2. amps-preamps
  3. 1015036941

Re-tube time for a BAT VK30. Advice please

It's time, the tubes are going sideways on me. You sure notice when your tubes are done eh? The VK30 uses (6) 6922 tubes. I've rolled tubes plenty over the years but I'd really like to avoid buying a bunch and experimenting. I like my sound laid back, the 'statics are plenty detailed enough. Musical taste is all over the map, Associated gear:

Oracle Delphi MkIV, SME345 Arm, Grado Reference Cartridge (marble base)

Lehmann Black Cube Phono Preamplifier

YBD CD Integre CD player (Brightstar base, with remote)

Magnum Dynalab FT11 tuner (Brightstar base)

Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette Deck

Grado RA-1 Headphone Amplifier

Balanced Audio Technology VK500 amplifier (with BATPAK)

Martin Logan Quest Z speakers

(2) 5' Synergistic Research AC Reference power cords (preamplifier, phono stage)

(1) YBA Diamond power cord (CD player)

(2) Harmonic Technology Pro AC11 power cords (amplifier)

(2) Maple Audio Works Ambiance interconnect (Black Cube, CDP)

(2) Transparent MusicLink interconnect cords (Tuner, Grado Headphone amp)

(2) Phoenix Gold RCA-Balanced interconnect cable (Nakamichi Deck)

Goertz Micropurl 25' Balanced interconnect (preamplifier to amplifier)

Transparent MusicWave 10' Bi-Wire speaker cables (spades)

I'd prefer to keep the re-tube cost reasonable, appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks, Jeff
jeffloistarca
jallen
502 posts
 
I had the VK30 with a Bryston amp (4BST) and loved the combo. The tubes I would recommend are the Sovtek 6922 as were in it. However, the Svetlana 6NIP will work, but the voltages are different so they may cause a problem later?? Bugle Boys are great if you can get them. Mullards will give you a sweet seductive sound and seduce your wallet a bit in the process. A great preamp. I miss mine. But, I had to downsize. The tubes I bought as back-up were the Sovtek 6922 in matched pairs. Good luck, Jeff
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
you might try upscaleaudio.com. They retubed my vk60. I recommend them...
jeffloistarca OP
1,004 posts
 
I emailed Kevin at Upscale, I'm pretty sure he'll recommend Sovtek. Upscale keeps their more difficult to get tubes for customers who buy gear from them. I went over to Ebay, seems the Philips NOS are readily available and quite inexpensive but I don't have any experience with them. I'm wondering if any of you have had some great experiences with a particular brand in your BAT preamp?
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
I've used the Phillips NOS JANs I got on ebay and they worked just fine in my VK3i. Not as good as the Amperex PQs I've got in there now, but way cheaper and I thought they were a noticeable improvement over the (admittedly older) Sovteks I've had before.
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
I have a VK30. Amperex all the way - I have 7308s in there now, but also had a bunch of 6922s which were equally as good (in some ways better. sold most of them - here on Agon.). Sovteks - bleah. There's so many better choices, Sovteks are the low common denominator at best. Forget Upscale, all you get are second-string crap from them unless you buy your gear there. (This applies only to 6922 and 6SN7 variants.) Some other dealers have the Amperex. Tubeworld.com has some, but pretty pricey. I will post more for sale if/when I find them. 6N1P is NOT an identical tube as the 6922. Not recommend using that, esp. when so many good 6922 choices exist. Check out Joe's Tube Lore at the audioasylum.com. early phillips are ok (50's-60s), but the later ones are not so hot. Since Amperex invented this tube (basically) it only makes sense to go with them if you can find/afford them.

-Ed
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