The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[ShizzyGuo]

Hi all, I found this hallicrafters 6SN7 while thrifting over the weekend. Can't find much information about this online, anyone have any insights?

 

[g0ldl10n]

Hi all, I found this hallicrafters 6SN7 while thrifting over the weekend. Can't find much information about this online, anyone have any insights?

Pretty sure that is NU 6SN7GT

 

[reg66]

I have some Apos 6SN7 select tubes and agree with all he wrote.

Hmm, I've seen these before and kinda dismissed them. Are they really that good? Have you experience with many other 6SN7 to compare to?

Seems I've become a bit of a tube addict and these Apos tubes, the select and reserve, have got me clucking for a fix!

I've amassed a pretty decent collection of 6SN7, are the Select likely to any better than mine in your opinion? (see pic) Yes, I know some prefer the 6J5s et al over 6SN7, but I'm asking specifically about the 6SN7 only.

So, just a couple more questions. 1st one I doubt can be answered as no comparisons or reviews on the Reserve, yet;
1. Is it really worth the extra cost for the top 5% cherry picked Reserve over the much cheaper Select?
2. I have a fairly modest system, tube amp being a Lyr+ and possibly a Woo WA6 g1 soon (which would require 2 tubes with adapters). If the Reserve really are that much better, would my modest amp(s) be able to do them justice?

3. Would I even notice much difference if I went with the Select instead, and comparing them to my supply, given that my rig might not honor their full potential or be that noticeable?

Oh come on guys, just gimme a reason to spend more on credit lol! But seriously tho, it's it worth it...

Just one more thing, I'm after a warmer tubier sound at the moment. If that sheds any light...

Oh and no, I noticed no difference using those O rings/dampers. They are now spacers!

 

[JTbbb]

Pretty sure that is NU 6SN7GT

These are NU too. Or does the C make a difference?

 

[g0ldl10n]

These are NU too. Or does the C make a difference?

CNU was designated for National Union - here is a nice little resource for those manufacturer specific military codes.

 

[Jon L]

These are NU too. Or does the C make a difference?

It's not the "C" that makes the difference. It's the grey glass 6SN7 vs the black glass above. National Union Grey Glass 6SN7 is one of my all-time favorite 6SN7's, which I would take over Tung Sol roundplate, Sylvania bad boys. The black glass is a bit more neutral than grey but not as tonally supreme.

 

[JTbbb]

It's not the "C" that makes the difference. It's the grey glass 6SN7 vs the black glass above. National Union Grey Glass 6SN7 is one of my all-time favorite 6SN7's, which I would take over Tung Sol roundplate, Sylvania bad boys. The black glass is a bit more neutral than grey but not as tonally supreme.

Thanks for the clarification. I like these grey glass too.

 

[David A Silva]

These are NU too. Or does the C make a difference?

Cnu, ancestor to the Gnu ( ducking )

 

[Tom-s]

Hmm, I've seen these before and kinda dismissed them. Are they really that good? Have you experience with many other 6SN7 to compare to?

I think you have seen those Apos Ray "special" tubes in your very own tube collection .
As can be seen by the Apos tubes build (6SN7 and 12AU7) they seem to have the exact same internals as the other Psvane tubes from Psvane factory.
They are just sold at a premium price with a premium label on them. I'd expect a very similar soundsignature to the Psvane.

 

[reg66]

I think you have seen those Apos Ray "special" tubes in your very own tube collection .
As can be seen by the Apos tubes build (6SN7 and 12AU7) they seem to have the exact same internals as the other Psvane tubes from Psvane factory.
They are just sold at a premium price with a premium label on them. I'd expect a very similar soundsignature to the Psvane.

Brilliant, cheers fella! Hadn't even thought to consider comparing internals to my existing...

 

[Designsfx]

I think you have seen those Apos Ray "special" tubes in your very own tube collection .
As can be seen by the Apos tubes build (6SN7 and 12AU7) they seem to have the exact same internals as the other Psvane tubes from Psvane factory.
They are just sold at a premium price with a premium label on them. I'd expect a very similar soundsignature to the Psvane.

So Apos “is” PSVane?

 

[reg66]

Well crap the bed, they do look VERY similar...

 

[Isaacc7]

There are very few new tube manufacturers. Unless Western Electric comes through any “new” tube you see will be made either by one of the manufacturers in china or Russia.

 

[TLO]

PSVANE makes 8 types of 6SN7...yours is the UK series with black base while Apos is selling the relabeled ceramic base.

 

[mordy]

PSVANE makes 8 types of 6SN7...yours is the UK series with black base while Apos is selling the relabeled ceramic base.

The question is- are there any real differences between these tubes except for the packaging and prices?
Are the internals the same?