Today I tried the new Sophia Electric 6SN7 in the 336SE. The sound was very good; unfortunately, it hums/buzzes, as some tubes do in that amp, and it did not go away with break in. A pity - the Sophia Electric seems promising.
Well, it's be a fun first month with the amp. I've been doing some tuberolling, with combinations of mostly RCA and Tung-Sols. Following Skylab's lead, my latest combo is a TS 5998 for power & an RCA 6F8G input on a 6SN7 adaptor. This is, unfortunately, the first tube to hum. The tube's been running for about 5 hours, and it's about half as loud as it was originally. I'll leave the amp on tonight & see what happens tomorrow. So far, I like the sound, even with the hum. Lot's of detail, nice soundstage, and some reduction in the overall brightness that the Grados tend to have.
All in all, having lots of fun.
One note about 6F8G's - I have found that, when used with a 5998, had the wire that runs to the grid cap can pick up a buzz. Make sure that this wire is "dressed" so that it's opposite the 5998 if at all possible.
Thanks for the advice. This morning, most of the hum was gone, and in turning the wire away from the power tube, the hum is now barely audible. I'm really pleased NOW!
Thanks again.
thanks for sharing that! was rather curious myself. sophiaelectric lists three different grades of their 6SN7 tubes. did you go for the top 10%?
my vintage RCA tubes are dead quiet. after spending some time with the x-can v3 i now appreciate my 336i more. their voicing is just different. am so glad i can switch between these two.
No, I went for the mid-grade. I don't like the whole 'grade" thing. That was not why it hummed in the 336, though - they were quiet in another amp I have.
Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have a pair of these, but they aren't for sale
How does it compared to the Tung Sol 5998 when matched with the Tung Sol brown-base up front? I'm looking for a bit more *sparkle* in the highs and overall detail.
If you want more sparkle, this it will provide. Detail...not so sure. I think the 5998 is the detail king (understanding detail is not just in the treble).
Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you want more sparkle, this it will provide. Detail...not so sure. I think the 5998 is the detail king (understanding detail is not just in the treble).
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