The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[Paladin79]

OK great. Then since I don't hate @Spy Car any more I'll hate you instead.

Everyone needs a hobby.

 

[Paladin79]

A favorite tube in an amp I designed:
1963 Melz 6H8C sometimes called the 1578. This tube with a Tung Sol 5998 and I am happy. YMMV

 

[brownstd]

I stand corrected, thanks. I should've checked my own stash first:

Pretty sure that the sylvania in the pic is an early VT 231. Internal structure definitely VT-231. CAA stands for Civil Aviation Authority--I think that was the labeling used prior to VT-231 from 1940 to 43(?). If so, GREAT find. These are hard to come by and are considered the best of the Sylvania VT-231 vintages. The Raytheon 6sn7gt tubes are also very good (but more common). Seems like you have found a goldmine.

 

[Paladin79]

This is the amp I designed for 6sn7 comparison, a fancier version of the basic four amps to be used in a 52 tube challenge some friends and I are working on. This amp, (top right) has a cabinet of tulip poplar and ebony with a 6as7g power tube.I gifted one to @bcowen and he understands how the attempt is to let the tube characteristics shine, my purpose in building said amps.

I have my favorite 6sn7's but YMMV

 

[Mikem53]

Great write-up !!! Many thanks to the OP for this great compilation of information !!

 

[bcowen]

This is the amp I designed for 6sn7 comparison, a fancier version of the basic four amps to be used in a 52 tube challenge some friends and I are working on. This amp, (top right) has a cabinet of tulip poplar and ebony with a 6as7g power tube.I gifted one to @bcowen and he understands how the attempt is to let the tube characteristics shine, my purpose in building said amps.

I have my favorite 6sn7's but YMMV

Mine is WAY better than that one because of its Carolina Blue patina. But I'm still scratching my head wondering if the color was @Paladin79 's original intention or whether it just turned out that way on its own.

 

[Paladin79]

Mine is WAY better than that one because of its Carolina Blue patina. But I'm still scratching my head wondering if the color was @Paladin79 's original intention or whether it just turned out that way on its own.

Just dumb luck, I was hoping for Duke colors but it just didn't work out. I am including Foton's and RCA 6AS7G's as the base tubes, they do a decent job together.

 

[bcowen]

Just dumb luck, I was hoping for Duke colors but it just didn't work out. I am including Foton's and RCA 6AS7G's as the base tubes, they do a decent job together.

At least it didn't turn out some ugly red color like some particular midwest schools.

 

[Paladin79]

At least it didn't turn out some ugly red color like some particular midwest schools.

With comments like that, you best hope your amp never breaks.

 

[bcowen]

With comments like that, you best hope your amp never breaks.

I would expect it's so well engineered that the only failure I'll ever experience will be a worn out tube.

 

[Ripper2860]

BTW -. Tom engineered a light bending method that refracts light to make it look like Carolina Blue but it is actually Deacon Blue. The only way you can really tell is in complete and total darkness. Try it sometime.

 

[Paladin79]

I would expect it's so well engineered that the only failure I'll ever experience will be a worn out tube.

If it does break, I need to start practicing the phrase "It sucks to be you Bill".

 

[Ripper2860]

That's Bill's life every day. The phrase you need to rehearse is "It sucks even more to be you today, Bill".

 

[bcowen]

That's Bill's life every day. The phrase you need to rehearse is "It sucks even more to be you today, Bill".

You guys are polluting this thread with worthless drivel. Yes, there *is* value in consistency, but perhaps there are exceptions.

 

[Ripper2860]

Ooops. I just realized that this is one of the most sacred threads at HF, IMHO. I will refrain and take it to PM to continue with my further harassment.