The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[attmci]

I've found the Raytheon VT-231 to be a very mid forward tube. Also the Brimar 6SN7GT to be in this side of the spectrum as well.

How about a GE 6sn7?

 

[attmci]

Today I am modifying an OTL amp for a gentleman from Chicago. This is a prototype and while most of the measurements were decent it sounded pretty lifeless when I got it. I will not go into circuitry changes but he was wanting more bass. So after my adjustments I put in a 52 Foton and various power tubes. The gain of the 5998 helped drastically, and one power tube I own really beefed up the bass and mids.

Hi, Tom, Does the tubes you switched cost more than the amp? LOL.

 

[Slade01]

How about a GE 6sn7?

For disclosure, I have never been a fan of the GE 6SN7 (side getters). That being said, I tried (these tubes) very early on when I first received a tube amp, and I did not know much about pairing them or synergy with power tubes. I would say from what I remember, the GE 6SN7 was also a mid-forward tube good treble, but it did get fatiguing. The bass for me was alot bloated, uncontrolled, really a mess in that end - my biggest point of contention with this tube. But that's just my own experience and 2 cents. Maybe with a much better amp, or better pairing/synergy, it shines in other situations. Just didn't with me in this case.

 

[Paladin79]

Hi, Tom, Does the tubes you switched cost more than the amp? LOL.

Let's just say it is a more valuable amp because of the changes I made and parts I added. I did end up sending a Foton and a GE 5998A with the amp to help as well but that was only $75 in tubes. The capacitors I swapped were more than that.

 

[jonathan c]

Perhaps not less expensive, but head-fi'er @Deyan does a nice job making adapters as well and he is great to deal with.

I will certainly attest to @Deyan ’s craftsmanship

 

[attmci]

Let's just say it is a more valuable amp because of the changes I made and parts I added. I did end up sending a Foton and a GE 5998A with the amp to help as well but that was only $75 in tubes. The capacitors I swapped were more than that.

The only mod I had done on a crack is a pair of film capacitors (Mundorf).


I thought you donate your 5998 to the customer.

 

[Paladin79]

The only mod I had done on a crack is a pair of film capacitors (Mundorf).


I thought you donate your 5998 to the customer.

I included a GE 5998A to help a customer but I can get more, and I know if there are issues when I buy them, resoldering the pins fixed two more in my possession.

As far as Crack mods I kept the original power transformer, and IEC socket. On my own Crack I used Dual Alps black widow pots, a copper top plate, a quartered oak cabinet, VU meters, a different 1/4 inch Jack etc. I did keep the BH badge.

I have front and back copper plates and added a pre-amp out circuit. No Jack’s or pot on the top plate.

 

[HTSkywalker]

I have found Sylvania 6SN7 or VT-231 to be very musical, mid forward with sweet treble, whilst a bit less bass quantity than RCA, Ken Rad...

I have it the same and it’s a good all round performer

 

[attmci]

I have it the same and it’s a good all round performer

That sounds like a Syl 6SN7A to me.

 

[Paladin79]

I am running a 1961 Melz 1578 in one of my amps, best tube I have heard for ages. No flaws across the audio spectrum, great separation, no background noise. My favorite had been a 1958 Melz with solid plates but all the same features of a 1578 otherwise. This tube ranks with that one and so close in sound I doubt it will change anything in a tube challenge I am involved with. Only tubes of vastly different construction are allowed within the same brand.

 

[HTSkywalker]

I am running a 1961 Melz 1578 in one of my amps, best tube I have heard for ages. No flaws across the audio spectrum, great separation, no background noise. My favorite had been a 1958 Melz with solid plates but all the same features of a 1578 otherwise. This tube ranks with that one and so close in sound I doubt it will change anything in a tube challenge I am involved with. Only tubes of vastly different construction are allowed within the same brand.

So if you have to settle for 1 and only 1 6SN7 that would be it ? Along with a TS 5998 for power (where applicable) ?

 

[HTSkywalker]

So if you have to settle for 1 and only 1 6SN7 that would be it ? Along with a TS 5998 for power (where applicable) ?

Loud and clear, I rest my case

 

[Paladin79]

So if you have to settle for 1 and only 1 6SN7 that would be it ? Along with a TS 5998 for power (where applicable) ?

This would be it, the 56 and 58 solid plates I own are identical IMHO. I have had seven friends grade the 1958 for our tube challenge and nothing beats it so far, no other tube or combination of single triode tubes or other equivalents come close. I will get this tube graded as well but in A/B tests in identical amps I cannot hear any difference. As far as power tubes, if you pair one of these with a TS 5998 or a Chatham bottom getter 6AS7G the outcome is as good as it gets for me.

 

[bcowen]

This would be it, the 56 and 58 solid plates I own are identical IMHO. I have had seven friends grade the 1958 for our tube challenge and nothing beats it so far, no other tube or combination of single triode tubes or other equivalents come close. I will get this tube graded as well but in A/B tests in identical amps I cannot hear any difference. As far as power tubes, if you pair one of these with a TS 5998 or a Chatham bottom getter 6AS7G the outcome is as good as it gets for me.

To @HTSkywalker : the chances of finding one of these particular Melz tubes is between none and zero. @Paladin79 already has Russian mafia friends (with baseball bats in hand) pillaging and pilfering though every domicile in the entire country looking for the last ones in existence. I think he even has insiders rummaging through Putin's personal stash after bribing coaxing some top brass at the Kremlin. So in other words, just give up.

 

[Ripper2860]

Yeah -- he adheres to the 'Cowen Method' -- reveal that you've found a great tube, but never reveal your sources for that great tube! **


** New month. New jab allotment.