November 24, 2012

• GE 6922 A-frame

  The subject tube under review is a GE 6922 with an A-frame getter structure.  The tube is a bit of an anomaly for three reasons:

  1. Although the getter structure is an A-frame with a dimpled disc, this is the first 6922 I’ve ever come across that’s had an A-frame.  This getter type is typically found on 6DJ8/ECC88 dual triodes.  This has sparked a bit of a controversy on Audio Asylum as to whether it might be a 6DJ8 tube that’s had its pins painted gold after the fact.
  2. It’s also been suggested that it may have been made by Siemens.
  3. The country of origin is also unclear.  Although the GE 6922 is marked as being made in Great Britain, the manufacturer’s code seems to indicate it was made at the Amperex Heerlen, Holland plant.

  These open questions aside, I am working under the impression it is, in fact, an Amperex Holland sourced 6922 and was relabeled by/for GE.  According to the manufacturer’s code (Δ2H3), the tube was made in the third week of August, 1972.

  GE 6922 A-frame                                                                                  Dimpled Disc Getter
        

  Seamed Top                                                                                        Number "56" Molded Into Bottom
       
  

  The GE 6922 replaced an Amperex pinched waist 6922 PQ as the input tube in my Premier 140 power amp.  The rest of the tube complement in the 140 was comprised of a pair of Sovtek 6H30π-DR phase splitters and an octet of New Sensor Tung-Sol 6550s; six Amperex (Holland) small halo, 1963 vintage 6DJ8s, that were marked Hewlett-Packard, were used in the Premier 16LS2 preamp.    

   

  Listening Impressions:

  • The overall sound was similar to the Amperex pinched waist 6922 PQ with a touch more energy in the mid-bass.
  • Percussion, although excellent, falls just short of the much vaunted pinched waist Amperex 6922.
  • Inner detail/timbre is near or at reference level.
  • The sound stage is wide, deep and tall; extending to the listening position depending upon the source material.

   

  All in all, the GE 6922 A-frame, no matter its origin, acquitted itself admirably and if you can find it, is worth a try.

   

  • 8:12 am
  • 1 Comment