up-to-date Gefell UM92s purchase, tube etc advice

[legato]

The 92 tube is not the easiest to find, which is why Gefell switched to the EF86 in the 92.1 version. Then again, finding a single tube or a couple at the most should be easier than a whole lot, like a manufacturer would need.




Henk

[sonus]

Originally Posted by Sanchez

I have a chance to buy a Gefell UM92s for what seems a great price here in Japan, the outer body is very slightly marked but otherwise all seems to be fine. Tbh I'm far from a pro in mic-terms...is there anything critical I should be looking for? I believe I have a week or so to return it if there are any problems but I'd rather not other if there's anything glaringly bad.
Also, what's the current advise for replacement tubes? Again I'm a toob-noob, but I'm happy to spend some $$ to get the best from any purchase. Checking threads here and there I see Telefunken ec92 mentioned...is this the same as E92CC? Also looking at various versions of the 6ab4, GE ones, Sylvania, Tungsol...is there really that much difference? Enough to not bother until I find THE tube?

Can I add, what would you consider the upper end of a 'good price' for one of these in good working shape with some slight body discoloration?

Great mic ! I own one since the early 90s and it's been used a lot in my studio mostly as a vocal mic. The only problem I've had so far was with the mic to ps cable which gone south some five or six years ago (very tricky to fix it yourself). I bought a new one (not cheap) since I didn't want to have problems during some critical session. I use a Telefunken EC-92 and I realized how good this valve is when a few years back I purchased an RTA as a backup . The difference was almost night and day. The RTA tube was mid focused and with a much more grainy-aggressive character while the Tele is silky and full. I use the RTA though every now and then when the situation needs it. I 'm afraid I can't tell you if EC92 and E92CC is the same valve with a different code-name.
As far as the S/H price goes I 've seen a couple of UM92s in ebay sometime ago and they were gone for as much as 1.8 - 2.0 k euros afair.
Hope this helps.

[Sanchez]

many thanks to you both!