The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[TLO]

I'm going to flip them. I'm guessing issue is one specific driver tube. Constant low static noise.

There are 4 or 5 methods you can try...start with the easiest for you.

1. Pull out the tube and insert again...swap side if applicable
2. Clean the pins on tube plus the pins on socket
3. Tap repeatedly the side of the tube on the table very lightly and roll as you do, do it when the tube is still hot or warm. Lastly, holding it upright and tap lightly the base of the tube on the table. Note...tap lightly NOT knock or bang. It is advisable to use a multimeter to check for short after this operation before inserting it back onto the amp.
4. Heat the tip of every pin of the tube with a soldering iron for about 10 seconds, remember to use flux on the tips.
5. Do the same as above but make it to 30 seconds or more, and pray you didnt burn anything.

Last resort if all failed...burn the tube on the amp, or better on a DAC or preamp for hours or overnight.
Good luck!!!

 

[sam6550a]

There are 4 or 5 methods you can try...start with the easiest for you.

1. Pull out the tube and insert again...swap side if applicable
2. Clean the pins on tube plus the pins on socket
3. Tap repeatedly the side of the tube on the table very lightly and roll as you do, do it when the tube is still hot or warm. Lastly, holding it upright and tap lightly the base of the tube on the table. Note...tap lightly NOT knock or bang. It is advisable to use a multimeter to check for short after this operation before inserting it back onto the amp.
4. Heat the tip of every pin of the tube with a soldering iron for about 10 seconds, remember to use flux on the tips.
5. Do the same as above but make it to 30 seconds or more, and pray you didnt burn anything.

Last resort if all failed...burn the tube on the amp, or better on a DAC or preamp for hours or overnight.
Good luck!!!

Suck out the old solder and resolder the pins. @Paladin79 posted a procedure a while ago on how to do this.

 

[Paladin79]

Suck out the old solder and resolder the pins. @Paladin79 posted a procedure a while ago on how to do this.

Most of my work is on Russian tubes and I like to replace the old solder. I inject liquid flux inside the tube pins and replace the solder with silver content solder.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

Suck out the old solder and resolder the pins. @Paladin79 posted a procedure a while ago on how to do this.

I just did a video on this and posted it earlier this week:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-reference-6sn7-thread.117677/page-544#post-17296887

 

[jonathan c]

Most of my work is on Russian tubes and I like to replace the old solder. I inject liquid flux inside the tube pins and replace the solder with silver content solder.

“Old solders never die, they just get sucked out and replaced…” …

 

[Paladin79]

I've seen this question pop up a few times, so I attempted to make a video on how to re-solder tube pins. As a disclaimer, I am NOT an expert, but I figured if I could do it, so can you. Apologies in advance for the phone-based video - I am not a professional YouTuber.

Y'all's feedback is appreciated, let me know what you think I should change or if there's more info you need.

Thanks!

That had to be hard soldering and holding the phone, normally of course you would have the solder sucker in one hand and the soldering iron in the other so the solder is quite hot before you try to remove it. Personally I get very little solder on the outside of the pins so I do not have to remove much after the fact. Also I keep the tube parallel to the work surface so the solder does not flow downward farther inside the tube. I did not watch the whole video but I use a heat sink so that I DO NOT apply that much heat at the base of each pin. Those are expensive tubes so I am very cautious. Also I use a magnifier light but I was able to buy those for $35 each, ($159 list). I use flux on the inside of the pins before applying fresh solder, flux cleans the metal so the solder will stick. I just use a bit of fresh solder on the tips of each pin before removing the old.
I have been doing this for over three years and otherwise heard of people just reflowing the solder.

 

[Somatic]

There are 4 or 5 methods you can try...start with the easiest for you.

1. Pull out the tube and insert again...swap side if applicable
2. Clean the pins on tube plus the pins on socket
3. Tap repeatedly the side of the tube on the table very lightly and roll as you do, do it when the tube is still hot or warm. Lastly, holding it upright and tap lightly the base of the tube on the table. Note...tap lightly NOT knock or bang. It is advisable to use a multimeter to check for short after this operation before inserting it back onto the amp.
4. Heat the tip of every pin of the tube with a soldering iron for about 10 seconds, remember to use flux on the tips.
5. Do the same as above but make it to 30 seconds or more, and pray you didnt burn anything.

Last resort if all failed...burn the tube on the amp, or better on a DAC or preamp for hours or overnight.
Good luck!!!

Ok. Definitely one of the tubes is the cause. I switched the driver tubes from left to right and the low volume constant static noise follows it. If I increase the gain so does the static noise.

I guess time to try and reflow them? They were NIB. Paid a pretty penny.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

Ok. Definitely one of the tubes is the cause. I switched the driver tubes from left to right and the low volume constant static noise follows it. If I increase the gain so does the static noise.

I guess time to try and reflow them? They were NIB. Paid a pretty penny.

Assuming you got them from our friend "down south", you can email him and he should send you a replacement. He's excellent with customer service.

 

[Somatic]

Assuming you got them from our friend "down south", you can email him and he should send you a replacement. He's excellent with customer service.

Coolio. Was going to ping him

Edit: He is sending me a replacement. Thanks

 

[Somatic]

Ok got these from Ebay. Have a constant static sound on one tube as well. Damn. Not bad at all, but is it hard to find very silent NOS? My Melz are clean!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/125587625140

 

[ColSaulTigh]

Ok got these from Ebay. Have a constant static sound on one tube as well. Damn. Not bad at all, but is it hard to find very silent NOS? My Melz are clean!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/125587625140

Might try re-soldering the pins. That can help quiet down that tube. I am concerned seller didn't just measurements - that's one thing I usually look for when buying from eBay (along with positive feedback).

 

[Somatic]

Might try re-soldering the pins. That can help quiet down that tube. I am concerned seller didn't just measurements - that's one thing I usually look for when buying from eBay (along with positive feedback).

Ok good to know. Thanks.

 

[SuperRoo]

I had a noisy new Melz and re-soldering fixed it. Some dude here posted an excellent youtube video on doing it.

 

[cgb3]

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
I do not mind using single triode tubes that are forerunners of dual triodes or adapters that are well thought out but even with those you best know circuit limitations. Those are my only comments.

What about roller skating in a buffalo heard, spitting into the wind, or pulling on Superman's cape?

 

[ColSaulTigh]

What about roller skating in a buffalo heard, spitting into the wind, or pulling on Superman's cape?

You don't mess around with Jim.