2. amps-preamps
  3. 156551-143982

Most Musical 6NS7 tube for a Preamp?

A request for recommendations by those with experience with different 6SN7 tubes.

My system so far is a Pass Labs XA25 SS Amp, and a circa 1988 Tannoy FSMs.
The speakers operate at 4 ohms with a 94 sensitivity.

The room size is medium. Acoustically well treated.

I listen at lower volumes 60-75db. Vocals mostly.

I am looking for the most musical preamp, with a remote.

Budget is $3k. Used preferred. Better value.

Not considering anything from Schiit Audio.

Considering- Supratek Chardonnay.

Any other suggestions?

Tube Ideas?

Thank you!
chorus
dentdog's avatar
dentdog
498 posts
 
Recently purchased a Supratek Chardonnay and told Mick just put in the best of everything, about $3500. KenRads, Psvane, GE, Sylvanias, Bad Boys and Chrome Domes, Shuguang, and a couple of others. Psvane CV181 TII won the day. Best bass combined with balanced musically. How do I know? I now need a rumble filter. Best bass I've ever had. 
And BTW, I absolutely love the preamp, it replaced a much more expensive unit.
tuberist
951 posts
 
KenRad VT231 black glass....Sylvania 6SN7W....my two all time favorites
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,816 posts
 
Yeah @atmasphere, for pre-amp applications, Roger had a hard-on for the 6DJ8 (used in his RM-5 and the Audible Illusions Modulus 2 & 3). He was a man of "firm" opinions. ;-)
sandthemall
544 posts
 
Well, the Don Sachs Model 2 has evolved quite a bit from only a year ago. It has better caps, a full wave rectifier (you can hear the difference...as it ships with a half wave rectifier too), sealed input relays, better tubes, new housing/casing. And you can have it made-to-order...to match the input impedance of whatever amp you’re feeding. 
chorus OP
976 posts
 
I sold my AI L3.
I want a preamp that makes everything sound better not just be invisible.
Is this unreasonable? 

From what I am hearing its down to three choices:

-New Supratek Chardonnay $2-$2,500
-New or used deHavilland Ultra $2,500 + or -.
-Used Audio Note M2 $2,500 or so.

Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences
with the gear I need to decide on.


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