The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[tosehee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speederlander /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yup, those are the ones. So black-glass, round plate Tung-Sol 6SN7GT vs CV181/ECC32 Mullard You go Mullard, yes?

That's a subjective decision. TS 6SN7GT round plate in smoke glass is considered the best 6SN7 by many people.

Both are rare, but I saw a NOS pair sold at $199. So, with luck, you can snatch one for a cheaper than $300.

 

[regal]

Just got a pair of National Union 6SNTGT's. Half black glass. The bass is just unbelieveable, I can't believe how much better the quality/quantity of the bass is with these tubes I've tried Sylvania 231s, RCA 231's, the usual GTBs. The midrange is still very nice too. NU are my favorites so far, don't hear about them as much. Guess I need to try the Ken-Rads but damn they are pricey.

 

[KBerube80]

this is the greatest 6sn7 thread in the history of the world.

 

[tourmaline]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tosehee /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's a subjective decision. TS 6SN7GT round plate in smoke glass is considered the best 6SN7 by many people. Both are rare, but I saw a NOS pair sold at $199. So, with luck, you can snatch one for a cheaper than $300.

I hear/read many think they are tie with the sylvania w's. Many think the russian 1578 is the best 6sn7 around. Hence they dried up quickly... It all depends on the amp you use the tubes in and probably your preference.

I heard quite alot of 6sn7 tubes and thus far the jan/philips, 1578 russians and the sylvania w's are my top 3, in no particular order. depending on the amp and mods, i could happely live with either of those. if we talk driver tubes, i give the notch to the jan/philips and the sylvania w's as i think the russians are better as a powertube...

 

[monsieurguzel]

I was actually curious about the quality of a 6SN7 tube in relation to the different roles it plays in an amp. I know that the WA22 and WA5, the 6SN7 is used as a driver and not a power tube. I am wondering how important the quality of the 6SN7 is if it is used as a driver? Is it worth investing in the really high end NOS 6SN7 tubes (ie Tung Sol Round Plate) if it is only used as a driver tube? For example, I read that Ken Rad VT-231s have very good deep bass, but does this characteristic show up when used as a driver tube? If not, I'm wondering how important tube rolling is for driver tubes...

 

[rosgr63]

There is also a Tung-Sol Black Glass with square mica not oval or round.
As for the 1578's the ones with the perforated plates are supposed to be the best.

 

[regal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosgr63 /img/forum/go_quote.gif As for the 1578's the ones with the perforated plates are supposed to be the best.

Quite expensive for russian tubes.

 

[rosgr63]

For a matched pair with the 1578 logo on the glass you could pay $200.
For a similar pair from the Metz factory without the logo $100-$120.
I don't know what the difference is they look exactly the same!

 

[regal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosgr63 /img/forum/go_quote.gif For a matched pair with the 1578 logo on the glass you could pay $200. For a similar pair from the Metz factory without the logo $100-$120. I don't know what the difference is they look exactly the same!

I've been paying $50-$70 for nice VT231/GT's, used to paying $20 max for russian tubes, are these really that good? What is their sonic signature closest to NOS wise?

 

[Skylab]

I seem to be a bit of an outlier on this opinion, but I have never been impressed by the 1578's. They sound dry and clinical to me. I have a very nice pair, was NOS/NIB when I got them from a super-reputable seller. Have the multi-hole plates, stamped 1578. But I thought they were just OK - nothing special. I'd take a decent Sylvania or RCA 6SN7GT over the 1578 any day, let alone a Tung-Sol, Raytheon, or Hytron

 

[rosgr63]

I will refer you to another thread http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/6sn...31/index5.html, maybe you can find some info from people who actually use or have used them.
I have a pair but I am so happy with my Tung-Sol Mickey Ears (with a cracked base, I am not using my spare one) that I haven't checked them out yet!

 

[regal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif I seem to be a bit of an outlier on this opinion, but I have never been impressed by the 1578's. They sound dry and clinical to me. I have a very nice pair, was NOS/NIB when I got them from a super-reputable seller. Have the multi-hole plates, stamped 1578. But I thought they were just OK - nothing special. I'd take a decent Sylvania or RCA 6SN7GT over the 1578 any day, let alone a Tung-Sol, Raytheon, or Hytron

Thankyou, great when this forum saves me money ! I very happy with my RCA & NU GTs. I'll stick with them and save for a Raytheon or Tung-Sol one day.

 

[rosgr63]

Skylab I am Sorry you answered before me, thanks!

 

[mrarroyo]

I recently started using a Russian 6H8C from the earlie 1980's in the driver position of my Singlepower MPX3. I much prefer its sound to other offerings from GE, RCA, Brimar, etc.

 

[rosgr63]

Miguel have you tried the Sylvania 6SN7W, or any Black Glass Tung Sols?