6H30 DR's NOS

[Bavarian05]

Anyone tried a pair of these in their ARC preamp?

Seems to be positive info about them, though some say not worth the large difference in pricing.
Considering grabbing a pair for my LS17SE. Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated.

[microstrip]

Originally Posted by Bavarian05

Anyone tried a pair of these in their ARC preamp?

Seems to be positive info about them, though some say not worth the large difference in pricing.
Considering grabbing a pair for my LS17SE. Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated.

You should be careful when sourcing NOS 6H30 tubes. A goof friend of mine paid an high price for them and they sounded poor, two of the set of four being microphonic and one evidencing grid leakage.

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by microstrip

You should be careful when sourcing NOS 6H30 tubes. A goof friend of mine paid an high price for them and they sounded poor, two of the set of four being microphonic and one evidencing grid leakage.

Upscale Audio has some currently and I have had positive experiences with him in the past when buying NOS stuff. I figured it would be a safe bet, but I guess we never know... If they are good quality and properly tested, do they really sound better? I assume the supposed lower noise floor would help in a preamp?

[Harlequin]

A little light reading should non USA based members contemplate looking to source genuine pre 1990 production valves other than from reputable US dealers such as Upscale Audio ~

Recognizing 6H30 - 6N30 tubes - ACA

Bavarian, I don't own an ARC preamp, but previously owned an Ayon CD-5s & upgraded the factory EB tubes to a matched quad of DR's sourced from Chris Johnson at The Parts Connexion (PCX). In all, I have bought 3 matched quads from him before (mostly of 1986 vintage) & all have been perfect with tight matching tested over 3 parameters using their tube testing equipment with excellent triode to triode matching also (Chris prints the actual measurements on each tube box fyi).

As far as improvements go, I would say the Reflektor 6H30P-DR's are overall a bit leaner (ie: not quite as warm as the EB tubes), but retain the Reflektor's lively, fast sound. The DR's will provide a good improvement in resolution /frequency extension, noise, dynamics & durability (10,000 vs 5000hrs for the EB's). If you prefer warmer sounding output tubes, you could also consider cryo-treated EH Gold pins which are up there with the DR's & can be had at a fraction of the price. Here is a link fyi -http://www.cryoset.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=327&osCsid=42b70a7934 69afeb4bb89f5b3db358c7

Cheers,

[Number95]

Originally Posted by Bavarian05

Anyone tried a pair of these in their ARC preamp?

Seems to be positive info about them, though some say not worth the large difference in pricing.
Considering grabbing a pair for my LS17SE. Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated.

I use them in Ref-3 preamp and compared to Sovtek, I can say midrange is cleaner, definitely more detailed, overall better performers. Though one has to judge if it is worth the additional cost.

[Maxflo]

hi I upgraded my CD Ref8 and Ref8 with 6H30-DR bought from ebay.com from Turkey/Ukraine they are not so NOS but from 1986 or 96 i do not remember it but they works fine and bring more detailed scene to the music

[RoninAudio]

I have a pair of 6H30-DR with 1988 date code. Im going to roll them in my Ls17 SE tonight. Ill let you know how it works out. I bought these off ebay.

[RoninAudio]

The quick answer is Yes the vintage 6H30-DR tube sounds better.

I gained some Dynamic energy, Faster transients, more energy in the attack of instruments and vocals. A better sense of space and openness. The tube has a cool crisp open feeling to it, very clear, like having a new clean window. Don't expect a transformation in warmth or bloom or any tubeyness at all.

I would consider this a fabulous upgrade in the $150-$200 range.
Not the $400 that upscale is asking.
My LS17-SE is new with less than 100 hours on it.

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by RoninAudio

The quick answer is Yes the vintage 6H30-DR tube sounds better.

I gained some Dynamic energy, Faster transients, more energy in the attack of instruments and vocals. A better sense of space and openness. The tube has a cool crisp open feeling to it, very clear, like having a new clean window. Don't expect a transformation in warmth or bloom or any tubeyness at all.

I would consider this a fabulous upgrade in the $150-$200 range.
Not the $400 that upscale is asking.
My LS17-SE is new with less than 100 hours on it.

Thank you for the info RoninAudio. As you said, may not be worth the cost. Though by most accounts the NOS are rated for a much longer useful life, so that may add some value to the equation. Congrats on your new LS17SE. I certainly noticed some changes throughout the break in period on mine. It will improve considerably over the next 500-600 hours too. What amp are you using?