Thanks for adding me to the group. It took me a week but I went through all of the pages in this thread in an effort to get to know my Freya Plus better (purchased in Dec) and to decide which tubes to roll first.
My stock tubes are the new Electro Harmonix 6SN7. Unlike some folks I know that were getting NOS tubes even before their Freya arrived, I decided to give the EHs a fair shake before betraying them with another. This lasted 4 weeks. Considering I’ve no frame of reference (this being my first tube experience) I really liked it.
During this month of break-in, I heard the tube sonically adjust (maybe bloom is a more poetic description?). This was evidenced by more volume at my typical spot, so I had to adjust it back a tad. Also, I could be totally imagining this but I swear the tubes start burning brighter as I spent more time with them. My research on this thread and the reference thread indicated that out of the new production lots, the EH is highly regarded so I guess I lucked out. Obviously part of the time I spent on this thread and speaking with at least two respected tube dealers was about what to eventually replace the tubes with, so here is what I got:
Used pair of CBS Hytron 5692 Brown Base–I’m the third owner. This is from Upscale Audio—Kevin’s Stash (no cryo). I got these from a seller that I’ve done business with and he barely used them and was getting rid of his Freya and was selling it with both the stock and Hytron tubes. He also had some good quality socket savers. I convinced him to sell the 5692’s and Socket Savers to me for $200, which I think is very fair price. I picked it up yesterday and also auditioned his hi fi system while I was at it.
Used Sylvania 6SN7GTA Angled T Plate from a recommended seller on eBay. These are Platinum Matched on AT10000 and tests within NOS tolerances. These were delivered while I was on the way to Brooklyn to pick up the 5692’s. Paid $60 bucks for a pair, which seemed reasonable.
I’ve started to finally roll today starting with the 5692s on the gain stage while keeping the stock EH in the cathode follower. I’m wondering about two items:
1 Is there a break in period considering they are used? I doubt it, but figured I ask to set my expectations. From the first couple of hours listening, I’m finding the vocals more lush and no hint of upper treble shoutiness (the EH occasionally did that while it was blooming). The decay seems to be a tad longer too. I like it!
2. Is there a way to tell the year of manufacturing? My best guess is just the decade (1950’s) but I can’t get closer than that. Perhaps I’ll try to closely examine the markings on the glass to see if I can spot anything.
Not sure when to start testing the Sylvania’s quite yet. Want to spend some quality time with the Hytron first.
Any feed back on either of these tubes will be appreciated.
My stock tubes are the new Electro Harmonix 6SN7. Unlike some folks I know that were getting NOS tubes even before their Freya arrived, I decided to give the EHs a fair shake before betraying them with another. This lasted 4 weeks. Considering I’ve no frame of reference (this being my first tube experience) I really liked it.
During this month of break-in, I heard the tube sonically adjust (maybe bloom is a more poetic description?). This was evidenced by more volume at my typical spot, so I had to adjust it back a tad. Also, I could be totally imagining this but I swear the tubes start burning brighter as I spent more time with them. My research on this thread and the reference thread indicated that out of the new production lots, the EH is highly regarded so I guess I lucked out. Obviously part of the time I spent on this thread and speaking with at least two respected tube dealers was about what to eventually replace the tubes with, so here is what I got:
Used pair of CBS Hytron 5692 Brown Base–I’m the third owner. This is from Upscale Audio—Kevin’s Stash (no cryo). I got these from a seller that I’ve done business with and he barely used them and was getting rid of his Freya and was selling it with both the stock and Hytron tubes. He also had some good quality socket savers. I convinced him to sell the 5692’s and Socket Savers to me for $200, which I think is very fair price. I picked it up yesterday and also auditioned his hi fi system while I was at it.
Used Sylvania 6SN7GTA Angled T Plate from a recommended seller on eBay. These are Platinum Matched on AT10000 and tests within NOS tolerances. These were delivered while I was on the way to Brooklyn to pick up the 5692’s. Paid $60 bucks for a pair, which seemed reasonable.
I’ve started to finally roll today starting with the 5692s on the gain stage while keeping the stock EH in the cathode follower. I’m wondering about two items:
1 Is there a break in period considering they are used? I doubt it, but figured I ask to set my expectations. From the first couple of hours listening, I’m finding the vocals more lush and no hint of upper treble shoutiness (the EH occasionally did that while it was blooming). The decay seems to be a tad longer too. I like it!
2. Is there a way to tell the year of manufacturing? My best guess is just the decade (1950’s) but I can’t get closer than that. Perhaps I’ll try to closely examine the markings on the glass to see if I can spot anything.
Not sure when to start testing the Sylvania’s quite yet. Want to spend some quality time with the Hytron first.
Any feed back on either of these tubes will be appreciated.
