The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[OctavianH]

I have the Feliks-Audio Elise OTL and favorite 6AS7G equivalent is the Tung Sol 7236, excellent stage and detail although perhaps a bit "clinical." I've heard great things about Tung Sol 5998's as well, tend to be pricier but I just scored a pair and will be testing soon. Of course with DV instead of Elise and different drivers, YMMV but thought I'd share what I've learned thus far.

I have no idea what genres you like, but in my case with rock music the combo of RCA VT-231 + Tung Sol 7236 is a killer combo. However, it is not a clean sound, it is a veiled one, a muddy one, but it has exactly the veil and distortion you need for electric guitar. This kicks ass on heavy metal or stuff like that.

 

[JKDJedi]

I have the Feliks-Audio Elise OTL and favorite 6AS7G equivalent is the Tung Sol 7236, excellent stage and detail although perhaps a bit "clinical." I've heard great things about Tung Sol 5998's as well, tend to be pricier but I just scored a pair and will be testing soon. Of course with DV instead of Elise and different drivers, YMMV but thought I'd share what I've learned thus far.

Yes the 7236 are fast tubes, 5998 more laid back compared to the 7236. Wow a pair for the Elise.. $$$, nice find! If I ever upgrade the Darkone it might just be the Elise.

 

[LoryWiv]

Yes the 7236 are fast tubes, 5998 more laid back compared to the 7236. Wow a pair for the Elise.. $$$, nice find! If I ever upgrade the Darkone it might just be the Elise.

Got a great deal on some Elise tubes from a fellow Head-Fi'er whose rolled on...love this community.

 

[bcowen]

WHat!? Get one!

Nah, I'm kinda waiting on the right deal for a single-ended 300B headphone amp. Transformers pretty much required.

 

[LoryWiv]

GOTL.......I am happy with Elise but the GOTL folk swear by it.

 

[LoryWiv]

I have no idea what genres you like, but in my case with rock music the combo of RCA VT-231 + Tung Sol 7236 is a killer combo. However, it is not a clean sound, it is a veiled one, a muddy one, but it has exactly the veil and distortion you need for electric guitar. This kicks ass on heavy metal or stuff like that.

That is so interesting, @OctavianH. I am listening to the TS 7236 as I type with RCA 1948 JAN 6SN7 gray glass (very similar to VT-231) and don't find them veiled at all. In fact, I may swap the 7236 for 5998's to add a touch more bass warmth, although I hope not to lose much detail. Just reminds us that so much is system dependent. Thanks for all you contribute here and on the Elise thread, BTW. I have learned a lot from you!

 

[JKDJedi]

That is so interesting, @OctavianH. I am listening to the TS 7236 as I type with RCA 1948 JAN 6SN7 gray glass (very similar to VT-231) and don't find them veiled at all. In fact, I may swap the 7236 for 5998's to add a touch more bass warmth, although I hope not to lose much detail. Just reminds us that so much is system dependent. Thanks for all you contribute here and on the Elise thread, BTW. I have learned a lot from you!

Don't forget the headphones.... And according to sennfan83261 you haven't lived till you tried the CF8G VT-99 ... I kinda agree.

 

[Slade01]

Don't forget the headphones.... And according to sennfan83261 you haven't lived till you tried the CF8G VT-99 ... I kinda agree.

Yes the 6F8Gs/VT-99s are awesome. I enthusiastically agree...Sennfan83261 has made me a believer in these tubes, and I doubt I could ever go back to the 6SN7s save for the RCA Gray Glass and Tung Sol Mouse Ears.

 

[JazzVinyl]

GOTL.......I am happy with Elise but the GOTL folk swear by it.

Elise is a nice amp too. Biggest problem I had with mine was heat. I wish the designers had included a small fan to circulate air below the deck. If your willing to point a small fan towards her while on, she will be happier in the long run.

Lots of tube combos sound good in Elise. Do try C3g’s 7N7 and 6N7’s. A pair of 1940’s Visseaux 6N7G’s and 6H13C or 5998’s as powers were sublime in Elise.

 

[cddc]

I order it by the 55 gallon drum. Cheaper by the ounce that way. I do NOT like the residue DeOxit leaves behind, so on loctal pins I'll let it sit for 5 minutes or so and then scrub it off (along with whatever contaminants come with it) with isopropyl alcohol. But that's just the way I go about it....

I think you were joking...55 gallon drum of Deoxit?

Is there a link to the product...I'd like to check out the price first

 

[cddc]

I normally just cleanse pins with tissues. In most cases it worked just fine. Unless there's too much rust, I use sandpaper or blade.

I prefer physical method to chemical method...LOL

 

[LoryWiv]

Have these on their way, a bit of an impulse purchase from Upscale Audio to use in my Feliks Elise. All Upscale notes is that they are early Russian, found in a cave in Brazil, intriguing but not very specific. Can anyone help me ID their make / year of production?

 

[Ripper2860]

That's a 60's flat-plate Foton. Don't be surprised if the markings on the glass are non-existent when you get the tube. Seems uncle Kevin likes to vigorously clean the glass with the markings typically falling victim to his anal retentive ways!

** I purchased one from Upscale myself and mine came devoid of markings. It sounds pretty nice in my Lyr 3, but I must say that I do prefer the 50's ribbed version a bit better. Pairing and Synergy are key however and it may may be killer tube in your Feliks!!

 

[triggsviola]

Have these on their way, a bit of an impulse purchase from Upscale Audio to use in my Feliks Elise.. All Upscale notes is that they are early Russian, found in a cave in Brazil, intriguing but not very specific. Can anyone help me ID their make / year of production?

I love these tubes! I’ve got two in my Euforia and one in my Vali. I found them to be very well-balanced (not too gooey, not too bright) and sound as good as tubes that are way more expensive (at least the ones I’ve tried).

 

[LoryWiv]

Thanks @Ripper2860 for the quick ID, and the insider knowledge about our friend Mr. Deal. Does he clean the pins as well or should I plan to do so when I receive them?

@triggsviola I hope they place nice with my Elise as drivers. I will pair them with either Tung Sol 5998's or 7236's. What powers did you pair them with in Euforia?