JOMAN
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The list of the input tubes that I have tried is quite long, here it is and not in order of preference:
Matsushida/National PCC88/7DJ8, Mullard ECC88/6DJ8, Mullard 7DJ8, Valvo PCC88/7DJ8, Valvo PCC88 D getter, Telefunken PCC289, Amperex BB ECC88/6DJ8 (from the Tube Museum perfectly balanced sections), Melz 6N8S/6SN7, Brimar CV1988 clear bottle and I could go on.
In my UFO25 when I had the 6P15PEV power tubes and a Philips Miniwatt GZ34 Metal Base the Telefunken was in for the longest time. Keep in mind that I also had a tube set in my CSP3-A that would have an effect. If it wasn't for that I may not have kept it in as long as I did.
When I rolled the CryoTone in the UFO25 I started with the EL84-WC, then the 5AR4-WC. While waiting for the ECC88-WC I ended up with the Valvo PCC88 in the in put and it was very nice. Swapped it out for the CryoTone ECC88-WC and no contest! I now have the CryoTone 12AU7-WCL in that position. If you're thinking of a CryoTone for the input I'd start with the ECC88-WC.
In my SE84UFO2, I tried the Valvo, Siemens (I didn't list those) Mullard and Amprex ECC88. From memory I think that it was between the Amprex PCC88 and Valvo PCC88.
As far as cost goes The Amprex cost $125.00, The Mullards $70.00 ea., The Melz $50.00, the Brimar $140.00 and an Adzam/Philips E188CC SQ $120.00. The only deal that I ever got that was worth it was a Tesla PCC88 37 Plant for $8.00!!! Nice tube, very polite without being overly rolled off, but not up to the others. I still have some as back ups. If you have to budget, we all do, you might consider one of these knowing that you will roll it sooner or later. For $8.00 its hard to go wrong.
The reason that I listed the costs was to show that good NOS tubes are often more than the CryoTone especially now as the inventory has been depleted.
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