The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[Paladin79]

So what you're saying then is I shouldn't proceed with the 211 tube adapter I was making for the Incubus? .

I may need to re-write the warranty on your free amp, so that one of us (me) is not constantly having to fix said amp each time you blow it up. Other than say a Psvane driver and Cetron power tube, you should get my written permission before changing any tubes.

 

[denniswaugh]

Is ECC35 a compatible / drop in replacement for other 6SN7's?

The ECC35 is equivalent to a 6SL7, a higher gain tube than the 6SN7.
It is compatible with my WA22 but you should check compatibility with your amp.

The Mullard ECC35 is amongst my favourite driver tubes together with Tung Sol BGRP and the Melz 1578.
IMO the Mullard ECC35 and the Tung Sol BGRP are very similar in their sound presentation, i.e, detailed, articulate, engaging and for want of a better word "euphoric".
The Melz has a drier presentation. Bass is a little lighter than the ECC35 and TS, a very detailed and spacious midrange with a precise top end. I imagine the sound more like SS than tube.
I've given up trying to decide which one I like best. Over the past 4 years I've chopped and changed between these driver tubes. They are all great tubes.
This months favourite is the Melz but I know in a month or so I will be drawn back to the ECC35 or TSrp. That's the beauty of owning a tube amp.
I use the above tubes with WE422 rectifier and either TS 5998 or GEC 6AS7G power tubes.

 

[Paladin79]

The ECC35 is equivalent to a 6SL7, a higher gain tube than the 6SN7.
It is compatible with my WA22 but you should check compatibility with your amp.

The Mullard ECC35 is amongst my favourite driver tubes together with Tung Sol BGRP and the Melz 1578.
IMO the Mullard ECC35 and the Tung Sol BGRP are very similar in their sound presentation, i.e, detailed, articulate, engaging and for want of a better word "euphoric".
The Melz has a drier presentation. Bass is a little lighter than the ECC35 and TS, a very detailed and spacious midrange with a precise top end. I imagine the sound more like SS than tube.
I've given up trying to decide which one I like best. Over the past 4 years I've chopped and changed between these driver tubes. They are all great tubes.
This months favourite is the Melz but I know in a month or so I will be drawn back to the ECC35 or TSrp. That's the beauty of owning a tube amp.
I use the above tubes with WE422 rectifier and either TS 5998 or GEC 6AS7G power tubes.

What year is the Melz 1578 you are describing? I agree with most of your statements except sounding like solid state but then you may have an 80’s version perhaps?

 

[denniswaugh]

 

[denniswaugh]

Not sure of the year

 

[Paladin79]

That sure looks like a 59 within the Melz logo, and much higher getter flash than I have seen before. I must own four tube amps that sound solid state to me with most any tube so I certainly would not question your description. All of your other points about the tube were spot on IMHO.

 

[denniswaugh]

Yes it's 59 within the logo and I assume the other stamps (2&14) possibly being month and day of manufacture.

 

[Paladin79]

Could be, and my favorites come from about that time so most likely you have a wonderful example. The solder inside the pins can break down, even on the newer Melz so I hope you do not experience any noise in that tube. If so it may well be repairable. With proper technique that is, here I am dripping liquid solder flux inside each pin so I am assured the new solder I add will adhere properly.

 

[denniswaugh]

Could be, and my favorites come from about that time so most likely you have a wonderful example. The solder inside the pins can break down, even on the newer Melz so I hope you do not experience any noise in that tube. If so it may well be repairable.

Its funny you mention this. I purchased these a about 5 years ago and when I plugged them in, one of them made horrendous popping and crackling noises. It never improved with time so I ended up sticking them in a drawer for 2 years or so. I was rather pis***d off with one of them being a duff.
Somewhere I must have come across a suggestion to re solder the pins. This I did and it worked.

 

[Paladin79]

Its funny you mention this. I purchased these a about 5 years ago and when I plugged them in, one of them made horrendous popping and crackling noises. It never improved with time so I ended up sticking them in a drawer for 2 years or so. I was rather pis***d off with one of them being a duff.
Somewhere I must have come across a suggestion to re solder the pins. This I did and it worked.

Yep, and some folks re-flow the old solder and that is better than nothing but since I know whatever the Russians were using to be historically bad on the Melz and Fotons, I remove the old, do a thorough cleaning, then add new solder with a 3% silver content. I do not want to be faced with the same situation down the road lol.

Oh yeah, I am impressed with your tube selection, especially the power tubes.

 

[denniswaugh]

Yep, and some folks re-flow the old solder and that is better than nothing but since I know whatever the Russians were using to be historically bad on the Melz and Fotons, I remove the old, do a thorough cleaning, then add new solder with a 3% silver content. I do not want to be faced with the same situation down the road lol.

Oh yeah, I am impressed with your tube selection, especially the power tubes.

Re: power tubes.
I know this is the 6sn7 thread but I'll quickly mention that I've tried many manufactures 6080's and Russian c wing 6as7g in my Wa22.
IMO, Nothing beats the TS5998 or the GEC/Marconi/Osram 6as7g.

 

[Paladin79]

Re: power tubes.
I know this is the 6sn7 thread but I'll quickly mention that I've tried many manufactures 6080's and Russian c wing 6as7g in my Wa22.
IMO, Nothing beats the TS5998 or the GEC/Marconi/Osram 6as7g.

I have a few of the Tung Sol 5998's myself, as far as the others, I hate to spend more on one tube than I spent on the total parts in the amps I build lol. I strive for balance.
The tubes you use in conjunction with 6sn7's matter so I do not consider it too far off topic but that is just my opinion. If you can catch any deals on British 6sn7 or 5998 equivalents, you should PM me. If anyone like @bcowen or @Ripper2860 approaches you with the same request, I would run away as if they are contagious.

 

[denniswaugh]

I'm always looking

 

[Wes S]

Re: power tubes.
I know this is the 6sn7 thread but I'll quickly mention that I've tried many manufactures 6080's and Russian c wing 6as7g in my Wa22.
IMO, Nothing beats the TS5998 or the GEC/Marconi/Osram 6as7g.

How bout the Bendix 6080WB graphite plate? I am curious if you have you heard that one? I have the 5998 too, but it can't hold a candle next to the Bendix, for my taste. Pair the Bendix with a Tung-Sol BGRP, and magic happens.

 

[denniswaugh]

How bout the Bendix 6080WB graphite plate? I am curious if you have you heard that one? I have the 5998 too, but it can't hold a candle next to the Bendix, for my taste. Pair the Bendix with a Tung-Sol BGRP, and magic happens.

Never did get hold of the Bendix 6080 graphite plate. In the UK its another tube that's impossible to find at a reasonable price.