Another impressive offering from Tesla that holds its own in a competitive field. While it may not possess the immediate “wow factor” of the E83CC, it remains one of the more musically pleasing 6DJ8 variants currently available.
The sonic profile is characterized by vocals that are notably pronounced and imbued with an inviting warmth. Listeners will appreciate the fine detail across the frequency range, complemented by bass that is both disciplined and tight. While the low-end impact doesn’t quite reach the legendary levels of the 6N23P-EV, it is certainly respectable and well-defined.
The presentation is slightly stiff at the moment, which is expected given the tube only has a few hours of operation. As the burn-in process continues over the coming days, the soundstage and texture are expected to settle and open up further.
Final Verdict: A highly competent and warm-leaning 6DJ8 that excels in vocal clarity and detail, making it a solid choice for those seeking a balanced, non-fatiguing tube.
The Tesla E88CC is one of the last “bargains” out there in the 6922 world. They do not perform quite like treasured Dutch or USA Amperex 6922/E88CC tubes from the early 1960s, (!!) with the Amperex 6922 “house sound” of phenomenal detail, crisp, extended treble, along with midrange depth and 3-dimensional texture to die for… But few 6922 tubes DO have the “Amperex Sound” Few even come CLOSE to the Amperex sound, but the Tesla E88CC “sound” is quite acceptable, and very much as described by TubeMaze above. It is a “midrange prominent” E88CC/6922 tube and in that sense should be very pleasing to fans of female vocal, small ensemble jazz, and baroque/classical chamber music. Tesla 6922/E88CC tubes from the “good” years–1960s and 1970s—can be purchased in absolute NOS state from reliable suppliers in fairly large quantity to this day in 2012, and one SHOULD be able to re-tube almost any preamp with Tesla E88CC tubes for less than the retail cost of the preamp itself! I recommend the Tesla E88CC very much; it does nothing WRONG and gets quite a bit RIGHT. If you are pleased with the sonic balance (bass/midrange/treble “mix”) of your audio system, the Tesla E88CC is a good choice because it is quite neutral, neither adding nor taking away any part of the sonic palette. The Tesla E88CC is a Great tube! It is really one of the few still-affordable NOS 6922/E88CC tubes worthy of a true high-end audio system.. and in that respect get a very high recommendation. 5 stars!
As much as I like the Tesla E88CC, and I definitely do love the Tesla’s sweet midband response, I have to say my favorite “bargain” or “sleeper” 6922-type tube is absolutely the red-labeled 1970s Tungsram 6922. These fantastic Tungsram 6922s are an absolute steal at an average of $35- $40 each for tested NOS on the popular auction site. Prices from a reputable dealer are usually slightly higher than this but worth it. This extremely long-lived, especially high Gm-spec industrial/scientific red letter/nickel pin Tungsram 6922 was made to last, and is extremely rugged. The sound? Well… imagine the drive, punch, dynamics, and sheer SOLIDITY of the NOS Russian 6H23N (Voshkod “rocket logo” or 1970s Reflektor 6H23N/6N23P) coupled with a strong twist of treble delicacy and extension, and most of all terrific depth of soundstage. I must caution that the Tungsram 6922 is a bit on the “bright” side sonically, so if your system needs to be “cooled down” in the treble region, absolutely do NOT look to Tungsram! However, the Tungsram 6922 is so sweet yet simultaneously so focused and coherent in its’ stereo imaging that it is worth giving them a try even if you might prefer a slightly more “mellow” sonic signature. These tubes are well available, but as with all NOS tubes, know your vendor! Ask for audio tested/transconductance tested examples of Tungsram 6922s only! I routinely use a combination of Tungsram 6922s in linestage service with a “sweeter” 6922 such as the Amperex PQ USA curved-D-getter, tall bottle 1960-1961 era 6922 as the phono stage source tubes. This is an extremely synergistic marriage of two great 6922s that will save the extreme cost of re-tubing with all USA Amperex (or Dutch Philips/Amperex) E88CC/6922 tubes. The Tungsram is the perfect 6922 for medium gain applications, lasts virtually forever, and has not (yet) been hunted to extinction. The time to try some out is now!
Another impressive offering from Tesla that holds its own in a competitive field. While it may not possess the immediate “wow factor” of the E83CC, it remains one of the more musically pleasing 6DJ8 variants currently available.
The sonic profile is characterized by vocals that are notably pronounced and imbued with an inviting warmth. Listeners will appreciate the fine detail across the frequency range, complemented by bass that is both disciplined and tight. While the low-end impact doesn’t quite reach the legendary levels of the 6N23P-EV, it is certainly respectable and well-defined.
The presentation is slightly stiff at the moment, which is expected given the tube only has a few hours of operation. As the burn-in process continues over the coming days, the soundstage and texture are expected to settle and open up further.
Final Verdict: A highly competent and warm-leaning 6DJ8 that excels in vocal clarity and detail, making it a solid choice for those seeking a balanced, non-fatiguing tube.
The Tesla E88CC is one of the last “bargains” out there in the 6922 world. They do not perform quite like treasured Dutch or USA Amperex 6922/E88CC tubes from the early 1960s, (!!) with the Amperex 6922 “house sound” of phenomenal detail, crisp, extended treble, along with midrange depth and 3-dimensional texture to die for… But few 6922 tubes DO have the “Amperex Sound” Few even come CLOSE to the Amperex sound, but the Tesla E88CC “sound” is quite acceptable, and very much as described by TubeMaze above. It is a “midrange prominent” E88CC/6922 tube and in that sense should be very pleasing to fans of female vocal, small ensemble jazz, and baroque/classical chamber music. Tesla 6922/E88CC tubes from the “good” years–1960s and 1970s—can be purchased in absolute NOS state from reliable suppliers in fairly large quantity to this day in 2012, and one SHOULD be able to re-tube almost any preamp with Tesla E88CC tubes for less than the retail cost of the preamp itself! I recommend the Tesla E88CC very much; it does nothing WRONG and gets quite a bit RIGHT. If you are pleased with the sonic balance (bass/midrange/treble “mix”) of your audio system, the Tesla E88CC is a good choice because it is quite neutral, neither adding nor taking away any part of the sonic palette. The Tesla E88CC is a Great tube! It is really one of the few still-affordable NOS 6922/E88CC tubes worthy of a true high-end audio system.. and in that respect get a very high recommendation. 5 stars!
As much as I like the Tesla E88CC, and I definitely do love the Tesla’s sweet midband response, I have to say my favorite “bargain” or “sleeper” 6922-type tube is absolutely the red-labeled 1970s Tungsram 6922. These fantastic Tungsram 6922s are an absolute steal at an average of $35- $40 each for tested NOS on the popular auction site. Prices from a reputable dealer are usually slightly higher than this but worth it. This extremely long-lived, especially high Gm-spec industrial/scientific red letter/nickel pin Tungsram 6922 was made to last, and is extremely rugged. The sound? Well… imagine the drive, punch, dynamics, and sheer SOLIDITY of the NOS Russian 6H23N (Voshkod “rocket logo” or 1970s Reflektor 6H23N/6N23P) coupled with a strong twist of treble delicacy and extension, and most of all terrific depth of soundstage. I must caution that the Tungsram 6922 is a bit on the “bright” side sonically, so if your system needs to be “cooled down” in the treble region, absolutely do NOT look to Tungsram! However, the Tungsram 6922 is so sweet yet simultaneously so focused and coherent in its’ stereo imaging that it is worth giving them a try even if you might prefer a slightly more “mellow” sonic signature. These tubes are well available, but as with all NOS tubes, know your vendor! Ask for audio tested/transconductance tested examples of Tungsram 6922s only! I routinely use a combination of Tungsram 6922s in linestage service with a “sweeter” 6922 such as the Amperex PQ USA curved-D-getter, tall bottle 1960-1961 era 6922 as the phono stage source tubes. This is an extremely synergistic marriage of two great 6922s that will save the extreme cost of re-tubing with all USA Amperex (or Dutch Philips/Amperex) E88CC/6922 tubes. The Tungsram is the perfect 6922 for medium gain applications, lasts virtually forever, and has not (yet) been hunted to extinction. The time to try some out is now!