 and 396A tubes are better than any 6922 tube I have ever heard and they cost quite a bit less. I spend no more than $100 per pair and often quite a bit less. I will never buy a high end 6922 tube again.
Thanks so much. Now the challenge seems to be finding one. I can’t find anything listed as a JW 2C51. How different is it from the 396a?
Even the 396a seems difficult to find in a single, balanced tube. Tube Depot lists a single NOS WE 396a for $99. I emailed them to ask about triode balance, and this was their response:
“Thanks for your email. The age of this tube prevents us from accurately testing the triode balance. We apologize for the
inconvenience.”
Buying a pair off eBay seems like the only option.