The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[Isaacc7]

This is where I exit the discussion.

<shrug> wasn’t much of a discussion. I disagree that engineers in the 40s and 50s engaged in black arts that resulted in knowledge and processes that can never be achieved again. It is worth keeping an open mind to what can be made now. Many people believe that some of the new 2a3 and 300b (and variants) are better than the old ones. Indeed, you’ll hear many well respected tube folks extoll the virtues of new kt88 and 6l6gc (and variants) as compared to the old ones. Well, up until the war in Ukraine at least.

At the very least I suggest not writing anything off before hearing it.

 

[Somatic]

What is the most detailed 6Sn7, 6J5 tube available? Maybe with a bit more treble tilt. Trying to pair a super detailed driver tube with the Elrog TM300B ...

 

[ThanatosVI]

What is the most detailed 6Sn7, 6J5 tube available? Maybe with a bit more treble tilt. Trying to pair a super detailed driver tube with the Elrog TM300B ...

I do believe the Melz 1578 are considered to be the most detailed 6SN7 (or at least among them) but others probably know with more certainty

 

[Somatic]

I do believe the Melz 1578 are considered to be the most detailed 6SN7 (or at least among them) but others probably know with more certainty

Yes the Melz 1578 and the Brimar 6J5G are my favorite with the TMs so far.

 

[g0ldl10n]

Yes the Melz 1578 and the Brimar 6J5G are my favorite with the TMs so far.

I have just broke out some of the more expensive tubes I have, figured might as well use them - listening to CBS 5692 and am really enjoying it. As far as "most detailed", not sure I would put that label on it - more like, very rich and engaging - also, paired with 6AS7G, not 300B.. but ya, lol.

 

[Wes S]

Depends on the type.
Elrog 300Bs totally crush all NOS 300B and the difference is not small.

This certainly holds true the other way round for certain other types but also proves that new production tubes can be better than even the best of old

That is definitely a one off, but I concur.

 

[Wes S]

I do believe the Melz 1578 are considered to be the most detailed 6SN7 (or at least among them) but others probably know with more certainty

You are correct.

 

[g0ldl10n]

If the TS BGRP 6SN7 is anything like its 6C8G cousin, I would say that is more along the lines of something I would consider quite detailed. IMHO, some other SQ aspects I enjoy take a bit of a back seat, but if its detail you're after, TS house sound (at least in my setup) seems to always be in line with this sort of sound.

 

[LobalWarming]

I do believe the Melz 1578 are considered to be the most detailed 6SN7 (or at least among them) but others probably know with more certainty

I have a range of 1578s from the 50s thru 70s. The 50s era are my personal favs... sweet musical and beautiful presentation. The 60s and 70s versions are more detailed. 70s learning towards harsh, ime.

Most detailed 6SN7 for me, is my Sylvania 6SN7W tall bottle with the short bottle a close 2nd.

However, my Marconi and GEC L63s (6J5) surpass the above in transparency, detail, soundstage and personal enjoyment. Twins for the Win!

 

[incredulousity]

Yes the Melz 1578 and the Brimar 6J5G are my favorite with the TMs so far.

These, or GEC 6J5 or RFT 6SN7 or Telefunken G73r. Still forming opinions on the quad tubes that need adapters with 2 wires per tube.

 

[Somatic]

These, or GEC 6J5 or RFT 6SN7 or Telefunken G73r. Still forming opinions on the quad tubes that need adapters with 2 wires per tube.

Are the Telefunken G73r about the same as the other mentioned? There isn't one in this list that is in another level correct?

 

[Isaacc7]

What is the most detailed 6Sn7, 6J5 tube available? Maybe with a bit more treble tilt. Trying to pair a super detailed driver tube with the Elrog TM300B ...

You might want to take a look at the Sylvania round plate 6j5gt. I find that they have really good top end extension. Really cheap too.

 

[Somatic]

You might want to take a look at the Sylvania round plate 6j5gt. I find that they have really good top end extension. Really cheap too.

These ones? Or do you have a link you can share?

https://www.langrex.co.uk/products/6j5gt-jan-sylvania-nos-valve-tube-lc29/

 

[incredulousity]

Are the Telefunken G73r about the same as the other mentioned? There isn't one in this list that is in another level correct?

They are NOS 12au7 tubes. They are rather intense in their detail. Tuning is neutral. Almost a cross between RFT and Melz. Need adapters, obviously, but run at 6.3V on 6SN7 socketed amps. Dead silent even on high gain on Envy. Expensive AF.

 

[paradoxper]

Depends on the type.
Elrog 300Bs totally crush all NOS 300B and the difference is not small.

This certainly holds true the other way round for certain other types but also proves that new production tubes can be better than even the best of old

More exception to the rule. Thomas is a absolutely crazed enthusiast.

When he builds the ER45, I will melt.