The Reference 6SN7 Thread

[Promee]

Thanks! Yes, it was originally my interest in Apos Ray Reserve tubes that led me to buy the Psvane CV181-T MkII tubes that I am running now because so many people said that they are basically the same tube except Apos’ are just hand-picked top grade pieces. We’ll see how the LinLai E-6SN7 compare when I get them in. The only other tube I’m interested in is the ShuGuang WE6SN7 Plus, but there’s just so little first-hand experience from anyone able to compare those directly to either the Psvanes or the LinLais.

-Ed

I really like the WE6SN7, but I haven’t gotten to try the plus. I would assume it is in the same neighborhood as the Psvane, as the non-plus version is pretty similar… good luck on your quest! I look forward to your impressions of these!

 

[Edward Ng]

Searched the thread but found nothing--has anyone tried the LinLai Sapphire 6SN7 tubes?

-Ed

 

[JackarlTwo]

When removing an older RCA VT-231 today the plastic guide pin broke off in the socket. I got it out but upon checking the center pin is slightly bent. I can provide pictures if needed. The tube still sounds good. I guess it's just a case of old plastic, I can still see where the tube is supposed to go but it shouldn't affect SQ or the quality of the tube?

 

[SuperRoo]

These may help.
https://www.vivatubes.com/6-pieces-...r-missing-broken-guide-key-fix-repair-keyway/

 

[JackarlTwo]

Thank you. But there isn't any danger of running a tube without the guide pin I assume? (Other than inserting it the wrong way).

 

[Edward Ng]

Thank you. But there isn't any danger of running a tube without the guide pin I assume? (Other than inserting it the wrong way).

Should be just fine.

-Ed

 

[AnyDave]

Thank you. But there isn't any danger of running a tube without the guide pin I assume? (Other than inserting it the wrong way

As long as it's just the plastic and not the glass, the only risk is plugging it in the wrong way.

If you have a 3D printer (or a friend with them), there are octal tube saver files online you can download.

 

[JackarlTwo]

The tube works just as fine as before. It sucks damaging these old tubes in any way! I try to be as careful as I can but then some piece of plastic breaks

 

[JackarlTwo]

This is the bent "central" pin I'm worried about, but I've tried the tube for hours and no issues. The base itself and tube is super rigid.

 

[turbofeet]

These may help.
https://www.vivatubes.com/6-pieces-...r-missing-broken-guide-key-fix-repair-keyway/

Impeccable timing thank you.

I bought these last week and I was a little concerned about the missing plastic guide.

I purchased some Woo 8-pin socket savers. My thought was the tubes could remain permanently placed within those.

I have now ordered a set of these as well.

Much appreciated.

 

[K3cT]

I just got a good deal on the Melz 6N8S, let’s see if it can dethrone the Sylvania as my favourite all-rounder.

 

[Edward Ng]

My set of quad matched Linlai E-6SN7 tubes finally arrived today and I rolled them in. Just beginning burn-in and I am already preferring them over the set of quad matched Psvane CV181-T MkII tubes that were there for the past couple of months. Although they’re brand new, I am, first and foremost, finding vocals to be more lifelike, more natural, with the E-6SN7s than with the CV181-T MkIIs. There also seems to be more punch in the upper bass. Based on how these sound right now, and assuming they get better as they burn in, and not worse, I will be keeping these Linlais. Whether or not I sell the Psvanes, I’m not sure yet.

-Ed

 

[OptionTrader]

My set of quad matched Linlai E-6SN7 tubes finally arrived today and I rolled them in. Just beginning burn-in and I am already preferring them over the set of quad matched Psvane CV181-T MkII tubes that were there for the past couple of months. Although they’re brand new, I am, first and foremost, finding vocals to be more lifelike, more natural, with the E-6SN7s than with the CV181-T MkIIs. There also seems to be more punch in the upper bass. Based on how these sound right now, and assuming they get better as they burn in, and not worse, I will be keeping these Linlais. Whether or not I sell the Psvanes, I’m not sure yet.





-Ed

These look really good. Where did you buy them?

 

[Edward Ng]

These look really good. Where did you buy them?

While I ordered my Psvanes from Viva Tubes, for the Linlais, I decided to chance it and buy from a seller on Ali Express. This is the specific seller:
FEIYUE Electronic Tube Stock Supply Store
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOdcbhy

I felt that over 100 previous buyers with a pretty high overall satisfaction rating would be a safe bet and these tubes sound great, so I give them my personal approval as well. There are some very sketchy sellers on Ali Express, so I don’t just buy from the cheapest one I find. These even came in the red gift boxes, not just loose white cartons.

-Ed

 

[OptionTrader]

While I ordered my Psvanes from Viva Tubes, for the Linlais, I decided to chance it and buy from a seller on Ali Express. This is the specific seller:
FEIYUE Electronic Tube Stock Supply Store
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOdcbhy

I felt that over 100 previous buyers with a pretty high overall satisfaction rating would be a safe bet and these tubes sound great, so I give them my personal approval as well. There are some very sketchy sellers on Ali Express, so I don’t just buy from the cheapest one I find. These even came in the red gift boxes, not just loose white cartons.

-Ed

Thanks! Much appreciated.

I've been looking for some higher-end tubes to roll through on my Lyr+.