Decided to pass on the 7193s cuz I didn't want YAA (Yet Another Adapter) and didn't want to mess with 8 external connections. So I got a lovely matched quad of black base National Union 6J5GTs:
And even with just a couple hours on them they sound fantastic! Probably better than even the GEC L63s, my previous fav. They are detailed, fast and extended and have just a touch of seductive sweetness that sets them apart from the GECs. Also less than half the price says my Scottish Heritage.
I've yet to see a 6J5 that isn't highly regarded I think because most of them were made before 6SN7, and if we agree (not always true of course) that "earlier is better" when it comes to tubes, then this is probably the reason.
I've yet to see a 6J5 that isn't highly regarded I think because most of them were made before 6SN7, and if we agree (not always true of course) that "earlier is better" when it comes to tubes, then this is probably the reason.
The NU 6J5s sound awesome, and I'm pretty certain they made them too. Construction wise it's difficult to see inside the grey/black glass 6SN7s, but my ears tell me they are doing very similar things- in my experience, the 6J5s sound closer to the black glass.
Some new 6J5 tubes have landed with me recently after quite a while in transit! The highlight for me is this pair of RFT 6J5- really incredible soundstage, tone and detailed presentation. For some reason I had built up the expectation in my head that these would be bright (perhaps thinking Telefunken sound), but they are effortlessly detailed and airy up top without any unnecessary emphasis or harshness. They are a little more forward even than the grey glass L63s with exceptional bass response and smoothness across the board. One of my new favourite 6J5s!
Also these very sleek looking Mazda/Neotron 6J5MG. I'm still deciding if they sound the same.. They are very midrange focused tubes with tastefully rolled off bass and treble, which would be great for enhancing any vocal-centric music
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I think because most of them were made before 6SN7, and if we agree (not always true of course) that "earlier is better" when it comes to tubes, then this is probably the reason.
