Vali 2 tube rolling
Nov 19, 2021 at 12:00 PM Post #5,810 of 6,436
Hey everyone, I'm planning on ordering the Vali 2+ soon for my 6XXs, and I was hoping I could get some help picking out a tube or two to try. I'll probably also be getting the Modi Multibit in the next couple months. I'm looking for a tube that will widen the soundstage a bit, give more of a "tubey" sound with good detail and timbre, be somewhat relaxed and pleasant (I just don't want anything fatiguing), and not be extremely hot. Assuming all those boxes get ticked then having a nice glow would also be a plus. I've looked on Upscale Audio, Tube Depot, Viva Tubes, TC Tubes, and Brent Jessee's site, and I've put together this list:

EH 6922 - $19
EH 6CG7 - $24
Voskhod Rocket 6N1P-EV - $14
Voskhod Rocket 6N23P - $22
Reflector 6N23P-EV - $37
RCA Cleartop 6CG7, side mounted getter - $20
Western Electric 396A - $60 (+$10 adapter)
Siemens 6DJ8 - $45
Amperex Bugleboy 6DJ8 - $49

Obviously I don't expect anyone to have heard all of these, but any guidance would be helpful. Is the WE 396A thought of by most as being by far the best among these? I'm not opposed to spending the money if it will really be a noticeable difference. The EH tubes seem pretty hit or miss based on all the posts I've read. The 6N1P-EV seems like it'll get pretty hot and I've seen a few people say it's a bit on the aggressive-sounding side. Also is the Reflector worth the extra money over the non-EV Voskhod 6N23? Any help is really appreciated.
I would get the Modi Multibit sooner rather than later:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sch...bable-start-up.701900/page-4414#post-15942607
I purchased an adapter to use 6SN7 tubes (@Deyan makes excellent adapters for cheap). I like most of the 6SN7 tubes I have (only have a few) more than the 6922's. In general, I think the soundstage is wider
 
Nov 19, 2021 at 6:26 PM Post #5,811 of 6,436
I would get the Modi Multibit sooner rather than later:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sch...bable-start-up.701900/page-4414#post-15942607
I purchased an adapter to use 6SN7 tubes (@Deyan makes excellent adapters for cheap). I like most of the 6SN7 tubes I have (only have a few) more than the 6922's. In general, I think the soundstage is wider
Thanks! That post about Modi Multibit being on its last run was over a year ago. Are they still working through selling those units or has something changed since then? I'll try to get mine ASAP though.

Also may I ask what 6SN7 tubes you have? I'm wondering if a cheap 6SN7 like an Electro-Harmonix or JJ would be better than some of the more expensive 6922s.
 
Nov 20, 2021 at 1:15 PM Post #5,814 of 6,436
Hi this may be stupid I have tried 6 different tubes and I've enjoyed 5 of them. But the best looking glow has got to be the stock. Anyone recommend a tube that looking pretty?
A LED lightbulb? There must be adapters...
 
Nov 20, 2021 at 4:17 PM Post #5,816 of 6,436
Tried that already.... doesn't have the same warmth. It's more of a cold light.
LOL! Yeah, LED's just don't do it. What you need is this: :laughing:


1637443012992.png
 
Nov 22, 2021 at 1:04 PM Post #5,817 of 6,436
Thanks! That post about Modi Multibit being on its last run was over a year ago. Are they still working through selling those units or has something changed since then? I'll try to get mine ASAP though.

Also may I ask what 6SN7 tubes you have? I'm wondering if a cheap 6SN7 like an Electro-Harmonix or JJ would be better than some of the more expensive 6922s.
I have not heard or read anything about the Modi Multibit since that post by Jason. Are they on the last run now? Don't know, but you never know.

My favorite 6SN7 is the Psvane UK-6SN7. It's just maple syrup to my ears. The good Vermont kind. I have the JJ too, and that is decent. The other tube I had was an RCA, but I never knew which one. A vendor I purchased some other tubes from threw it in with some 6922 tubes I purchased from him. One of my cats pulled on the power cord and broke the tube when it tilted over. But like I said, in general, with the 6SN7 tubes I am getting a better soundstage than the 6922 tubes...slight but noticeable.
 
Nov 22, 2021 at 1:08 PM Post #5,818 of 6,436
I have not heard or read anything about the Modi Multibit since that post by Jason. Are they on the last run now? Don't know, but you never know.

My favorite 6SN7 is the Psvane UK-6SN7. It's just maple syrup to my ears. The good Vermont kind. I have the JJ too, and that is decent. The other tube I had was an RCA, but I never knew which one. A vendor I purchased some other tubes from threw it in with some 6922 tubes I purchased from him. One of my cats pulled on the power cord and broke the tube when it tilted over. But like I said, in general, with the 6SN7 tubes I am getting a better soundstage than the 6922 tubes...slight but noticeable.
If you want soundstage with 6SN7, go with RCA ‘red base’ 5692 or CBS/Hytron ‘brown base’ 5692.
 
Nov 22, 2021 at 7:29 PM Post #5,819 of 6,436
If you want soundstage with 6SN7, go with RCA ‘red base’ 5692 or CBS/Hytron ‘brown base’ 5692.
Agree.

Or a 7N7->6922 adapter and an early 50's tall bottle Sylvania. @Deyan made this adapter for me (one piece construction):


Vali and Frank.jpg
 
Nov 22, 2021 at 7:40 PM Post #5,820 of 6,436
Agree.

Or a 7N7->6922 adapter and an early 50's tall bottle Sylvania. @Deyan made this adapter for me (one piece construction):


Vali and Frank.jpg
Guaranteed to increase the height as well as width of soundstage…
 

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