alvin sawdust
1000+ Head-Fier
Thank you, much appreciate your input, and my wallet thanks you too!
The Reference 6SN7 Thread
- Thread starter adhoc
- Start date
The clear glass brown base predate the black glass. Used to live in Stockport, then Burnage and finally in Levenshulme!Thank you, much appreciate your input, and my wallet thanks you too!
LobalWarming
Headphoneus Supremus
Clear glass CV1988s sound better than dark glass versions, to my old ears.
And as we know from our elder head-fi tube-o-philes, older is better!
alvin sawdust
1000+ Head-Fier
I'm in Bredbury. Stockport's the new Berlin don't ya know!
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Can the quality of the text on the tube be an indication of an actual NOS tube vs a used tube, for example, see these two listings, one has perfect text the other looks burned off/faded:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2671277253...jhX820tLfISxfEix49Ot8FiA==|tkp:Bk9SR8jwoqiRZQ
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3141864718...R+/oR4uJsfH5XfI1uhGvs0XbE=|tkp:Bk9SR9TwoqiRZQ
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2671277253...jhX820tLfISxfEix49Ot8FiA==|tkp:Bk9SR8jwoqiRZQ
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3141864718...R+/oR4uJsfH5XfI1uhGvs0XbE=|tkp:Bk9SR9TwoqiRZQ
WildPhydeaux
Head-Fier
I mean, there are so many variables with respect to printing. Location (on glass vs base), base composition, different inks from different manufacturers and how well they stick or break down over time, temp and humidity the tubes were stored at... you get the picture. Hopefully someone with experience with Brimar of that era can advise, that would be best. It's also likely that a seller of true NOS found them cruddy looking inside the box and gave it a light cleaning so they look more presentable. Did they wipe lightly over the printing with a water or alcohol dampened cloth hoping to brighten them, only to have the white paint pick up a tint? In general the printing on the glass tends to be fragile and even with true NOS, never out of the box, removing them from the box can produce enough friction to damage the paint. Too many factors I would say, and only one data point in determining true NOS vs testing like NOS.
Incidentally, while not an endorsement per se, I have purchased a pair of tubes from BULLzTUBEz in the past which were advertised as true NOS. After examining closely and testing them I am inclined to believe they were as advertised.
Cheers,
Robert
Incidentally, while not an endorsement per se, I have purchased a pair of tubes from BULLzTUBEz in the past which were advertised as true NOS. After examining closely and testing them I am inclined to believe they were as advertised.
Cheers,
Robert
leftside
Headphoneus Supremus
Not really. Only by looking at the internals and having the tube tested.
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BigBleusFan13
New Head-Fier
I have tried searching through this thread for a good answer - and maybe I just missed it - but I’m looking for a 6SN7 Tube that offers decent performance and wondering what the options might be for a price point between $50-$100 per Tube. Are there any worth looking at under $50? Lots of the options that I see on Tube Depot are $100+.
Suggestions or Feedback of Experiences with Tubes on the more budget end of the range would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Suggestions or Feedback of Experiences with Tubes on the more budget end of the range would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Yes, definitely- here is one - Sylvania 6SN7GT with parallel T-Plates (not the angled plates). You can usually find them for decent prices like the one linked below - one of my favorites in the 6SN7 lineup.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/375938093161
WildPhydeaux
Head-Fier
And not to be a contrarian, but I personally think the Sylvania 6SN7GT with angled T-plates is every bit as good as the parallel T-plates. I've got numerous of both and honestly am not sure I note any difference. If I were looking to keep a lid on the budget I would jump on the angled plates.
Cheers,
Robert
Cheers,
Robert
Isaacc7
Headphoneus Supremus
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I prefer the parallel plates but either version is a quality tube. Except the blue labeled Philips ones. Those are notorious for being pretty bad. You can also get good deals on the 6sn7gtb versions from the different manufacturers. Both RCA and Sylvania made good ones.
LobalWarming
Headphoneus Supremus
All great suggestions above.
An underrated 6SN7 is the CBS/Hytron - within your budget such as: https://www.ebay.com/itm/116444095525
CBS/Hytron 6SN7WGTA is another option.
Great sounding, great value, imo, is the Sylvi 6SN7WGTA: https://www.ebay.com/itm/305911759244
And Sylvi VT-231s are another great tube and great value if you shop around the bay....
Oh... and the Raytheons: https://www.ebay.com/itm/375643344982
And Tungsol staggered plate 6SN7: https://www.ebay.com/itm/176550266874
The thing about 6SN7s is that millions and millions were made. Not suggesting you must collect them all, but a few hundred is a good start, eh, @WildPhydeaux
Designsfx
500+ Head-Fier
Raytheon 6SN7’s are great and still able to be found at somewhat reasonable prices. I purchased these last year and they’re one of my favorites!
rawheadjim
Head-Fier
I'm still pretty new to tubes and this thread has been immensely helpful to me. Finding a good seller on eBay can be a little tricky early on. I've had excellent luck with this seller,
BULLzTUBEz
I always buy matched pairs from him. The brown base Raytheon's are a little more expensive but are the best sounding ones for my system that I've been able to afford.
BULLzTUBEz
I always buy matched pairs from him. The brown base Raytheon's are a little more expensive but are the best sounding ones for my system that I've been able to afford.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2670798728...JA8XMS&hash=item3e2f337170:g:4XwAAOSwtbtnSJsa
Seems like bullztubes has reached new lows. Useally he sells used tubes and measures them as "NOS". You can visually see that these tubes have been removed from equipment. They are full of blemishes or patina.
This time he even added a fake packaging to his used pair of tubes. There is a reason why he doesnt show the designation at the top of these boxes. The boxes look fantastically stored for 70 year old cardboard boxes. Chapeu.
This is how original Sylvania boxes would look like.
These days I see more and more eBay sellers with fake boxes.
Seems like bullztubes has reached new lows. Useally he sells used tubes and measures them as "NOS". You can visually see that these tubes have been removed from equipment. They are full of blemishes or patina.
This time he even added a fake packaging to his used pair of tubes. There is a reason why he doesnt show the designation at the top of these boxes. The boxes look fantastically stored for 70 year old cardboard boxes. Chapeu.
This is how original Sylvania boxes would look like.
These days I see more and more eBay sellers with fake boxes.
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