The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[g0ldl10n]

My amp has only 6.3V heaters and input stage operating point is fixed to 180V/4mA. It's true that I have variable manual grid bias and I can bias almost anything in range of 0-13V if it can be biased in that range for 180V/4mA. These seem to be 12.6V tubes and I do not have them.

ah, alright

 

[g0ldl10n]

My amp has only 6.3V heaters and input stage operating point is fixed to 180V/4mA. It's true that I have variable manual grid bias and I can bias almost anything in range of 0-13V if it can be biased in that range for 180V/4mA. These seem to be 12.6V tubes and I do not have them.

What amp do you have? Or was it custom made? If custom made, who made it?

 

[OctavianH]

What amp do you have? Or was it custom made? If custom made, who made it?

Custom made, UltraSonic made it.

 

[g0ldl10n]

Custom made, UltraSonic made it.

Your amp interests me a lot - because I have a custom amp where I have ability to adjust heater voltages from 1V-28V for the output and input, however, for the output, pretty much just allows me to use 6.3V, 12.6V and 26.5V variants of the 6080/6AS7/6336/6528 tubes.. can also use common subs like A2293 and such, but for the input its a different story.. can run an ungodly amount of different inputs just fine - being able to bias power tubes would be fantastic alongside this, lol.

 

[OctavianH]

Your amp interests me a lot - because I have a custom amp where I have ability to adjust heater voltages from 1V-28V for the output and input, however, for the output, pretty much just allows me to use 6.3V, 12.6V and 26.5V variants of the 6080/6AS7/6336/6528 tubes.. can also use common subs like A2293 and such, but for the input its a different story.. can run an ungodly amount of different inputs just fine - being able to bias power tubes would be fantastic alongside this, lol.

I can, with 6.3V heaters, in range of 0-54V. Well, with external power I could bias everything but well. It's enough anyway.

 

[g0ldl10n]

I can, with 6.3V heaters, in range of 0-54V. Well, with external power I could bias everything but well. It's enough anyway.

Lol, ya, it can get to a point where its almost too much versatility and available options.. but, its fun, definitely

 

[Isaacc7]

Custom made, UltraSonic made it.

The same maker that made my amp. Mine is the other way around, auto bias for the input tubes and adjustable bias for the output tubes. I can use outboard heater supplies for both input and output tubes. It really does lead to mischief, way too many possibilities.

 

[Isaacc7]

Good luck with that!!

The 12sx7 with 5b/254m combo is so good it snapped me out of my tube buying haze. I had several orders ready worth several vendors and at least 2, possibly 3 new adapters would be required as well. I was getting up to the $700-$800 level (again) when I realized how silly I was being. I still have 3 tubes/adapters that I haven’t gotten to yet and I was going to add another output tube and 7-8 input tubes? Madness!

I remember my last order with Deyan, I told him it was my last. He said, “I’ve heard that one before…” Lol. Can’t promise I won’t ever get more tubes but I’m putting all that on hold for now.

Mind you, if the 12sx7 do end up sounding better than my generic RCA 12sn7gta I might have to add a few more

 

[bcowen]

The 12sx7 with 5b/254m combo is so good it snapped me out of my tube buying haze. I had several orders ready worth several vendors and at least 2, possibly 3 new adapters would be required as well. I was getting up to the $700-$800 level (again) when I realized how silly I was being. I still have 3 tubes/adapters that I haven’t gotten to yet and I was going to add another output tube and 7-8 input tubes? Madness!

I remember my last order with Deyan, I told him it was my last. He said, “I’ve heard that one before…” Lol. Can’t promise I won’t ever get more tubes but I’m putting all that on hold for now.

Mind you, if the 12sx7 do end up sounding better than my generic RCA 12sn7gta I might have to add a few more

I've found that the best way to stop buying tubes is to stop reading about tubes. I'm not suggesting anyone switch to reading only solid-state threads, just if you see someone mention how great a tube is cover your eyes and scroll to the next post really fast. Or do what I do and continually quit quitting buying tubes.

 

[UntilThen]

Or do what I do and continually quit quitting buying tubes.

That's what I do. I quit already. It's easy to quit but harder to buy trust me.

 

[bcowen]

That's what I do. I quit already. It's easy to quit but harder to buy trust me.

You are not currently rated at tube buying quitting. But you are the undisputed guru of amp buying quitting.

 

[UntilThen]

You are not currently rated at tube buying quitting. But you are the undisputed guru of amp buying quitting.

I haven't bought any tubes for a week, so that's quitting. Still waiting on 3 pairs of tubes to arrive. Then I quit for good. Was going to buy KT170 and 350b but who needs it. Over rated piece of garbage. I'll check their prices in a week's time to see if my rant bring their prices down.

 

[bcowen]

I haven't bought any tubes for a week, so that's quitting. Still waiting on 3 pairs of tubes to arrive. Then I quit for good. Was going to buy KT170 and 350b but who needs it. Over rated piece of garbage. I'll check their prices in a week's time to see if my rant bring their prices down.

That *is* impressive. How did you do it?

 

[g0ldl10n]

You are not currently rated at tube buying quitting. But you are the undisputed guru of amp buying quitting.

 

[UntilThen]

You are not currently rated at tube buying quitting. But you are the undisputed guru of amp buying quitting.

FYI, Ultimate is my last amp. No if or buts. I'm so done with amps.