The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[leftside]

As with many Chinese tubes the Linlai 6SN7 comes as several variants at different price points. Does anybody know if there is any real difference between the lower priced and higher priced tubes of the same designation?
Some of the tubes are for wholesale distribution (although available from Chinese vendors) and others for individual sale, with a large spread in price.
Historically this is a new development. I’m the past you could find more rugged or longer life variants of the same tube, (and sometimes tubes with tighter tolerances and less microphonics) but not fancier packaging, print, or color schemes or different shapes (globes vs ST etc).

Mullard were pretty bad for this in the 60’s with their 10M series of tubes. Same construction as the rest of their 60’s tubes but with an added fancy box.

 

[mordy]

Mullard were pretty bad for this in the 60’s with their 10M series of tubes. Same construction as the rest of their 60’s tubes but with an added fancy box.

I was under the impression that the Mullard 10M series tubes were extended life 10,000 hour tubes.

 

[Somatic]

Selling these for cheap ... any takers?

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/deyan-6f8g-6sn7-adapter.40557/

 

[ajm87]

if anyone is interested in trying out somthing different i just got one of these and it sounds pretty nice especially for the price.
https://www.vivatubes.com/nos-6n8s-6h8c-6sn7gt-soviet-russia-2-hole-plate-vacuum-tube/

 

[g0ldl10n]

if anyone is interested in trying out somthing different i just got one of these and it sounds pretty nice especially for the price.
https://www.vivatubes.com/nos-6n8s-6h8c-6sn7gt-soviet-russia-2-hole-plate-vacuum-tube/

I have some of these - I also think they sound decent, specially considering the price.

 

[ajm87]

I find It pairs really nicely with the DT880 600ohm

 

[mordy]

if anyone is interested in trying out somthing different i just got one of these and it sounds pretty nice especially for the price.
https://www.vivatubes.com/nos-6n8s-6h8c-6sn7gt-soviet-russia-2-hole-plate-vacuum-tube/

Used to buy the later made 6H8S tubes for $2 way back then. There is a Foton 6H8C with ladder plates from 1950-55 that sounds very good but since people discovered it the prices went up.

 

[ajm87]

Used to buy the later made 6H8S tubes for $2 way back then. There is a Foton 6H8C with ladder plates from 1950-55 that sounds very good but since people discovered it the prices went up.

These from Viva seem to be Novosibirsk as they have the Pentagon logo

 

[Mr Trev]

I like how Vivatubes is offering bulk discount rates now. Maybe I will buy 500 or above…

 

[bcowen]

Used to buy the later made 6H8S tubes for $2 way back then. There is a Foton 6H8C with ladder plates from 1950-55 that sounds very good but since people discovered it the prices went up.

Scumbags. I hate those people.

 

[jonathan c]

Scumbags. I hate those people.

Why?….you already stockpiled 1950-55 Fotons …. …. (Fotons) …. 401(k) ….

 

[jonathan c]

I like how Vivatubes is offering bulk discount rates now. Maybe I will buy 500 or above…

…. remember that Vivatubes prices are USD …. 1.3429 CAD per USD …. ….

 

[sam6550a]

I like how Vivatubes is offering bulk discount rates now. Maybe I will buy 500 or above…

If you buy in quantity, Viva gets them from @bcowen .

 

[TheAbyss2022]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I present you with the Sylvania 6SN7GT VT231 3 Hole "Bad Boy".

I paid out the ass for this one but hopefully it will be worth it because I adore the Sylvania 6SN7GTB.

 

[TheAbyss2022]

Comparisons between Sylvania 6SN7GT "Bad Boy" & Sylvania 6SN7GTB.

I will refer to both as just Bad Boy & GTB going forward.

Used HD800S, LCD 4,Topping D90 & Schiit Lyr +

Overview:

The Bad Boy definitely has more detail in the midrange and instruments just "pop" more than the GTB. The imaging and soundstage also sound a bit better and more open and is especially more noticeable on the 800S. They have now has notes extending to the outer reaches on the 800S. The GTB was a terrible match with the 800S as it sort of sounded a bit muddy and not as clear or as precise as my Topping A90D. The Bad Boy is more relaxed in the treble region and more dark which is now a perfect match with the 800S. You get crystal clear mid range and no notes are missed or smoothed over and you get a vast and ever extending soundstage unlike the Topping A90D. The timbre of instruments is spot on with the Bad Boy with 800S now and no longer muddy sounding and its been a great joy to go back to this headphone as I have only used it for mostly gaming these days. Lastly because I get fatigue from higher frequencies with the 800S, the Bad Boy now has put that peaky ness down and is a vastly better experience.

The LCD 4 also benefits with the Bad Boy as the bass hits harder with better imaging and detail. The weak point is the treble region as vocals don't have the same amount of body in the higher frequencies which makes you sort of miss the clarity with the GTB however, this is the only win with the GTB.

Bass:

More control and impact on the Bad Boy. Bad Boy - 9.5/10 GTB - 8/10

Detail:

Better detail in the background and more instrument separation on the Bad Boy. Bad Boy - 9.5/10 GTB 8.5/10

Vocals:

More body and clarity to the vocals in the GTB. Bad Boy 8.5/10 GTB 9.5/10

Treble:

Better treble extension and sparkle up top for the GTB however headphones like the 800S will much better benefit the Bad Boy. For treble on 800S the Bad Boy is 9.5/10. GTB 8/10. On the LCD 4 the Bad Boy is 8/10 and GTB 9.5/10

Soundstage & Imaging:

Ultimate soundstage for both 800S & LCD 4 with the Bad Boy and the imaging feels more precise especially in the stereo imaging. Bad Boy 10/10 GTB 9/10

Overall:

I just wish the Bad Boy had kept that vocal clarity and it would have been the perfect tube. Alas, the advantages with the Bad Boy in mostly every other department will mean it will be my main for now. The 800S has been given a fresh lick of paint and you get better detail in the midrange and better bass impact and control. If you are a treble head the Bad Boy isn't your tube.