Massdrop x Alex Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp (CTH)

Dec 18, 2019

I think the stock tube they have included is actually a great match. I would suggest sticking with it.

WillysWonka

Dec 20, 2019

chame1i0nI agree fully, I tried a couple other decent tubes I had and the stock was better. Feel free to try what you have and in the off chance you find one better let us know. The stock one has no weakness what so ever.

onlinemofo

Apr 22, 2020

chame1i0nI would have to agree my friend. Tried a few others and it seems like the stock one had the best musical sound with no noise.

quicklytoo4

817

May 7, 2020

chame1i0nI tried 2 other tubes one was just a basic $20 tube and was decently better pretty sure the stock tubes are $12 tubes on tube depot

May 14, 2020

quicklytoo4What did you try? would love to know

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quicklytoo4

817

May 23, 2020

chame1i0nhttps://www.tubedepot.com/products/ge-5670w-and-5670-to-6922-adapter-combo sadly looks like it's out of stock with all the extras was $20 good value for the price https://www.tubedepot.com/products/genalex-gold-lion-e88cc-6922-preamp-vacuum-tube better than the first one but not enough to warrent the price imo (on hd6xx's and k7xx's anyways)

May 25, 2020

quicklytoo4Cheers for this, Ill look into iy. Regards Simon

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AeonRemnant

Jun 2, 2020

chame1i0nIt's alright, but you can get so much better from older tubes.

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kimdeug

430

Jun 4, 2020

chame1i0nI will disagree with you. Electro-harmonix 6922 is not bad tube, but I have found 6N23P Reflector from 1965 is more enjoyable. 6N23P Voshod is not bad too. Going up from cheap to more pricy: Amperex, Philips 6922; Siemens E88CC, Sylvania and RCA 7308 or E188CC tubes. And the king of the all 6922 tubes are CCa from Telefunken and Siemens. Some Mullard CV2492 or CV2493 are very sweet sounding too. Also, recently have bought on ebay Zaerix E188CC, Tungsram E88CC and my favorite Tesla E88CC 26$ a pair (like them so much, so have bought 20 of them). Also have bought 100 Russians 6N23P Reflector 1965-1973 from Ukraine, as they sound so close to my bloody expensive Telefunken and Siemens CCa, but Russian tubes are 100 times cheaper. I have tried almost all tubes, except RTF brand, as I have also Phatos Aurium headphone amp utilizing the same tubes. looking on Electro-Harmonix and Gold Lion 6922 tubes. Looks like they have been made on the same factory. Lets roll the tubes! Cheers. Kim

(Edited)

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Jul 6, 2020

kimdeugI do agree with everything your saying. For me the price increase of many tubes is not something I would spend on this particular set up. I used for a short period a Mullard tube which was awesome, as well as a couple of Russian NOS tubes, if money is not an issue then certainly go for it. If money was not an issue I more than likely would be using a different set up all together.

kimdeug

430

Jul 6, 2020

chame1i0nIt is correct. Just have ordered Cayin HA-6A headphone amplifier. Looking for to upgrade the tube GEC KT88. Now, I can feel that the money is issue ;((. But this is I hope the end of the game for a long time of my headphone hobby as a family priority comes first. My collection: Audeze LCDX, LCD2C; Sennh HD800s, 660s, 6xx, 58x, PC36xd; Beyerodynamic DT 1990 pro, Amrion wireless; Focal Elex, Monolith M1070c and M570; AKG 7xx, Q701; Sendy Aiva; Fostex T50, T60, Argon MK3, 00x Ebony; ZMF Auterus, Sony MDR7; Philips X2; Mr Speakers CX etc. etc. etc

(Edited)

Jul 6, 2020

kimdeugHoly crap, what an awesome collection. Tears....

vvcv

May 8, 2020

Electro-Harmonix is one of my favorite tubes, so I am biased. But, I'd agree with all, the EH is a great tube to get to know this amp. I put in a large tube order the other day, a few EH were on that list to be sure. One for this amp too - the Electro-Harmonix Gold. Can't speak for this amp/tube pair, but in my 'speaker' tube amps, it's one of my favorite tubes if I want a slightly smooth sound (not that it puts on a veil covering detail, not at all). I am expecting a better sound w/the Gold, but I know the stock tube will be in the amp for a nice welcome change up. EH is one of those tubes that can help you literally get a whole new sound from your amp. I hope a nice preamp will help with nice sound changes with this amp, which has already turned me into a real headphone fan. This amp staying with me to the grave.

(Edited)

r-gordon-7

Jun 18, 2020

vvcv"Electro-Harmonix is one of my favorite tubes, so I am biased." Pun intended...? ;-)

Aegis700

Aug 4, 2020

This NOS German Telefunken E88CC from 1962 is interchangeable for 6922. This original will rock your world, too bad it costs 400 dollars now, very few left at Upscale audio, I got it for 200 when there were more in 2016.

(Edited)

FuzzTone

May 22, 2020

Buy a used any top RCA 6FQ7 and don't look back lest you transform to a salt pillar.

Nov 6, 2019

The tube that gives you the sound and performance you want from your source and output.

May 8, 2020

ArtismoCool, do you have a link

Vote

May 8, 2020

chame1i0nGotcha: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/6DJ8

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/6922-tube-review-17-top-6922-6n23p-e88cc-cca-7308-e188cc-tubes.761078/

https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/vacuum-tube-shootout-6dj8-types-part-1/

https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/vacuum-tube-shootout-6dj8-types-part-2/

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/6922-tubes

https://www.tubedepot.com/t/tubes/preamp-tubes/6dj8-6922-ecc88-e88cc-cv2492 That should get you started. Happy rolling 👍🏻

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Steve_R

Aug 7, 2020

By far, the Russian 6h23n Voskhod with the rocket logo. Very inexpensive, late seventies/ early eighties. The Electro Harmonix by comparison sound dimensionally flat, more like solid state.

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udailey

Jul 29, 2020

Agreed that the stock tube is fantastic. 6922 had always been will regarded for audio. I do not have a lack of bass or soundstage. If you haven't purchased yet just buy it. I could live with this amp for years and I'd willingly spend much more but it's not necessary.

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AeonRemnant

Jun 2, 2020

Depends on your taste. I like warmer tones so I went and purchased a '65 Siemens grey shield from a local seller. Experiment with it, find a particular taste you enjoy.

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ManzanitaBoy

Jul 20, 2020

Because the inputs are RCA Red & Black, is the 4-pin headphone output truly balanced?

Answer

leoflo1982

Jul 21, 2020

No it is not balanced at all. Just convenient for using headphones with 4pin Xlr connector...

Drop+Audiophile

3472

Official

Nov 6, 2019

What type of headphones are a good match for this amp?

Answer

Nov 6, 2019

It’s a Hybrid, it’s safe with anything it can power.

Nov 6, 2019

When should I replace this tube?

Answer