Got some good news and bad news.
The bad news is that great NOS signal tubes cost a small fortune.
The good news is that they can elevate the Pioneer to greater heights.
Popped in the Amperex 6922s today and sat down for some evaluation.
Believe me, I was having second thoughts about spending the money necessary to "go for it".
It would have to be an OBVIOUS positive difference for me to feel vindicated.
After about one minute (with no equipment warmup), I was smilin' from ear to ear...
The JJ 6922 is a fine tube.
With it you can climb to the top o' the mountain.
With the Amperex, you climb to the mountain top and ascend into Valhalla.
Detailed yet sweet. All facets in balance.
Not bigger bass, just ultra tight, clean, fully articulated bass. ZERO boom.
Perfect, not overly etched highs. (Serious tinkle sound factor here)
Great low, middle and high midrange.
3-D Sound Stage to die for with great imaging and layering.
Orchestral works are not muddied when all the instruments are playing. Each section are distinct from one another.
On great recordings, the "you are there" factor is quite high.
Low level details are way more evident.
Great transient response.
Yadda Yadda Yadda.
You get the idea.
With a great NOS tube, this player becomes TRULY special!
Paul Galli