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Who still sells NOS Telefunken 6922's?

These tubes are getting VERY hard to find. It seems like many tube dealers are running out or have already run out. Others, like Kevin Deal of Upscale Audio, will sell only to customers who have bought a product from their store which requires these tubes. Does anyone know a reputable tube dealer with reasonable prices who still stocks these tubes? I have a CAT Ultimate which requires 6 6922's and 4 12AX7's to completely retube. What other brands (NOS or otherwise) have a similar sonic signature and perhaps will still be available 5 years from now? No Sovtek's, please! Thanks
rayhall
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
You can get them on eBay - but you take a risk. I have bought a lot of tubes this way and I would say 3 out of every 4 tubes bought are great. Personally I find Telefunken made great 12AX7 and 12AU7, but I am not keen on their 6922 - among various problems I found vocals to be a bit pinched and nasally. The best 6922 I have heard is the Amperex - I recommend the Holland ones only. Again, these are available on eBay.
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Redkiwi; Are the Amperex 6922s, Holland mfg. the same as the "Bugle Boys" you've recommended? Rayhall, hope you don't mind me using your thread. Thanks. Craig
rayhall OP
393 posts
 
Not at all, Craig. Thanks Albert. I'll be sending you an email to discuss it further. Redkiwi: I've used Ebay to buy about 15 tubes in four separate transactions. At least half have had heavy tube rush, ringing or I have found the tubes to be lacking in dynamics. I have had no outright DOA's, but I really feel you are taking a big risk buying tubes on Ebay. Have I just had bad luck? What are other people's experiences buying on Ebay?
rayhall OP
393 posts
 
By the way, I've tried Amperex (Holland) 6922's in an old Audio Research SP-9. They sounded pretty bright even after 30 hours use. I sent those tubes packing along with the preamp. Never tried them in the CAT. Are they really bright or was it just that god-awful preamp?
walkern
8 posts
 
There is a place in Chicago called Triode Electronics (773) 871-7459 that often has difficult to find tubes. Their prices are very reasonable, and the guys who run the place really know their stuff. They keep odd hours and are sometimes tough to reach, but I have found it worthwhile to keep trying. I have been buying from them for years and have only ever had 1 problem with a malfunctioning tube. They replaced it immediately without question. If they don't have the exact tube you want, they can often recommend alternatives that are sonically similar.
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