Difference in gain between E88CC and 6922 valves

[Alvolake]

I have just fitted a NOS Heerlen made Valvo red E88CC in my P10 in substitution of the original EH6922.

Why does the former seem to have so much more gain than the EH ? The Valvo sounds far better to these ears (and I have now tried 2 from the same year) but they do exhibit a rustling sound between tracks whereas the EH is peacefully quiet but could this be down to new v old ?

 

[i_should_coco]

There shouldn't be any difference. Have you actually measured it? Or it is just a subjective impression?

 

[Alvolake]

It´s my impression and also an attempt to explain away the fact that two NOS Valvo Reds sound bloody great but both of them suffer from the same "noise" which only offends in the quiet bits and between tracks and also even if I lift the cartridge off the disc - the swirling rustling sound is still there. I thought perhaps higher gain was pushing my DIY rebuilt P10 just over its quiet threshold, a phenomenon that just doesn´t occur with the EH6922 which sounds light years away, for the worse, from the NOS Valvos. I must have guessed wrong and will have to send the Valvos back whence they came. But they sound so damned good.........

 

[i_should_coco]

Sadly valves are often noisy and phono stages tend to show it up. The only way is to have lots and select quiet ones...

 

[pure sound]

Worth trying a Mullard E88CC-01 if you can find one? That and a Telefunken 83.

 

[Alvolake]

I´ve just bought a NOS Tungsram 83 and like it very much. The Valvo is the icing on the top - if it weren´t for that noise. The seller seems to think I should try burning it in WITHOUT MUSIC for 5 hours a day for 4 or 5 days. he is convinced it will come good because they measure so well. In for a penny ........ If it doesn´t work out I´ll certainly keep my eyes open for a Mullard 88-01.

Thanks Guy.

 

[i_should_coco]

Measuring well (in terms of Gm, etc.) has fuck all to do with noise. Clearly it doesn't measure well for noise. I'm not sure what the significance of stipulating 'without music' is :roll: . That won't make a blind bit of difference.

However, it may well quiet down, but if it doesn't within a day or two it'll never be quiet.

 

[Alvolake]

I´ll let you know how it goes. I´d like to believe in fairy tales and what´s there to lose ? It sounds great in the loud bits.

 

[i_should_coco]

Just don't let him stitch you up.

 

[Alvolake]

No chance. He´s already sent me a substitute valve without my asking- identical in both the good and the bad points.

 

[i_should_coco]

Fair enough...

They're probably great for lime stages, but phono stages are rather more demanding, unfortunately.

 

[Alvolake]

The raucous old valve has indeed quietened down a lot after about 20 hours of "burn-in" without music Now playing my first LP (Jacques Loussier plays Bach 5 ) since Saturday! At normal listening levels I can just lift the arm without lowering the volume and the noise, while there very faint in the background, it is now constant and no longer fizzes about. It doesn´t sound too well just yet, bass presence -wise bit it is very tight, who knows, might well be on to a winner after all.

 

[rabski]

With all respect, crap.

It's noisy. It will remain noisy. It will always be noisy.

This is always the issue with 'NOS' tubes. The best are far better that modern equivalents. However, you have to accept that a fair percentage are fucked.

If it's noisy to start with, then it will always be noisy. If there was/is any sort of guarantee, send the bastard back immediately.

I have been buying NOS Telefunken small signal tubes for years. They are genuinely (IMHO) the best sounding of all. However, many out there are microphonic or screwed in other ways. They will not improve with use. They're fucked and will remain fucked.

These tunes are OLD. Some will inevitably be useless. If you've bought with any sort of guarantee, send them back. They will always be useless.

 

[Alvolake]

You may well be right but tonight I have no doubt it is less noisy and farty and fizzy than it was 2 days ago and not far off the EH6922 with which I am comparing it.. The question is whether one can live with it. After this evening´s session I am quite a bit more optimistic about the question of noise - not so sure about the sound in itself, though.