[UntilThen]

That is a 6336 and it's not suitable. Never use it or risk blowing up your amp. 
 
What power tube are you using at the moment. If you're already using RCA 6AS7G then you would probably have to step up to a Chatham 6AS7G. Tung Sol 5998 will definitely give you better bass but is quite expensive. They are about $100 a tube. 

 

[UntilThen]

Raytheon 7N7 just arrived today. 1957 pretty old lol. NOS NIB. Unfortunately there's hum so will leave it on the whole day.
Paired with Mullard CV2984. As has been shared, the 7N7 sound lovely. Highly recommended.
 

 

[sabrehagen]

Thank you, this is really valuable information. Weird, the listing title says 6AS7G. To an amateur like me that's an easy mistake to make! I bought this tube, it should work right? http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RCA-5692-PREMIUM-6SN7GT-VACUUM-TUBE-/221871901698?_ilink=&_trkparms=gh1g%3DI221871901698.N9.S1.M-330.R1.TR4&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=ko7KTaz1%252FI6oq1USOvYRqzdTg3o%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

 

[sabrehagen]

Your amp was designed to run a single 6AS7G. It draws ~2.5A. The amp can also run a 6080 which draws ~2.75A. As a note of comparison, last night I was running a 6BL7. It draws ~1.5A, but produces far less power.

 

Thank you, this is really valuable information. Weird, the listing title says 6AS7G. To an amateur like me that's an easy mistake to make! I bought this tube, it should work right? http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RCA-5692-PREMIUM-6SN7GT-VACUUM-TUBE-/221871901698?_ilink=&_trkparms=gh1g%3DI221871901698.N9.S1.M-330.R1.TR4&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=ko7KTaz1%252FI6oq1USOvYRqzdTg3o%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
 
Quote:

  That is a 6336 and it's not suitable. Never use it or risk blowing up your amp. 
 
What power tube are you using at the moment. If you're already using RCA 6AS7G then you would probably have to step up to a Chatham 6AS7G. Tung Sol 5998 will definitely give you better bass but is quite expensive. They are about $100 a tube. 

I have an RCA 6AS7G on hand, but one channel is weak using that tube. I have a Tung-Sol 6AS7G in now. The Chatham 6AS7G is a step up from this?

 

[UntilThen]

The RCA 5692 can be use as a driver tube. The genuine 5692 is supposed to be good but there has been rebranding. At worst you'll have a 6SN7GTB equivalent but let's hope you got the real stuff. Tell us when you try it.
 
Your RCA 6AS7G might be defective.
 
Tung Sol bought over Chatham. So Tung Sol / Chatham 6AS7G are equivalent. However earlier Tung Sols are rebranded RCA so is not as good. That being said most people would be happy with a RCA 6AS7G. Nothing really wrong with that. Quite an enjoyable listen for a lower price. If you really want to try out the Chatham 6AS7G here is a picture to help identify. It has the copper rod. Chatham are pretty expensive now due to all the good reviews given it. This is selling for US$90 on ebay.
 
How do you find your Tung Sol 6AS7G? I have a pair coming so I can't comment yet.

 

[UntilThen]

A Chatham 6AS7G with copper rod.

 

[sabrehagen]

  The RCA 5692 can be use as a driver tube. The genuine 5692 is supposed to be good but there has been rebranding. At worst you'll have a 6SN7GTB equivalent but let's hope you got the real stuff. Tell us when you try it.
 
Your RCA 6AS7G might be defective.
 
Tung Sol bought over Chatham. So Tung Sol / Chatham 6AS7G are equivalent. However earlier Tung Sols are rebranded RCA so is not as good. That being said most people would be happy with a RCA 6AS7G. Nothing really wrong with that. Quite an enjoyable listen for a lower price. If you really want to try out the Chatham 6AS7G here is a picture to help identify. It has the copper rod. Chatham are pretty expensive now due to all the good reviews given it. This is selling for US$90 on ebay.

I'll let you know how it goes
 
Being new to tubes, I know nothing of the nature their faults. If the RCA 6AS7G is defective, is it done and dusted for good?
 
Interesting - I just read through your profile - we're very alike I work in IT, have interests in music and photography, primary headphones are DT 880s, only tube amp is Darkvoice 336i, and my source files are all FLAC. It's like reading a horoscope haha. My Darkvoice is going to be paired with a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and their Phono II preamp along with my DT 880s.

 

[UntilThen]

Seems to me like it's defective the RCA 6AS7G if one channel is weak. If the Tung Sol does not have that problem then it's probably a defective RCA 6AS7G and can be toss away.
 
I mainly listen with HD650 now. Paired with the DV it is a lovely combination.

 

[Shaffer]

The RCA 5692 can be use as a driver tube. The genuine 5692 is supposed to be good but there has been rebranding. At worst you'll have a 6SN7GTB equivalent but let's hope you got the real stuff. Tell us when you try it.

I'm sorry, UT, I have to disagree with the recommendation. Not only is the 5692 outrageously expensive, but our amps tend to run it at full blast, shortening its lifespan. There are terrific driver tubes that can be had for $10-$20 and that's where a newb should begin: Tung-Sol (the "regular") 6SN7. It comes in 3 sizes. CBS/Hytron 6SN7 are killer and can be had for under $20 all day long. Same goes for Baldwin - relabeled selected Sylvania and Raytheon. BTW, Sylvania (brand) 6SN7 are plentiful can can also be had tested within the same price range, as can Raytheon 6SN7. They're all good sounding tubes.

Output tubes. personally, I like vintage RCA 6080 that can be bought for as little as $11. Sylvania NOS 6080 usually sell for ~$15. RCA 6AS7G are going up in price, but one can still snag a nice one for $25, black or grey plate version. Russian output tubes are very good, as well, but the shipping can take a while. I would not recommend going for top shelf right away, just as I wouldn't recommend buying a Ferrari after having a driver's licence for a year.

That's where I'd suggest starting out.

 

[Renderman]

  Raytheon 7N7 just arrived today. 1957 pretty old lol. NOS NIB. Unfortunately there's hum so will leave it on the whole day.
Paired with Mullard CV2984. As has been shared, the 7N7 sound lovely. Highly recommended.
 

Those look nice UntilThen! Hum might indeed reduce after a bit of burn-in. Even if not, try them in the Elise when you get her, the hum might be reduced or even gone. Good luck!

 

[sabrehagen]

I'm sorry, UT, I have to disagree with the recommendation. Not only is the 5692 outrageously expensive, but our amps tend to run it at full blast, shortening its lifespan. There are terrific driver tubes that can be had for $10-$20 and that's where a newb should begin: Tung-Sol (the "regular") 6SN7. It comes in 3 sizes. CBS/Hytron 6SN7 are killer and can be had for under $20 all day long. Same goes for Baldwin - relabeled selected Sylvania and Raytheon. BTW, Sylvania (brand) 6SN7 are plentiful can can also be had tested within the same price range, as can Raytheon 6SN7. They're all good sounding tubes.

Output tubes. personally, I like vintage RCA 6080 that can be bought for as little as $11. Sylvania NOS 6080 usually sell for ~$15. RCA 6AS7G are going up in price, but one can still snag a nice one for $25, black or grey plate version. Russian output tubes are very good, as well, but the shipping can take a while. I would not recommend going for top shelf right away, just as I wouldn't recommend buying a Ferrari after having a driver's licence for a year.

That's where I'd suggest starting out.

Legend. Thank you for the advice. Are there any ebay links you could send my way to get me started?

 

[UntilThen]

  Those look nice UntilThen! Hum might indeed reduce after a bit of burn-in. Even if not, try them in the Elise when you get her, the hum might be reduced or even gone. Good luck!

Thanks Ren. They were indeed bought for Elise but trying it out on DV now. It's good to have 2 amps sharing the same tubes.

 

[Shaffer]

Legend. Thank you for the advice. Are there any ebay links you could send my way to get me started?

Let me ask you first what sort of sound you prefer?

 

[sabrehagen]

Let me ask you first what sort of sound you prefer?

The current sound I get from my DarkVoice with an RCA tube in the preamp (unknown make/model) and a Tung-Sol 6AS7G in the power amp is a thin soundstage with mediocre bass response and definition. Primarily I'm looking for a stronger bass response/tight low end representation. I'd hope for a warm sound overall. Maybe you could describe the sound as 'hot', as is done with guitar pickups and tubes in guitar amps.

 

[Shaffer]

The current sound I get from my DarkVoice with an RCA tube in the preamp (unknown make/model) and a Tung-Sol 6AS7G in the power amp is a thin soundstage with mediocre bass response and definition. Primarily I'm looking for a stronger bass response/tight low end representation. I'd hope for a warm sound overall. Maybe you could describe the sound as 'hot', as is done with guitar pickups and tubes in guitar amps.

This is what I'd suggest as a driver tube for your DV, given your comments, and keep the TS output tube for now:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-CBS-Hytron-6SN7GTB-Vintage-Radio-Receiver-Amp-Tube-Possible-NOS-/111765990209?hash=item1a05c5ab41

FWIW, I'd be happy to sell you a RCA 6AS7G grey plate and a Sylvania 6SN7 driver, all vintage and well-tested, at a very reasonable price. It'll bring you closer to your goal and give you a point of comparison, as well as mix and match possibilities. Please feel free to PM if interested.