Valve tester

[Fran]

My favourite pre uses valve originally designed for use in car radios.

One of the headphone amps too..... not kidding!

[Diapason]

Okay so here's a question. I've just taken delivery of 10 NOS Russian military E88CC equivalents from the late 70s courtesy of an eBay seller. He has a shed-load of valves, and these have apparently been "tested". I've read in a few places these particular valves from this particular factory work well with Graaf amps, hence the purchase.

So, should I just take the risk and stick them in there?

[Fran]

More than you ever wanted to know about 6922 valves:

http://www.audiotubes.com/6dj8.htm


If the valves look ok, ie still mirror deposits, no cracks, internal structure looks "ok" then the only next step you can take is put one in!

No matter who you talk to they will all say the same thing.... its your risk!

[Diapason]

That link is purple, Fran, looks like I've been there before! More than once if I recall...

The tubes look absolutely mint, and the construction is genuinely top-drawer to the eye. Very impressive is this old Russian stuff, they even have the CCCP logo n' all.

Might risk it later. Might.

[Diapason]

Well, they all seem to be working fine and sounding pretty good. Another successful eBay purchase from the former Soviet Union!

[Ivor]

Well, they all seem to be working fine and sounding pretty good. Another successful eBay purchase from the former Soviet Union!

Nice one! In my limited experience valves don't tend to destroy - amps they simply work or the don't, of course "not working" means everything from dead to sounding awful.
If you're happy with the sound then resist the temptation to swap tubes around. If you're not happy with the sound start there. Funny things tubes.

[jadarin]

Could you give me the name of the eBay seller,might try some of these russian tubes.

[Diapason]

Chap's name is sarmat1968, and he seems to have a pretty good selection. 6N23P and the -EV suffix are the 6922 equivalents, I'm not sure about the rest. There are other sellers too, of course, the valves seem to be plentiful still.

[jadarin]

Thanks Simon...