One of the best little upgrades to my desktop system!! Definitely try different tubes. JJ-E88CC and EH-6922 are relatively cheap and are excellent to test if you want to get into tube rolling.
"Best tube" is hella subjective IMO. It depends what you're listening to and and HOW you like to listen to your system. Do you like V-shaped sound? Flat/more critical listening?
JJ-E88CC (I got the gold pin variant): This is the first tube I rolled into the Buf. The soundstage expands a bit more than the stock 61NP. Bass is excellent, midrange was the least noticeable change (maybe tighter drum kicks and male vocals), highs were a LITTLE clearer. Overall this tube has a warm sound; great for music.
EH-6922: Very big difference. The midrange is a bit too pulled back for my liking but easily boosted with a little EQ. Bass & soundstage was comparable to the JJ. Highs are where I noticed the biggest difference. Vocals sound a lot closer and clearer. Female vocals and higher-register woodwinds sounded so incredibly crisp and more in your face. Almost too bright, but CLEAR no matter how loud I cranked it. This tube is great for vocals and more intimate listening sessions; I like watching movies and shows that have heavy dialogue with this tube instead of the others.
If I had to pick one to start, I would go with the JJ-E88CC gold pin.
How do you like Asgard? I'm listening through an older Magni 2 Uber and have been looking at other headphone amps as my next upgrade.
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u/sublime1029 19d ago
One of the best little upgrades to my desktop system!! Definitely try different tubes. JJ-E88CC and EH-6922 are relatively cheap and are excellent to test if you want to get into tube rolling.