[rexhu100]

Looks like the tubes I found on eBay were used. So $60 for the tubes any cheaper on the adapters? Almost as much as what I paid for the amp lol

https://m.ebay.com/itm/2-NOS-Matche...rome-Dome-Audio-Tubes-USA-1950s-/202092964603

On a side note, the 6SN7 tubes are widely used in various amps. Even if you upgrade to a better amp (WA5, IHA-1, Eddie Current Balancing Act, etc.) later, these tubes will keep improving the sounds on those bigger guys.

 

[unclebrudy]

I have tried the Russian 6N6P (stock), Russian 6N6P-IR, and Shuguang 6N6-T. Keep in mind that these tubes get extremely hot when operating, so when I'm comparing them among themselves or against 6SN7 tubes, I have to wait a few minutes before switching tubes. Also, the newly inserted tubes need about half a minute to heat up to operating temperature. I'm emphasizing these aspects because I don't have very good 'hearing memories', so it is entirely possible that some details in the difference is lost when I'm waiting/switching. So take my opinion with a grain of salt. Also, I used VE Zen 2.0 and HD 600 for the audition.

That being said, I believe here is a significant improvement in sound quality moving from stock 6N6P to 6N6P-IR, and again form 6N6P-IR to 6SN7. Also, the improvements are more noticeable on HD 600 than Zen, probably due to the change in sensitivity, among other factors.

The biggest improvement is the tonal clarity across the frequency range. The sound is just more crisp to my ears. Another big improvement is the reduced harshness in the treble. This is especially noticeable on the HD 600 where I have to turn up the volume. HD 600 can be fatiguing sometime, mostly due to the harshness in the high. This is the case before switching to 6SN7. With 6N6* tubes, the cymbals or high octave guitar will pierce my eardrum at the volume where I find bass and mid are appropriate. Also, the sound of the cymbals sounds muddled/distorted in some rock/jazz tracks. This improvements is less pronounced on the VE Zen. My theory is that Zen is a lot more sensitive than HD 600, and I don't need to turn the pot as high to produced the same perceived volume to my ears. The 6N6* tubes just won't hold up at a higher output level.

I have multiple sets of 6SN7 tubes, but I haven't gotten around to fully audition them all. I'll post my impressions on them later.

You're awesome. Thanks for taking the time to write that up!

I currently have the MK2 with the tubes in my sig, and they're less than 2 hours burned in and I'm missing extension on both ends of the FR, which is contradictory to what I've read about these two sets of tubes. (Mind you, I'm very new to tube-rolling and could have completely read the wrong thing.) If, after a full burn-in, I still feel these tubes lacking, I will look into what you have discussed.

Thanks again. It's really appreciated.

 

[dobigstuff]

rexhu100:

See below for what I have finally settled on for my Little Dot III. This is one of the best combos out there. (I have the HD 700's)

Little Dot III w/ NOS USA Tung-Sol Tall Bottle 6SN7 GTB Power Tubes and Siemens C3G Driver Tubes

 

[rexhu100]

rexhu100:

See below for what I have finally settled on for my Little Dot III. This is one of the best combos out there. (I have the HD 700's)

Little Dot III w/ NOS USA Tung-Sol Tall Bottle 6SN7 GTB Power Tubes and Siemens C3G Driver Tubes

That's a pretty sick setup. Mine is similar

 

[J Mirra]

Hi guy's I have an MK11 with C3g & 6N6P-IR and love the sound right now.

What differences would I hear if I bought some 6SN7GTB with the adapters? Can you describe what makes them a better choice than the 6N6P-IR?

What are the audible differences between brands if any?

I see some are quite cheap then some are more expensive.

Thank you.

 

[gulakpii]

And I ended up with something very similar!

 

[OctavianH]

I've seen that everyone who remained on C3G + 6SN7 uses MK3. I tried this combo on MK2 and I was not very pleased.
And the circuitry of the models is not the same. I remember that I had to change also Gain settings to avoid some unpleasant buzzing on both channels.
What I try to say: I think that the combo is great, but only on MK3 which is more powerful, on MK2 you might not have the same experience as other users.

I am very curious to see if someone tries this combo on MK2 and has the same pleasant surprise as those with MK3.

 

[J Mirra]

I get buzzing on the lowest gain setting with the C3G, but any other setting and it is fine, it may be the tube it may be the adaptor.

 

[OctavianH]

I get buzzing on the lowest gain setting with the C3G, but any other setting and it is fine, it may be the tube it may be the adaptor.

Exactly, same here. I set Gain = 5 and all was fine, but I still preferred Voskhods + 6N6P-IR. Most probabily the circuitry was not designed for C3G instead of a tube/adapter problem.

 

[J Mirra]

Exactly, same here. I set Gain = 5 and all was fine, but I still preferred Voskhods + 6N6P-IR. Most probabily the circuitry was not designed for C3G instead of a tube/adapter problem.

I had the Mullard 8100 & the 6N6P-IR , I find that the CG3's are much better.

You can drive them louder than the 8100's without the image becoming shouty .

 

[dobigstuff]

The best non 6SN7/C3G setup for the Little Dot MK III that I used was this:

Electro-Harmonix 6H30PI Power Tubes and NOS Telefunken 5654 Driver Tubes.

 

[gulakpii]

While the C3G + Shuguang "coke-bottle" 6SN7 combo is great with my HD650, I experienced some distortions when using my low-Z AKG K712.
The stock 6H30Pi on my Mk4 performs best with the 6HM5 when I listen to my K712.
That is just my own experience and YMMV.

 

[Acapella11]

While the C3G + Shuguang "coke-bottle" 6SN7 combo is great with my HD650, I experienced some distortions when using my low-Z AKG K712.
The stock 6H30Pi on my Mk4 performs best with the 6HM5 when I listen to my K712.
That is just my own experience and YMMV.

This agrees with my finding that the 6SN7 does not work with the HE-500 but the 6H30P and 6N6P-IR do.
Btw., I had 6H30P-DR tubes from 1984 I believe, which outperformed my 6SN7 tubes and they also allow lower Z cans but it is quite a steep price point for those. However, that was my best power tubes (without external power) and they ran with C3Gs.
The obvious cheap solution to get your MKIII on steroids are 6HM5 with 6N6P-IR.
YMMV

 

[Caribou679]

The obvious cheap solution to get your MKIII on steroids are 6HM5 with 6N6P-IR.

Is this also good for the MK IV SE ?

 

[gulakpii]

I have the 6HM5 running with the 6H30Pi. In my opinion, this combo sounds a tad better than the 6N6P-ir which I also have, but again, YMMV depending on what kind of cans you have.
The 6H30Pi are stock tubes that came with my LD Mk4 (not SE)!

The 6HM5 is warm and airy which I like much. It probably is the best value for your money before you move onto the more pricy C3g.