The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[triod750]

No tube is best in every application. Sadly. That's why we need at least three

 

[Slade01]

When I say better, yes there are clear technical attributes which make one superior: resolution, staging, separation, decay, note density, etc. Tonal is opinion, technicalities are not.

Don't even worry about the 7N7 bro. If you're rolling with G73R tubes, then just try for a pair of Melz 1578 perforated plates. A pair of those Melz fetch about the same ball park range of the G73R. I don't have as much experience listening to the Melz 1578 as others are here, but for the few pairs that I had owned in the past, they really improve the whole spectrum from top to bottom in my opinion. Not many if at all any 6SN7 or 7N7 could achieve that. Now if you were looking for improvement just in certain areas, then arguably different 6SN7/7N7 could complement ones' system much better as a specialist tube and would do a way better job than the Melz could.

 

[LobalWarming]

No tube is best in every application. Sadly. That's why we need at least three HUNDRED!

FTFY…[ ® ™ ℠; © bcowen: 2021]

 

[triod750]

FTFY…[ ® ™ ℠; © bcowen: 2021]

There are programmes for people like you

 

[LobalWarming]

There are pogroms for people like you

FTFY…[ ® ™ ℠; © bcowen: 2021]

 

[Ike1985]

Technically, it's all opinion. Some opinions more debatable than others.

Technicalities are not opinion, take staging, you can confirm whether a sound is closer or further away when swapping tubes. A cymbal crash is 3 sounds, whether those 3 sounds are decipherable on a DAC (for example the sound of the stick hitting it is not always decipherable on lower quality DACs) is resolution that can be measured. In this case it would be a yes or no.

 

[LobalWarming]

Technicalities are not opinion, take staging, you can confirm whether a sound is closer or further away when swapping tubes. A cymbal crash is 3 sounds, whether those 3 sounds are decipherable on a DAC (for example the sound of the stick hitting it is not always decipherable on lower quality DACs) is resolution that can be measured. In this case it would be a yes or no.

Really? Please show us the objective psychoacoustic measurements and methods.

Staging is a property of the brain. An illusion the brain creates, not tubes. Tubes can enhance the illusion, thankfully, but it ain't the source.

You want to know the technically better tube for you... Buy a few hundred and roll until you find a few magic combos that matches your expectations/perceptions. Personal audio is about personal enjoyment and personal choices.

Or get a pair of Tele EC8020s, because, technically, it is the most advanced tube ever created.

 

[jonathan c]

Technically, it's all opinion. Some opinions more debatable than others.

.... and some are not debatable! One is donatable! How? "Everyone is entitled to my opinion"....

 

[LobalWarming]

.... and some are not debatable! One is donatable! How? "Everyone is entitled to my opinion"....

True... until everyone finds out where your opinion has been.

 

[Dede1982]

I just ordered a matched pair of Sylvania 6SN7 GTBs for my Euforia Evo.

Any impressions on how they will fare compared the PSVANE CV181 mk2 stock driver tubes?

 

[Ike1985]

Tele EC8020

Disagree with regard to technicalities being objective.

But do tubes like the EC8020 sound good with headphones? Example the G73R is absolutely mind blowing with my IEMs but doesn't sound the same with the Immanis, 1578 is much better for that task.

 

[LobalWarming]

Disagree with regard to technicalities being objective.

So.... you agree, it's all subjective then... we're back where we started... the best in technicalities is a personal preference.

But do tubes like the EC8020 sound good with headphones? Example the G73R is absolutely mind blowing with my IEMs but doesn't sound the same with the Immanis, 1578 is much better for that task.

The better frame grid tubes like EC8020, EC8010, E86C, EC806 sound great on (certain) headphones and amps, imo. Incredibly resolving and precise, with pinpoint staging across the soundfield - the soundfield constructed within my ear/brain. Can't say if you'd find them exceptional or just very clean and unromantic.

Anyways, this is the 6SN7 thread and I've already broken the rules mentioning little toddler tubes. Hope I can get away with it, just this once.

 

[toobfreek]

National Union “VT-231” [PHOTO HERE]
● “NU never actually made a tube designated VT-231, although some have the JAN-CNU designation - the earlier grey glass model. It sounds very different from the later black glass version that was manufactured from about 1949 to 1953 and NEVER had a military designation.” Robert H. (in personal correspondence)



I do not believe this is accurate. I have a pair of National Union VT-231. They are tall, full grey glass with round plates. They sound excellent, better than Tung Sol black glass round plates in my opinion. Photos here: https://imgur.com/a/Qgpg0aa

 

[babyoh]

This 7N7 copper rod discussion is bringing out my OCD. I have 2 NU 7N7 grey glass: one with the middle copper rod and one without. I'm using them as a "pair" until I find the other half with identical construction.

 

[mordy]

This 7N7 copper rod discussion is bringing out my OCD. I have 2 NU 7N7 grey glass: one with the middle copper rod and one without. I'm using them as a "pair" until I find the other half with identical construction.

Can you hear a difference?