[MelonHead]

@MelonHead - Haven't tried the 6080's yet but they are next on my shopping list. Can you not get a Mullard 6080 in your area, maybe around the UK area?

I've seen some, but they are way out of my budget from European sources. They costs 40-70 Eur / 50-90 USD plus shipping.

 

[volly]

Fair enough, I'd say give them a shot for old time sake.

 

[ohsigmachi]

I've had some free time yesterday evening and checked the suggested power tubes on e-bay. I hope, my impulse buying was not a mistake, but I couldn't resist on a Sylvania 6080 and ordered one for 20 USD.
As far as I see, the printing is a different, but hopefully the inside is similar to the standard version. The test results for this tube are the followings:

Ia1 Ia2 S1 S1
mA mA mA/V mA/V
98.0 98.0 5.8 5.8
I appreciate any feedback on this version.

New Russian Tung-sol 6SN7 GTB hum update: after 72 hours it hums less, but still noticeably. I give an additional 36 hours and hope the bests.
My soldering equipment and 220uF/25V capacitors for the Fitz mod should arrive within 2-3 days...

I have a Vintage GE 6080 that looks very similar to this, its a greater power tube, drives my high impedance can collection with ease.

 

[volly]

Quick update: Second RCA 6AS7g - DOA. Not even 5 hours use, a first for me, losing a tube with little warning.

 

[MelonHead]

Fair enough, I'd say give them a shot for old time sake.

We are under a home renovation, so every unexpected expense is hardly justifiable now.
I shall write a kind letter to Santa, as I'm a good boy, maybe he will bring me some new/NOS tubes.

Sorry for your 2nd RCA. I hope, you can get your money back as it seems to be a DOA to me.


Edit:
Let me announce proudly, that after 106 hours of continuous burn-in, the Russian Tung-SOL 6SN7 GTB is dead silent in both channels.

 

[volly]

@MelonHead Good times mate! Yeah I've had to go back to the Ruski tube, I love the RCA's but damn...first dead tube in my tiny inventory and the other hums badly. Probably just luck of the draw.

I'll have to look at getting some 6080's next week!

Good luck on the renovation's my friend, have you lived in the place long?

 

[MelonHead]

Thanks mate!
After 8 hours of listening, I can say, that the Russian Tung-Sol has changed a lot during the burn in. Everything is even more refined, the micro details and micro dynamics are even better. If somebody doesn't have the budget for more expensive 6SN7 tubes, it definitely worth a try.

[OFF]This is a more than hundred years old, mid-sized 3000sqft/300m2 villa-style house. We've acquired it 4 years ago.
The renovation started straight from the brick walls, with completely new roof, electricity, doors, windows, an almost passive house-like insulation, heat-pump and a totally revamped, somewhat loft-style enteriour. As our budget is not unlimited we separated the postpone-able phases into smaller steps. This year meant a bathroom, a guestroom and finally my work/hobby den in the attic. [/OFF]

 

[volly]

Hope it goes well mate!

Back on tubes, I'll be inquiring in to getting some 6080's in the next few days!

 

[Jamie G]

A little change up today, went for a JAN VT-231 up front in place of the RCA...was a bit skeptical how it'd sound with the 5998 as they seem to both be known as detail monsters, but man am I impressed! Definitely a lot of detail, but it's full too...and the bass, well up there with the RCA and lighter on its feet all round Only downside is one hell of a hum in the left channel, seems to be quietening down though...or maybe I'm just getting used to it!

 

[FOX1201]

Received my DV a few weeks ago via Massdrop. Just got around to putting some new tubes in. In the rear I have a NOS RCA 6as7g, and up front, a Tung-Sol 6sn7gtb. A pretty standard combo from what I read, but I've been enjoying it immensely. For the power tube, I originally bought a NOS Sovtek 6as7g. It blew out on me right after installation. Had some intense sparks going on inside the tube. Luckily I live somewhat close by to a vintage radio museum and was able to pick up and test the RCA. The guy had this really neat testing station (similar to the one pictured below). Said these were pretty common to see in pharmacies in the 1950's and 60's.

 

[volly]

@FOX1201 - Looking good mate and the tester looks typically vintage!

 

[volly]

Quick update: Burning in of my RCA 6AS7g has reduced the hum in the left channel down to unnoticeable levels, very happy as this tube sounds brilliant in the DV. Was skeptical but burn-in definitely fixed this issue. Need to get some spares asap.

 

[MelonHead]

Good news here as well. Both the aforementioned Sylvania 6080 NOS and a Shuguang Black treasure CV181-Z has arrived. The burn-in process started, and the preliminary results are very-very reassuring.
(all soldering tools have been here for a while, but I didn't want to open the lid, and complete the intervention...)
Currently listening to: Pink Floyd - Meddle (1971)

 

[Jamie G]

Quick update: Burning in of my RCA 6AS7g has reduced the hum in the left channel down to unnoticeable levels, very happy as this tube sounds brilliant in the DV. Was skeptical but burn-in definitely fixed this issue. Need to get some spares asap.

Good news here as well. Both the aforementioned Sylvania 6080 NOS and a Shuguang Black treasure CV181-Z has arrived. The burn-in process started, and the preliminary results are very-very reassuring.
(all soldering tools have been here for a while, but I didn't want to open the lid, and complete the intervention...)
Currently listening to: Pink Floyd - Meddle (1971)

Wish I could join you guys in the 'no hum' joy, sadly after way over 80 hours straight burn-in plus a lot of playback the VT-231 still hums like a champ. Shame as I love that tube.

Think I'll just have to get back on ebay and do some more rolling.

 

[volly]

@Jamie G - Mate, I feel ya pain.

Not sure if this could help and I'm sure it's been referenced before in this thread: https://blog.thetubestore.com/burning-in-6sn7-tubes-for-the-dark-voice-336se-headphone-amp/

Apologies if you have covered this before!