Best Valves To Use On The BHK 250

Audio Components Amplifiers
1

Hi Guys

I am pretty sure the valves in my 250 need replacing. I know someone that specializes in getting the best valves - his knowledge is amazing (Stevenvalve for those that know the Aus scene).

I know it uses well matched 6992’s and Steve will have a recommendation for me of some NOS tube or another, but first what do people here suggest?

Thanks

Bill

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BHK himself recommended the Tungsram PCC88 (7DJ8 I believe) and that is what I and several others have been using. Nice sounding tube and readily available. I’m sure there are many other options, but I’m happy with the Tungsram

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Hi Guys

That was of course 6922 as my valve guy pointed out.

Re recommends hand matched Siemens so I said what the heck and went with that.

Will let everyone knows how it goes.

Thanks

Bill

4

Hi Bill,

Could you please share the contact details of your valve supplier, “stevenvalve”? I’m looking to roll the tubes in my BHK300s which are now 2 & 1/2 years old. I’ve just ordered some Tungsram PCC88 tubes from the USA (tubemonger.com) for my BHK preamp.

Cheers,

Phil Gan

5

Anyone tried 6N1Ps? I have a bunch I bought for use in a DIY’d phono preamp kit.

TIA!

Greg in Mississippi

6

Question for PS tech staff… what is the maximum heater current per tube for the BHK-250? Specifically will it supply the 600mAH needed per tube for 6N1P tubes?

Thanks!

Greg in Mississippi

7

This thread has peaked my interest as well and those tubes mentioned above are not too expensive. Are the Tungsram PCC88 recommended for the BHK Mono 300s or would that be different for some reason. What about in the BHK Pre? It says the Pre normally takes 12AU7 but can use 7DJ8. Do people still recommend the Tungsram PCC88 for the pre and amps or is there something else recommended? Thanks.

8

Any advice about what tubes are “best” is in part, usually a large part, dependent on the rest of your system. I used both the bhk 250 and preamp in combination with other amps and preamps and there was never a universal “best.” One the one hand, that is great because it provides you with the opportunity to tailor the sound of you system according to circumstances. On the other hand, it means all the advice you get about “what’s best” may or may not be the case in YOUR case. I also think our brain and ears sometimes confuse “different” with “better” when trying different tubes.

1 Like
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That’s true. I’ve noticed that when trying anything different in my system, often times the first thing I’ll notice is, what’s different, and therefore think it’s better. Takes time to really sort out if there’s a genuine improvement across the board.