If you tried the 6N16B-V in the AA and you didn't like them all I can say for sure is that it's not the tubes fault.
You cannot "drop" the 6N16B in a circuit designed for the 6021 and expect to work wonders just because they are both subminiature, the two tubes have very different curves.
Biased at ~7mA and with 100V anode-to-cathode the MELZ 6N16B-V is the best kept secret in tube audio and one the best sounding tubes EVER MADE comparable only with BENDIX or diamond TELEFUNKEN.
You cannot "drop" the 6N16B in a circuit designed for the 6021 and expect to work wonders just because they are both subminiature, the two tubes have very different curves.
Biased at ~7mA and with 100V anode-to-cathode the MELZ 6N16B-V is the best kept secret in tube audio and one the best sounding tubes EVER MADE comparable only with BENDIX or diamond TELEFUNKEN.