Anybody using the 6H30 "pi"?

[jakegt3]

I've replaced the 6H30's in my LS27 and VS115 over the past year. In both cases the result was a considerable improvement in sound quality. Again it goes to show that tubes do have a finite lifetime, so when in doubt, replace them regardless of the number of hours on them.

[mulveling]

I'm at least a few years into my 2nd octet of EH 6H30pi (gold pin) in a Rogue Audio Hera preamp (8 tubes). I replaced the 1st set mainly for piece of mind, because the previous owner claimed very high hours. I must be clear of 1000 hours on this 2nd set.

This preamp clobbered the 6ns7 based 99 Magnum so badly (various vintage 6sn7 combinations), it almost made it sound broke (it sounded very good before comparing to the Hera). Doesn't sound tubey nor solid-state; just right. So I have to assume that the modern 6H30 is a pretty excellent tube and represents a major positive for the gear that uses it, despite the lack of rolling options (I'm not going to track down 8 matched-ish DR tubes and spares). I've also not noticed significant changes in the tubes themselves -- not from the fresh swap, initial burn-in, or the decay of time. But who knows, I may get a new set, and will be sure to listen more closely for differences.

[Aurelio]

I will be re-tubing my REF-5 with matched Sovtek 6H30’s purchased from Upscale Audio and a 6550 from Audio Research.

Should the matched pairs be installed in V1 and V2?
Are any other adjustments required?
Do the rubber rings need to be replaced?

This is my first time re-tubing the REF-5. Thanks in advance for the help.

[jakegt3]

Yes, I would keep the matched pair together (V1 and V2). I never replaced the rubber rings but I'm sure it doesn't hurt to do so and it must be relatively cheap to do.

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by jakegt3

Yes, I would keep the matched pair together (V1 and V2). I never replaced the rubber rings but I'm sure it doesn't hurt to do so and it must be relatively cheap to do.

For what it's worth, my dealer recommends replacing the rings every other tube change as they can get hardened and a bit brittle from the heat cycling.
Cost is minimal, I have a bag of them on hand and I think they were $5/each.

[doggiehowser]

You can also buy Herbie's tube dampeners for the 6H30s

[dminches]

I didn't think that 6H30s were microphonic. I am not sure what the need is for the rings. I don't use them in my Phono 2 SE.

[ehoove]

I'm running Cyro'd EH 6H30pi Goldpins in my LS16 MkII and am very satisfied with them.
Regards,
Jim

[Secretariat]

Just replaced the Sovtek 6H30 tubes of my ARC LS27 with the Reflector 6H30p-DR tubes and the sound improved a lot. More full bodied, lusher midrange, smoother highs, wider and deeper soundstage, controlled bass, ETC.

[birdland]

Originally Posted by Aurelio

I will be re-tubing my REF-5 with matched Sovtek 6H30’s purchased from Upscale Audio and a 6550 from Audio Research.

Should the matched pairs be installed in V1 and V2?
Are any other adjustments required?
Do the rubber rings need to be replaced?

This is my first time re-tubing the REF-5. Thanks in advance for the help.

Did you get the 6H30 V5 tube that goes with the 6550 in the power supply from Audio Research or Upscale Audio?

Also, did you get the Platinum grade or the 'special' ARC Select grade?

Thanks
Walter