#1
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6H30 DR's NOS
Anyone tried a pair of these in their ARC preamp?
Seems to be positive info about them, though some say not worth the large difference in pricing. Considering grabbing a pair for my LS17SE. Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated. |
#2
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You should be careful when sourcing NOS 6H30 tubes. A goof friend of mine paid an high price for them and they sounded poor, two of the set of four being microphonic and one evidencing grid leakage.
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#3
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Upscale Audio has some currently and I have had positive experiences with him in the past when buying NOS stuff. I figured it would be a safe bet, but I guess we never know... If they are good quality and properly tested, do they really sound better? I assume the supposed lower noise floor would help in a preamp?
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#4
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A little light reading should non USA based members contemplate looking to source genuine pre 1990 production valves other than from reputable US dealers such as Upscale Audio ~
Recognizing 6H30 - 6N30 tubes - ACA |
#5
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Bavarian, I don't own an ARC preamp, but previously owned an Ayon CD-5s & upgraded the factory EB tubes to a matched quad of DR's sourced from Chris Johnson at The Parts Connexion (PCX). In all, I have bought 3 matched quads from him before (mostly of 1986 vintage) & all have been perfect with tight matching tested over 3 parameters using their tube testing equipment with excellent triode to triode matching also (Chris prints the actual measurements on each tube box fyi).
As far as improvements go, I would say the Reflektor 6H30P-DR's are overall a bit leaner (ie: not quite as warm as the EB tubes), but retain the Reflektor's lively, fast sound. The DR's will provide a good improvement in resolution /frequency extension, noise, dynamics & durability (10,000 vs 5000hrs for the EB's). If you prefer warmer sounding output tubes, you could also consider cryo-treated EH Gold pins which are up there with the DR's & can be had at a fraction of the price. Here is a link fyi -http://www.cryoset.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=327&osCsid=42b70a7934 69afeb4bb89f5b3db358c7 Cheers, Last edited by Bodhisattva; 10-14-2013 at 07:12 AM. |
#6
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I use them in Ref-3 preamp and compared to Sovtek, I can say midrange is cleaner, definitely more detailed, overall better performers. Though one has to judge if it is worth the additional cost.
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#7
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hi I upgraded my CD Ref8 and Ref8 with 6H30-DR bought from ebay.com from Turkey/Ukraine they are not so NOS but from 1986 or 96 i do not remember it but they works fine and bring more detailed scene to the music
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#8
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I have a pair of 6H30-DR with 1988 date code. Im going to roll them in my Ls17 SE tonight. Ill let you know how it works out. I bought these off ebay.
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#9
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The quick answer is Yes the vintage 6H30-DR tube sounds better.
I gained some Dynamic energy, Faster transients, more energy in the attack of instruments and vocals. A better sense of space and openness. The tube has a cool crisp open feeling to it, very clear, like having a new clean window. Don't expect a transformation in warmth or bloom or any tubeyness at all. I would consider this a fabulous upgrade in the $150-$200 range. Not the $400 that upscale is asking. My LS17-SE is new with less than 100 hours on it. |
#10
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