October 10, 2012
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Voskhod 6H23π-EB
The subject tubes were used simultaneously both for the conrad-johnson Premier16LS2 preamplifier and as the input tube for the Premier 140 amplifier. They were purchased as used but test as new tubes, from a private seller for $20 a pair. The tubes were manufactured in 1980 at the Voskhod plant in Kaluga, USSR (at the time) and were originally sourced from BOI AudioWorks. The original source continues to carry these tubes where they retail for $17 each.
The 6H23π-EB (also known as the 6N23P) is a direct replacement for the 6922 twin triode. The tubes under review are imprinted with a stylized rocket, the Soviet Star and the CCCP designations in gold lettering. These were most likely manufactured for military use. They replaced a set of AEG CCa and Siemens E188CC/7308 in the Premier 140 and 16LS2, respectively.
Voskhod 6H23π-EB with Military Imprints Voskhod 6H23π-EB with Saucer Getter
Listening Impressions:
- Playing the Twelve Tribes CD, the album sounds harmonically richer with denser and more specific imaging spread nicely over a very wide sound stage.
- Bass guitar has a distinct growl while cymbals are finely filigreed.
- The sound is snappy and peppy without being irritating. This is not always the case with other tubes which seem to force the detail onto you.
- The Voskhod 6H23π-EB mate particularly well with vintage Tung-Sol solid grey plate 6550 output tubes yielding a comfortable and organic sound. The match, however, does not sacrifice detail for richness and manages to accomplish both.
- Images are round and palpable with texture and substance with the overall sound capable of being hard or soft depending on the source and the recording.
As may be easily seen, I was very taken with these tubes and especially so in combination with the Tung-Sol 6550 solid grey plates.
Comments (4)
Man, 6 of these in the Premier 16LS. I wonder if I have any of these 1980s Russian 6H23s. I may have had some for the CJ ET-250S. And even if I do, I currently have no gear to put them in.
If you do have any, you might want to hold onto them. You never know when you might pick up a piece of gear that does use tubes from the 6922 family and they sound pretty good, in my opinion.
There is a lot of buzz around these tubes, but always positive!
The ones I have are the Voskhod 6N23P from production year 1979
Next to the Siemens PC88 - these are fantastic tubes, and I mean..faantaaaastic!!!!!!!!
Funny you should mention the Siemens PCC88. One of my very favorites are Telefunken-branded PCC88s that were in fact manufactured by Siemens. If I had to pick my all-time favorite 7DJ8/PCC88, though, it would be the set of Lorenz I have from the 1960's. They just, in my opinion, do everything right and are so neutral they almost disappear.
Regards,
Joe