May 12, 2012
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Telefunken ECC88/6DJ8: Part 2
The TFK ECC88/6DJ8 tubes used for this review were well broken-in but, as is typical, changed character a little over the course of their audition. During the second day they were in the Premier 16LS2, I hooked-up three sets of Shunyata Venom3 power cords to the Oppo BDP-95, the c-j 16LS2 and the Olive O3HD music server. The power cords had just arrived from being treated on an audiodharma Cable Cooker (as always, thank you, John) and the difference was both immediately apparent and taken into account.
I think it’s important for the reader to have as much background information as possible in order to properly evaluate what’s being described. Many of the qualities noted are in direct comparison to the Amperex white label 7308 tubes that were in the 16LS2 just before switching to the TFK’s.
Listening Impressions:
- The TFK’s present a clear representation of the sound with a touch of sweetness but to a lesser degree than the Amperex 7308’s.
- Vocals reside more in the mouth and throat and less in the chest of the speaker/singer.
- The high frequencies are more pronounced than the Amperex but less so than the Mullard 7DJ8.
- Bass is solid and articulate, not boomy in any way but there are times I wish it might have a bit more heft (an Amperex 7308 strong point).
- There is a “quickness” to the sound both starting and stopping when the program material calls for it.
- Drums have a little less resonance but higher pitched sounds such as the clacking of bamboo rods and wooden blocks are extremely realistic.
- Images are specific and clearly distinguishable although perhaps a little smaller.
In the final analysis, there is no single-best small signal tube just as there is no single-best car, wine, wristwatch, etc. Much depends on set and setting. Specifically, how we judge the characteristics of a specific type of tube will depend upon the gear being used, the room’s acoustics, and even our frame of mind. That having been said, in my circumstances, the Telefunken ECC88/6DJ8 dual triode remains one of my very favorites tubes of this type.
Comments (2)
What you report about the TFK 6DJ8 is my kind of sound! But you are right; the gear has to be of certain quality, before the tubes will make any difference. The Cary CD 303/300 was so lousy, it didn't matter which tubes it used; it still sounded woefully poor.
@rpghero27 -
Yes, I'd think you'd like these (and the TFK 7DJ8's which sound basically identical to me) a good deal. And the part I really like about them is that they still retain the music's involvement. I find the Siemen's tubes in this family to be equally accurate but for some reason they leave me a little cold.