[Problem]

  Hi folks! Just joining this club, have acquired a WA6 with stock tubes. I plan to purchase upgrade tubes from Jack. I will be getting the Sophia rectifier. Now I'm trying to figure out which drive/power tubes to try. I'd rather not buy all of them, I'm kind of on a budget - or at least trying to be. Of the drive tubes Jack sells on the WA6 page - 6GL7/6EM7 ($160), 7N7 ($105), 6SN7GT ($160), 6DR7 ($40) - is there a consensus on which is best with low-impedance headphones (Denon D5000 is my primary)? I'm trying to read through this thread but it's 80+ pages of WA6 and WA6-SE info, a lot to sort through...

 
As Punit has mentioned, 6FD7 is your best bet especially pairing with the Sophia 274B.
 
However regarding 6SN7, they are alot of variations and models available and there's even a dedicated thread just specifically on 6SN7 tubes, I believe some members have listed in that thread their personal preference from the original RCA 6SN7 Grey Glass ala VT-231 to 6SN7 Mouse ears and many others.

 

[PaulyT]

Thanks! Does the 6FD7 require an adapter? Sorry, not a great tube expert.
 
Edit: looks like the answer is no, that it's a direct replacement for the stock 6DE7.

 

[PaulyT]

So, any clues on where to purchase a good matched set of 6FD7?

 
 
Edit: Ugh, sorry all, I should do more research before posting. I'm lazy. 

I see Jack sells them, there's a link on the WA6SE page.

 

[DaveUpton]

I bought mine from another seller,  vacuumtubes.net

 

[Snips]

  I bought mine from another seller,  vacuumtubes.net

 
Vacuumtubes was out of 6FD7 tubes when I checked last week. 

 

[Sko0byDoo]

   
Vacuumtubes was out of 6FD7 tubes when I checked last week. 

 Also try:
 
http://www.fourwater.com/master/masterlink.htm?
 
http://www.vacuumtubes.com/price4.html
 
I grabbed from eBay a few...not a sure shot, but 95% of the time.

 

[Snips]

   Also try:
 
http://www.fourwater.com/master/masterlink.htm?
 
http://www.vacuumtubes.com/price4.html
 
I grabbed from eBay a few...not a sure shot, but 95% of the time.

 
I'll check them out.
 
I saw quite a few on eBay a few days back as well, but I didn't get a chance to buy them 

 

[Khragon]

Anyone here have issue where their amp is turning the rectifier tube dark.. it like something burnt.  The SP rectifier I have isn't as clear as when I received it.

 

[redcat2]

They all do that with time, not an issue.

 

[Dubstep Girl]

Anyone here have issue where their amp is turning the rectifier tube dark.. it like something burnt.  The SP rectifier I have isn't as clear as when I received it.

Its normal, more noticeable on sophia and eml tubes

 

[Khragon]

  They all do that with time, not an issue.

Its normal, more noticeable on sophia and eml tubes

 
Thanks. good to know.  Got me scare a bit.

 

[dizzee]

hi, another new wa6 owner here. i have some hd650's and 325is', from what ive read the sophia princess 274b is what i should get. just not sure about whether i should swap out the driver tubes as well.

 

[oscar777]

  hi, another new wa6 owner here. i have some hd650's and 325is', from what ive read the sophia princess 274b is what i should get. just not sure about whether i should swap out the driver tubes as well.

I'd advise you to get familiar with the stock tubes first.. then read the comments/reviews from other members re the different tubes' sound signatures and see if there's anything that suits your preference/taste
 
6FD7 & 6EW7 are recommended by many members here..

 

[Xtri]

 My last pictures before I sold my WA6-SE with the custom orange diode.. ******* I already miss it.
 


 
 
 
And a little thanks to Dubstep Girl for helping me with the tubes Now it's time to move on.. To the V200 we go!

 

[bbophead]

   My last pictures before I sold my WA6-SE with the custom orange diode.. ******* I already miss it.
 


 
 
 
And a little thanks to Dubstep Girl for helping me with the tubes Now it's time to move on.. To the V200 we go!

Don't tell me about all the cool equipment I have sold that I wish I hadn't.  I ain't sellin my WA6, dammit.