Difference between Siemens CCa & 7308

I have them both and feel that the 7308 tube offers most of what a CCA has at less money, but as always, tubes are very system dependent.

The top end of the CCa is more refined, and the CCa's image is larger. It's not a big difference from the 7308 (E188CC), but it's a difference that most people would discern, IMO. Whether the cost/benefit ratio of the CCa is worthwhile is something for each individual to decide.

The price of CCa tubes is only going to rise (along with other tubes). IMO, buying a pair to hear, and reselling if you don't like them, is a zero sum game.

I'd opine that in most systems a good 6922 or 7308 will suffice. To fully appreciate the nuances of Cca, the other system components must be a very high level.

I use a pair of Cca in what many users would call a reference phono stage. Yes, and as Grant says, the presentation is more refined and the imaging is better but there is a price to pay for this.

I think most users would be totally satisfied with a high quality Amperex 6922 or Siemens 7308.

YMMV

10-02-07: Audiofeil
I'd opine that in most systems a good 6922 or 7308 will suffice. To fully appreciate the nuances of Cca, the other system components must be a very high level.

True. System resolution is key. Unfortunately, unless we've gone through some system iterations and heard resolution improve or decline, many of us don't know where our system's resolution lies on the scale.

I do agree that most people would be quite happy with a good Siemens E88CC or even a good Siemens ECC88. Amperex, too.