TELEFUNKEN E88CC-TK Vacuum Tube Matched Quad

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN E88CC-TK Vacuum Tube Matched Quad is a newly produced gold pin E88CC, also known as the 6922, supplied here as a matched quad of E88CC-TK tubes.

TELEFUNKEN's E88CC-TK resurrects the transparent tone and harmonic impact of historical European tubes, including the classic TELEFUNKEN tubes. Whether it is installed in a phono stage or a microphone preamplifier, it is designed to breathe new life into audio equipment with precise imaging, unmatched dynamics and a large, full-bodied soundstage.

Also known as	6922
Medium gain, low noise	Dual triode
Tubes in this product	4
Newly produced	Gold pin

Key features

• E88CC / 6922 dual triode: medium gain, low noise
• Gold pins
• Precise imaging, unmatched dynamics and a large, full-bodied soundstage
• Ideal for tight sounding input stages in microphone and phono preamplifiers
• For designs that want more clean headroom
• Black Diamond Series: rigorously tested, cryogenically treated and extensively burned-in

The E88CC-TK sound

Originally targeted at test equipment and radar, the E88CC has medium gain and low noise and is a favourite for tight sounding audio input stages; some argue it is the best sounding input tube ever designed. Its medium gain and low-noise design are a large part of why it sounds so good in microphone preamplifier and phono preamplifier applications.

Fitting the right socket

The E88CC is a dual triode like the 12AX7 but uses a different pin configuration, so it is fitted in equipment designed for the E88CC or 6922 rather than as a plug-in for a 12AX7. It is most commonly employed in amplifier designs where more clean headroom is desired.

Applications

• Microphone preamplifier: studios running tube microphone preamplifiers built around the E88CC / 6922
• Phono preamplifier: vinyl listeners with a tube phono stage that uses the E88CC / 6922
• Hi-fi input stage: home audio preamplifiers and line stages designed for the E88CC
• Studio tube outboard: engineers maintaining tube processors with E88CC input stages
• Clean headroom amplifier designs: builders and technicians using the E88CC where more clean headroom is desired
• Studio and rental spares: studios and rental stores keeping E88CC replacements ready

Black Diamond Series

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik Black Diamond Series vacuum tubes are new production tubes, manufactured in partnership with a specialist vacuum tube factory in Slovakia and designed to be harmonically rich and tonally balanced. Each tube is rigorously tested, cryogenically treated and extensively burned-in before it carries the Black Diamond name, so the E88CC-TK arrives ready for the most demanding applications.

This configuration: Matched Quad

This product is a Matched Quad: four E88CC-TK tubes matched by TELEFUNKEN and supplied together as one set. TELEFUNKEN also lists this tube with a Balanced Triodes option, sold as a separate product. Keep a matched set together in the four positions of the same circuit.

Fitting and care

Always switch the equipment off, unplug it from the mains and let the tubes cool completely before removing or fitting a tube. Fit the E88CC-TK only in a socket specified for the E88CC or 6922, keep each tube in the position of the one it replaces, and press it straight and fully into the socket. Leave any work inside a chassis to a qualified technician. After fitting, let the equipment warm up and listen at low volume first. Store spare tubes in their packaging, protected from knocks and moisture.

What's included

Included	Four TELEFUNKEN E88CC‑TK vacuum tubes (matched quad)
Not included	Amplifier or equipment, sockets and installation

In the box

• Four TELEFUNKEN E88CC-TK vacuum tubes (matched quad)

Vacuum tubes are glass components: handle them by the glass envelope, avoid knocks and keep them in their packaging until fitting.

TELEFUNKEN E88CC-TK Vacuum Tube Matched Quad: frequently asked questions

Is the E88CC-TK the same as a 6922?

Yes. TELEFUNKEN lists the E88CC-TK as the E88CC, also known as the 6922.

Can I fit it in a 12AX7 socket?

Fit it only in equipment designed for the E88CC or 6922. It is a dual triode like the 12AX7 but has a different pin configuration, so it is not a direct plug-in replacement.

What does Black Diamond Series mean?

It is TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik's range of new production vacuum tubes, designed to be harmonically rich and tonally balanced; each tube is rigorously tested, cryogenically treated and extensively burned-in.

Where in the equipment does it go?

In any socket specified for the E88CC or 6922, keeping each tube in the position of the one it replaces. Switch off, unplug and let the tubes cool before changing them.

How many tubes are included?

Four tubes, matched by TELEFUNKEN and supplied as one set (Matched Quad).

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN E88CC-TK Vacuum Tube Matched Quad in India?

The TELEFUNKEN E88CC-TK Vacuum Tube Matched Quad is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Microphone preamplifier

Studios running tube microphone preamplifiers built around the E88CC / 6922.

Connections

Connect	To
E88CC‑TK	E88CC / 6922 input stage socket of the mic preamp

Setup

1. Switch the equipment off, unplug it from the mains and let the tubes cool completely.
2. Remove the unit from the rack if needed and take out the old input tube.
3. Fit the E88CC-TK in the same position, pins aligned.
4. Power up, warm up, then check gain and noise with a microphone before the session.

Tip: Keep the matched quad together in the same circuit.

Workflow 2: Phono preamplifier

Vinyl listeners with a tube phono stage that uses the E88CC / 6922.

Connections

Connect	To
E88CC‑TK	E88CC / 6922 socket of the phono stage
Four E88CC‑TK tubes	Use as many tubes as the phono stage calls for

Setup

1. Switch the equipment off, unplug it from the mains and let the tubes cool completely.
2. Note the position of each tube, then remove the originals.
3. Fit the E88CC-TK tubes in the same positions.
4. Warm up and play a record at low volume, checking both channels.

Workflow 3: Hi-fi input stage

Home audio preamplifiers and line stages designed for the E88CC.

Connections

Connect	To
E88CC‑TK	E88CC / 6922 input stage socket

Setup

1. Switch the equipment off, unplug it from the mains and let the tubes cool completely.
2. Remove the original input tube.
3. Press the E88CC-TK fully home and refit any cover.
4. Power up, allow the tubes to warm up and check the sound at low volume before playing or listening at full level.

Workflow 4: Studio tube outboard

Engineers maintaining tube processors with E88CC input stages.

Connections

Connect	To
E88CC‑TK	E88CC / 6922 socket of the outboard unit

Setup

1. Switch the equipment off, unplug it from the mains and let the tubes cool completely.
2. Open the unit as its maker instructs and locate the E88CC positions.
3. Replace one tube at a time so each goes back to its position.
4. Power up, warm up and check level and noise before use.

Workflow 5: Clean headroom amplifier designs

Builders and technicians using the E88CC where more clean headroom is desired.

Connections

Connect	To
E88CC‑TK	Input stage socket of a circuit designed for the E88CC

Setup

1. Switch the equipment off, unplug it from the mains and let the tubes cool completely.
2. Confirm the circuit and socket are wired for the E88CC / 6922.
3. Fit the E88CC-TK.
4. Power up, allow the tubes to warm up and check the sound at low volume before playing or listening at full level.

Workflow 6: Studio and rental spares

Studios and rental stores keeping E88CC replacements ready.

Connections

Connect	To
E88CC‑TK	Spares stock, labelled by type
Equipment	Any E88CC / 6922 socket that needs a replacement

Setup

1. Switch the equipment off, unplug it from the mains and let the tubes cool completely.
2. Store spare tubes in their packaging, away from knocks.
3. Replace the suspect tube with an E88CC-TK in the same position.
4. Power up, warm up and check the unit before it goes out.