July 19, 2012

• New Sensor Genalex Gold Lion 6922

  The review sample was purchased from Jim McShane as a set of seven unmatched tubes for a one-time price of $29.50 apiece.  Jim normally carries the tubes for $44.50 each and many other online dealers sell this tube.  The tubes were made in 2010 and 2011.

  The Gold Lion is a dual triode type of the 6DJ8 family.  New Sensor wisely does not refer to the Gold Lion 6922 as a “reissue” since, as far as I can tell, the Marconi-Osram Valve Company (which made and distributed tubes under the GEC, Genalex, Gold Lion, and Gold Monarch labels) never manufactured any tubes in the 6DJ8 family.

       

       

  The Gold Lion 6922s replaced a set of Amperex JAN 7308 green label in my c-j Premier 16LS2 preamplifier.  The review set has a total of 43 hours of playing time and their sound did change as time progressed.  The changes were primarily in the bass, which became stronger and more extended, and in the treble, which became slightly smoother. 

  The tubes used in the Premier 11A amplifier were two RCA 5751 black plates, two RCA 6FQ7 clear tops, and four SED =C= 6550C.  I find these RCA small signal tubes to be neutral and detailed and the 6550C power tubes to be detailed, neutral, extended at the frequency extremes and maybe a tad lean in the midrange.

  The concluding portion (nine hours) of the audition had my newly returned, repaired and upgraded  Premier 140 amplifier in the mix.  With the introduction of a new amp (review forthcoming), I was able to evaluate the Gold Lion tubes from a fresh frame of reference.   

  Although the Gold Lion 6922 is a Russian-made tube from the Saratov plant and should therefore bear a strong resemblance to its Saratov 6H23π-EB and Electro-Harmonix 6922EH brethren, it seems to surprisingly also have some characteristics of the Mullard PCC88/7DJ8. 

   

   Listening Impressions:

  • Bass response is strong, laying a solid foundation to the music in much the same way as the Saratov (Reflector) 6H23π-EB.
  • Although dialogue is clear and easy to follow, vocalists can sound “smaller” than life-size at times with mouth and throat predominating over the chest.
  • Treble is open and extended.
  • Low level detail is reference level.
  • Transient attack is not quite up to the level of reference vintage tubes.
  • Soundstage width, depth and height are near-reference grade and most like the Mullard PCC88.
  • Macro-dynamics are forceful and are most similar to the 6922EH in this regard. 
  • Lacks the tonal smoothness and grain-free quality of the best vintage tubes, as do the 6922EH and to a lesser degree, the Saratov 6H23π-EB.

   

  I’ve found the Gold Lion 6922s to be extremely revealing and my favorite of the three Saratov-produced tubes in this group.  I’m continuing to use them during the initial break-in of the Premier 140 and will report further on it once I use it as the input tube for the amplifier.

   

   

  • 11:05 am
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