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Best 6DJ8/6AS7 combo

38.15.201.120

I am currently using a David Yee output transformerless single ended dual triode headphone amp, with an early 70's TOTL Bugle Boy 6DJ8, and an RCA grey-plate 6080. I also have an RCA black-plate 6AS7GA that I found fatiguing in the early stages of using this amp.

The sound of this setup is clean, neutral and balanced. But I am looking for a bigger, more powerful (but controlled) bass, full, natural and lifelike timber and harmonics (like a good DH SET), great soundstage and imaging, and (especially) zero fatigue!

My headphones are the somewhat bass-light, but otherwise completely neutral and transparent JVC HA-D990.

My sources are a Micro Seiki BL51, with a Grace 707 II tonearm, and a Signet TK7e cartridge feeding the world-class phonostage of my Accuphase E-202. A Philips Little Giant DAC + triple filtered LPS being fed by my Carver MV-5 which is serving as a transport.

All of my cables are neutral and transparent hi-end designs (pure copper).

Follow Ups:

RE: Best 6DJ8/6AS7 combo - SoundMann 15:36:02 04/07/23 (5)
It appears that the Bugle Boy is the root cause of my dissatisfaction. It sounds like an overly analytical microscope!
- RE: Best 6DJ8/6AS7 combo - SoundMann 18:20:26 04/07/23 (4)
  I just bought a very strong testing Mullard o-getter 6DJ8 (labeled for Knight). I will use it first with my black-plate RCA 6AS7GA.
  
  Hopefully it will live up to its reputation.
  - RE: Best 6DJ8/6AS7 combo - MP62 09:33:19 04/09/23 (3)
    Good problem solving skills!
    
    Also try the BEL ECC88 gold pin...a bit more dynamic than the Mullard and better frequency extremes. I have them and Kevin Deal has them (I sold him a bunch).
    
    Paul
    - RE: Best 6DJ8/6AS7 combo - SoundMann 18:26:58 04/13/23 (2)
      Well, the Mullard is definitely not warm and cuddly as I have been led to believe. It sounds completely transparent in my circuit.
      - RE: Best 6DJ8/6AS7 combo - SoundMann 20:18:19 04/14/23 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Best 6DJ8/6AS7 combo posted by SoundMann on April 13, 2023 at 18:26:58
        
        I am getting a good balanced sound from the Mullard. But I wonder if there is an affordable 6AS7/6080 that is warmer and smoother than my RCA Black Plate, but still transparent?
        
        RE: Best 6DJ8/6AS7 combo - sony6060 07:30:20 04/16/23 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Best 6DJ8/6AS7 combo posted by SoundMann on April 14, 2023 at 20:18:19
        
        RCA 6922 with gold pins is an early Siemens and the best sounding 6DJ8 I ever used.

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