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Best sounding tubes for ARC SP-9 MK3

173.239.199.71
Posted on June 19, 2020 at 19:11:02
audio perfection
 I have been using a refurbished (by ARC) SP-9 with new PS caps, and put in pair of NOS Golden Dragon 6dj8 (china) tubes I bought in the the 80's.

Sounds Great! Spacious, Clear, detailed and warm.

What other tube are similar sounding?

 

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RE: Best sounding tubes for ARC SP-9 MK3, posted on June 19, 2020 at 22:22:55
Sondek
Audiophile

Posts: 9621
Location: Fort Worth
Joined: May 17, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 You might like the gold pin version of the JJ E88CC.

I assume you mean current manufacture.

If it's the vintage stuff you're interested in, take a look at FAQ under Joe's Tube Lore.



 

Looking for NOS only., posted on June 20, 2020 at 19:01:29
audio perfection
 I do not like any current tubes.

The best tube depends on the particular preamp.

Need SP-9 Mk III experience.

Thanks

 

RE: Best sounding tubes for ARC SP-9 MK3, posted on June 20, 2020 at 21:02:54
Jonesy
Audiophile

Posts: 3156
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Joined: September 1, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2018
 Welcome to the Asylum.

Hopefully someone will chime in having had experience with the Golden Dragon 6DJ8/ARC SP-9 MkIII combination.

Though I am familiar with the Golden Dragon tube brand, I do not recall much forum discussion on it, nor does it turn up in any forum searches. (May just be the way I'm typing it in?)

Recommend doing a search on "SP-9 MkIII tubes" to find threads on NOS recommendations (Amperex, Siemens, Sovtek, etc.)

I purchased the SP-9 MkI when it first came out, but returned it. I understand the MkIII is considerably better, but unfortunately have not had an opportunity to hear the much admired hybrid preamp.

Glad to hear you are enjoying it.

Good luck with goal of improvement through tube rolling.

Cheers!

Jonesy





"I know just enough to get into trouble. But not enough to get out of it."




 

RE: Looking for NOS only., posted on June 20, 2020 at 21:39:56
Eli Duttman
Audiophile

Posts: 10455
Location: Monroe Township, NJ
Joined: March 31, 2000
 If for no reason other than toughness, ARC uses Reflektor (Saratov, Russia) made 6922 "equivalents". You need that toughness and also want good sounding NOS. Hicksville, NY, made Amperex 7308s check all the boxes. Be prepared to spend BIG $.

Frankly, settling for 6922 equivalent, Reflektor made, 6H23Π-EB (6n23p-ev) specimens may be your best bet. The tube New Sensor markets as the ElectroHarmonix (EH) 6922 is, in fact, 6H23Π-EB of very recent "vintage". For a price (naturally), Reflektor made 6H23Π-EB stock that predates New Sensor's ownership of the plant can be sourced.


Eli D.

 

RE: Best sounding tubes for ARC SP-9 MK3, posted on June 21, 2020 at 18:16:55
audio perfection
 The golden dragon 6dj8 tube from China had a very short run.

I read that retired Mullard tube designers went to China and gave them their help.

At one time they were sold by ARC.

They were discontinued and the brand name bought by the Russians.

The SP-9 mk3 was a big upgrade from the mk1 and mk2, with a power supply twice the size , better caps, and modified phono and line stage.

I have never found a review of the mk3, but many people liked it.

Member Estat use to own a mk3..

 

"Member Estat use to own a mk3..", posted on June 24, 2020 at 11:39:42
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37584
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 Yes. Mine was purchased used as a MKII and shortly afterwards had factory updated to MKIII. It was a pretty significant upgrade - fixed the lean lower midrange tonal balance, improved transparency and dynamics.

My favorite was Amperex PQ 7308s.

 

RE: "Member Estat use to own a mk3..", posted on June 25, 2020 at 13:19:58
audio perfection
 Thanks

I have a large collection of tubes but no 7308s.

I have owned the SP-9 MK1, Mk2, and MK3 in addition to the SP-14. The MK3 was the best.

They all seemed to require a couple of days warm up to sound at their best IMO.

I run the MK3 24/7 and change tubes after 7.5 months, since I use the system every day.

Tubes warm up faster than FETs. After all, these are tube/FET hybrids. This was true of a ARC D125 power amp I also have.

I am using the MK3 in my home theater setup with a Sovtek 6922 place holder in the phono section.

 

RE: "Member Estat use to own a mk3..", posted on July 1, 2020 at 07:49:25
MikeWI
Audiophile

Posts: 632
Joined: March 22, 2002
 I know you prefer NOS but give a set of the 6922 Genalex Gold Lions a try. McShane can provide various tested noise levels.

Mike

 

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