Darkvoice 336 + 336i Tuberolling [ tubes ] - Page 51

It's the best place to start in "high-end" tubes. If you can't hear a night/day difference between the 5998 and any 6AS7/6080, then you probably shouldn't spend any more money on "premium tubes".

Good deal. Let me know how it goes. I have a Tung Sol JAN 5998. Sounds sweet.

Exactly why I want one...

It looks more like the second picture, in that the plate hole config is 3+2. However, the chrome on mine is only on the dome. It does not extend down onto the tube sides at all...

Like this..?

Thats it!

Joe, I owned one, the same as what you've got, and it was a real good tube for the money. There's better, but these are solid "entry level" tubes for sure.

Nick-

How do you think it would pair up with a 5998? It is currently in use with an RCA 6AS7 with acceptable results.

Chris-

The tubes I have in there now are dead quiet, so probably won't do the mod until it becomes necessary. Thanks for helping me get it all sorted out. Looks like a piece-o-cake...

I was using "normal" tubes with my 5998. I wasn't using anything premium, and the sound was immediately changed for the better. Paired with "premium" tubes, the sound get's better and better.

The 5998 can be paired with anything, I guess. Since the 5998/Bendix 6080 are the "best of the best" for the rear tube, there's not a lot of rear tube movement. I leave my 5998 in, and swap the front's.

What 'premium' tube would you recommend to park up front? I've been looking at the red base RCAs, but they are not cheap, by any means. Anything else out there of a 'premium' nature that I should be on the lookout for?

THANKS!

Joe, this is the list I have stapled. I will be slowly, one at a time, buying each one and marking them off, until I have all ten. This fella Len, who wrote this is an extremely respectable "tube guru".


And his list:

Disclaimer: This is not a top ten list. There are many other excellent performers that missed the cut for various reasons. You may very well prefer a 6SN7 that is not on this list. And of course, this is all just my personal opinion. My goal is to provide a list of 6SN7 recommendations that provide excellent sonics but sound significantly different. Tubes are listed in alphabetical order (not by ranking).

Brimar 6SN7GT/6SN7GTY: Lush. This is arguably the warmest, most "round" sounding 6SN7 produced. While in some systems, it may sound slow and bloated, in other systems, it sounds lush and wonderfully bloomy.

Ken Rad 6SN7GT/VT-231: Bass champs. The treble may not be the most refined, but both the clear and black glass versions provide world-class bass performance married with a sweet and seductive midrange.

Hytron 6SN7GT: Neutral and fast. Need speed and clarity? Hytrons are very hard to top. This is definitely my personal tube of choice for detail and neutrality. I liken Hytrons to crystal clear streams.

National Union gray glass 6SN7GT: Liquid and mellow. This tube is perfect to tame harsh systems or if you are looking for more open ambience from your 6SN7. NU GG is like floating on cloud nine.

Raytheon 6SN7GT/VT-231 type II flat plates: Sweet PRAT. This tube is much like the Hytron 6SN7GT, but with a sweeter tone. Not quite as detailed or neutral as the Hytron, but arguably more seductive.

RCA gray glass 6SN7GT/VT-231: Romanticism and warmth. The RCA gray glass possesses a full midbass and gorgeous harmonic richness, but yet delicate and detailed. When I crave the quintessential tube sound, the RCA gray glass is the first tube I plug in.

Sylvania 6SN7GT/VT-231: Heavenly from the belt up. I call this tube the anti-thesis of the Ken Rad 6SN7GT/VT-231. While somewhat lacking in bass impact, the Sylvania 6SN7GT/VT-231 arguably produces the most beautiful midrange and top end in this family of tubes. Its midrange is clear and open, and the treble is smooth as butter yet unrivaled in its detail and spatial separation. Zero listener fatigue is guaranteed.

Sylvania "Bad Boys" 6SN7GT (1951-1953): World class everything. Imagine the Sylvania VT-231. Now imagine it with bass in spades! What you have is Sylvania 6SN7GT from this era, often reverently referred to as "Bad Boys." This tube is often mentioned in "best 6SN7" discussions.

Sylvania 6SN7W: Dynamics and slam. I can think of no other 6SN7 with more visceral energy then the Sylvania 6SN7W. From earth-shattering bass to the sparkling treble, all three versions of the 6SN7Ws provide a full throttle musical experience. The Sylvania 6SN7W certainly earns its place as a legendary 6SN7.

Tung Sol 6SN7GT/VT-231 round plates: Absolute silk. This tube needs no introduction. The Tung Sol round plates are arguably the most sought after 6SN7 for its "organic rightness."





-Nick

Thanks, Bro'...

Welcome.


You can probably pick up two or three of these for the price of a RCA 5692.

Just checked my stash and I actually have one of these:

Hytron 6SN7GT: Neutral and fast. Need speed and clarity? Hytrons are very hard to top. This is definitely my personal tube of choice for detail and neutrality. I liken Hytrons to crystal clear streams.