has a single Philips JAN 6922, and a pair of no-name 12AX7A's, any idea what tubes I should experiment with?

Nice looking pre-amp. Congrats.
From what i see i think it's a hybrid. It uses two 12AX7 for Phono Stage, one 6DJ8/MOSFET for line stage.

Here's a link for SA-1000 Upgrades : SA-1000 Upgrades.

Have fun.

thanks Alvaro! While the 12AX7A's sound great in the phonostage, the 6922 Philips in the linestage leave alittle to be desired(too tinny for me).

If there is a tube that i know very well is the 6922, 'cause that's the ones i used in my X-Cans.
Recently i bought on e-bay Svetlana 6N23P and they are almost like Telefunken.

The ones i used and wich still like are :
Telefunken ECC88 or ECC85 - they are the best but, too expensive.
Siemens ECC88 or ECC85
JJ Tesla E88CC
JAN Philips 6922.
Philips PCC88.

These are imo the best i tried, so far. ...and if you can find on NOS Tubes even better.
Try e-bay.de from Germany. They have a lot of tubes over there... Look in "Hi-Fi-Raritäten" and than look for "Röhren" wich means tubes in german.
Have fun.

that's just great Alvaro! Thanks for the tips!!

The 6922's I have been satisfied with.

My favorite is actually the Sovtek 6H2EB- is a military variant that has always been the most even sounding one I have experienced.

The Edicron 7308. Once again another variant. A bit more warm and lush sounding than the Sovtek.

The Phillips 6DJ8

Siemens 7308- had some gold pin version of these. Pretty good. Still not my favorite

Not a fan of Mullards and Telefunkens. Although I have had some Amperex 6922 that sound good.

Regards
Mister Pig

p.s. I remember a stereo store I worked at that auditioned the Counterpoint electronics. From what I remember the pre amp's did have a metallic kind of sound. I have always wondered if it was the tubes responsible for this. I don't remember the models we had, but it looks to be the same pre amp as you picked up.

thanks to you Mister Pig! I haven't decided which one to buy first, but at least I have some examples.

Get one of each and start rolling.

Hi,

None of my current pieces use 6922's. But I still do have some hanging around. I could put together sampler for you to listen to. I don't mind loaning them out, and you could get an idea of what you like. Just give me a mailing addy.

Regards,
Mister Pig

PM sent!

Greg,

very nice..I alwyas had high regard for Counterpoint!!! Though the cost to upgrade will end your marriage! Cheaper buying a new AR SP15 preamp!

thanks Gene! With Johns most gracious offer I'll roll some tubes in the linestage first and listen for any improvements. I do know I like the phono as she is though!