The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[ericr]

Hey Guys, just received a pair NOS Tubes, sold as Sylvania 6SN7GTA/ECC32 Tubes Chrome Domes 1953, but the are labeled Motorola. First is this a Sylvania Tube? They are indeed "chrome dome", just curious. Probably won't be able to listen to them until my move is completed next week. Has anyone ever heard this tube, it's not included in the original post?

With pictures showing all of the lettering on both the glass and the base it's pretty likely the tube can be correctly identified.

 

[oshipao]

1956

Thank you ericr,

I appreciate it!

 

[Wildcatsare1]

With pictures showing all of the lettering on both the glass and the base it's pretty likely the tube can be correctly identified.

They are packed ATM, so next week when I unload at the new house I'll take some pics before installing them in the MicroZOTL 2, thanks!

 

[nix177]

Anyone has a tube tester in Orange County, California? or know someone who does? I sold mine recently and need to test a pair.

 

[JoeDoe]

Sorry to necro a thread fellas, but I'm curious to know if anyone has any experience with the Sylvania Gold Brand 6SN7GT?

 

[ericr]

I have a brown base GB 6SN7 GTxW (x = A or B, I'm traveling and can't check for sure).

It's an excellent tube - on par with the 6SN7W which is my favorite tube in the Project Ember. The only catch is they seem to be susceptible to interference. I was using the GB pretty much full time and took my rig to a local meet (with loads of gear packed together) and it sounded like crap. Swapped the tube and all was well. It was fine at home again. Another HF said they had experienced the same.

At times you can get them at a great price, but if they are much more than $40-50 I would recommend putting the money towards a 6SN7W.

FWIW I have both the metal base and black base 6SN7 and agree with many the metal base is the best, but just so slightly. IMHO it's not worth the premium price the metal base commands.

 

[JoeDoe]

Thanks for your thoughts! I've got an icon HP8, and a pair of the gold brand's on the way. Will post impressions once they arrive.

 

[whirlwind]

I have a brown base GB 6SN7 GTxW (x = A or B, I'm traveling and can't check for sure).

It's an excellent tube - on par with the 6SN7W which is my favorite tube in the Project Ember. The only catch is they seem to be susceptible to interference. I was using the GB pretty much full time and took my rig to a local meet (with loads of gear packed together) and it sounded like crap. Swapped the tube and all was well. It was fine at home again. Another HF said they had experienced the same.

At times you can get them at a great price, but if they are much more than $40-50 I would recommend putting the money towards a 6SN7W.

FWIW I have both the metal base and black base 6SN7 and agree with many the metal base is the best, but just so slightly. IMHO it's not worth the premium price the metal base commands.

 
With the tip from a fellow head-fier.....I just picked up a 6SN7W that tested strong  $65 shipped.
 
I can't wait to hear it in my amp.

 

[JoeDoe]

Still waiting on the Sylvania Golds, but in the meantime I've got a nice pair of strong Ken Rad VT231s and RCA Coin Base 6SN7GTBs come in.

So far I'm liking the richness of the RCA a little better than the KR. I've yet to pick up on the delicious low end that KR owners rave about... Maybe burn in will change that?

 

[ericr]

With the tip from a fellow head-fier.....I just picked up a 6SN7W that tested strong  $65 shipped.

I can't wait to hear it in my amp.

Cool!

Let us know how it performs, and how it compares to your other 6SN7.

 

[Frihed89]

Just in case no one has mentioned it, the 6F8G is the electrical equivalent of the 6SN7GT, but needs a pin/cap adapter.  Lovely sounding tube, even older than the 6SN7GT.  

 

[JoeDoe]

  Just in case no one has mentioned it, the 6F8G is the electrical equivalent of the 6SN7GT, but needs a pin/cap adapter.  Lovely sounding tube, even older than the 6SN7GT.  

If I'm not mistaken, the 6F8G is a single triode which means you need two of them to work in place of a single 6SN7 right? For some amps (like my Icon HP8), I don't think that's an option. Just not enough real estate. 

 

[Frihed89]

  If I'm not mistaken, the 6F8G is a single triode which means you need two of them to work in place of a single 6SN7 right? For some amps (like my Icon HP8), I don't think that's an option. Just not enough real estate. 

It's a dual triode: http://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_6f8g.html

 

[whirlwind]

 

  Just in case no one has mentioned it, the 6F8G is the electrical equivalent of the 6SN7GT, but needs a pin/cap adapter.  Lovely sounding tube, even older than the 6SN7GT.  

If I'm not mistaken, the 6F8G is a single triode which means you need two of them to work in place of a single 6SN7 right? For some amps (like my Icon HP8), I don't think that's an option. Just not enough real estate. 

JoeDoe, you can use one...you just need an adapter....they are great tubes.....especially tung sol and national union.

 

[JoeDoe]

It's a dual triode: http://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_6f8g.html

JoeDoe, you can use one...you just need an adapter....they are great tubes.....especially tung sol and national union.

I see. I think I was thinking of the 6J5. Looks similar. May have to give the 6F8G a go!