Long-lasting tubes in ET5 & ET3SE
Yea, these CJ preamps are very hard on tubes. And if a tube is even slightly noisy or microphonic, you'll hear it.
I've got both an ET3SE and ET5 and I have spent a lot of time (and money) trying out different tubes.
I did find some tubes that are both durable and quiet and sound quite good. Not as rich and holographic as some NOS tubes, but I'll trade that out for durability and quiet. The tubes are 6H23 / 6922 Type 3. About $85 each if you can find them.
I had one in my ET5 for over 8 months of pretty steady usage and still quiet. And at least as long in my ET3. I bought a bunch of them.
Another tube that I really like is: Philips Miniwatt SQ E88CC / 6922 Gold Pin, Holland from Tubedepot.com. It's pricey (>$200), but very holographic with great midrange and treble. Mostly quiet too. Don't know if I'll buy more, but about a month in...so far so good.
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