Schiit Saga which tubes to order?

My Schiit Freya is a great sounding thing. I now have a pile of NOS and other 6SN7GTBs, and am currently using NOS RCAs in the "first" input position and NOS Sylvania "Chrome Domes" as drivers...works for me.

Thanks lowrider57.It ads a touch of warmth. It will be interesting to note if it sounds different in a couple of days.

That's great news!!  How do the stock tubes sound in your system?

I have a pair of the early Russian tubes from Upscale; a good price for some very decent tubes. Kevin's description is spot on; an "airy" top-end and very revealing.
   If you want to add some warmth, try some early RCA 6SN7GT's or GTB's. They have that classic tube sound with wide soundstaging and great dynamics. Very organic.

My Schiit Saga came in the mail today and after several hours of listening, I am extremely pleased. I had been using My NAD C326bee’s preamp section with my Nuforce sta200.
What a difference! It sounded like a vale had been lifted from my Zu Omen’s. There wasn’t a huge difference between the passive and active preamp, but I plan to buy the Early Russian 6H8C from Upscale audio in my search for a tad more warmth. What a great little preamp for $350.00. My next step is to upgrade my Peachtree Dac-itI and some interconnects. I appreciate and welcome all  comments! Thanks again!

I think the "real" Amperex tubes do have some sort of magic.  However, it is going to be hard to find a real Amperex and there are many different types and releases of the Amperex 6sn7 tube.   If you can find a real Holland made one (or even a USA one).  Alternatively, I would go after the PSVANE CV-181 as the most magical sounding and highest resolution currently manufactured tube.  Definitely as expensive as some of the Amperex, but you know you're getting a good tube.

Low rider I appreciate it. I’m a newbie and am getting an education.

The Yggdrasil is worth the extra money imo 

Gungnir multibit.  Again terrific bang for the buck.

All my Schiit is for a 2nd system I recently sent up in the bedroom.  Running everything balanced with an Atmas-phere amp.  I was trying to hold out for a good used Atmas-phere pre, which don't come up too often, but really don't think I'm giving up too much with the Freya.

Sorry for the confusion about pricing. It's just that I'm passionate about good tubes and don't want to see anybody get ripped off. 😄

Which DAC did you buy?
Lowrider57 thanks for the tube guide.

Enjoying it very much.  It's a great little preamp.  It was my first experience with the Schiit brand.  I've since bought one of their DAC's and I'm considering one of their headphone amps.Talk about bang for the buck products.  Kind of makes you wonder what you've been paying 5 to 10 times more for all these years.  Plus how often can you exclaim you've got a pile of Schiit sitting on your shelf :-)

Marco1 thanks for your response. Since you have a Schiit Freya you understand the question I was asking. I don't think I did a very good job of articulating what I was wanting to know. I think I'll order the stock tube. Then I'll order the Early Russian from Upscale. Have you enjoyed the Freya?

And Lowrider $349 is the price of the amp with a stock tube.  Remember we're talking Schiit here.

Just to clarify the Schiit Tungsol are Russian not NOS.

When I bought my Freya I just ordered the stock tubes and then went looking for something else that could help improve the sound at a reasonable price.  Let's face it you probably don't want to spend more for the tubes than what the preamp cost.  You definitely do not want the LISST if you want the sound of tubes. I had already tried the Early Russians in an Atmosphere amp that I have and found them to be a very good bang for the buck tube.  Better than the Tungsol which I have also tried.  I'm sure the Tungsol tubes Schiit sells are matched and a good value, but IMO they're probably no better than what you can find elsewhere (Upscale Audio for example), and again the Early Russions are much better for only $5 more.

I have no experience with the tube lowrider speaks of but but kinda doubt that's what Schiit is selling.

I suspect that some of these "NOS" 6SN7's (and others) may be used "pulls" in old boxes!

It's very common to have nearly new tubes sold as NOS. Test measurements should be included with all tubes.
  Also, a TS 6SN7GT or GTB from the 1950s or 60s should be very affordable.

Here is an accurate guide for NOS tubes...
http://www.audiotubes.com/6sn7.htm

I bought a used quad set of RCA 6L6GC black plates for use in my Fender Twin. $75 per tube ($300 total). I consider this a good and fair deal. The US - made Black Plates are the ne plus ultra's of the 6L6's (for tone and longevity!).

I suspect that some of these "NOS" 6SN7's (and others) may be used "pulls" in old boxes! Nothing wrong with used tubes that still have high cathode emission (70% +). They should be advertised as such and sold at a reasonable price! Certainly not for hundreds of dollars!

Marco may be offering the best advice, early Russians have good sonics.
But if it was me, i would inquire which type of Tung-Sol they are offering. It should be an Oval-plate for a price that high. I have one from WWII era in my preamp and paid about $380. Outstanding tube.
A new production TS is inexpensive and isn't in the same league as NOS.

I appreciate the feedback. I’m trying to determine wether to buy the upgraded tube packages with my Saga; or just buy the stock tube that is included from Schiit for $349.00

Try the "Early Russian" from Upscale.  Only 5 bucks more than Tung-Sol.  That's what I'm using in my Freya.  Provides a very nice improvement over the stock tube and the Tung-Sol.

With regard to Amperex Bugle Boys, they are one of the most counterfeited tubes. They’re found on Ebay.

I'm not saying yours were fakes, but don't trust Ebay.

First question; who is selling these tubes and quoting the prices? Only buy from reputable dealers.

So, I assume you are looking to buy NOS tubes rather than new production. There are so many brands and variations. There are different variants of Tung-Sol, you need to know which version you are buying. One TS oval plate will cost over $300, it's a rare tube from the 1940s and one of the greatest tubes of all time. There are also NOS TS tubes for $50 each.

http://www.schiit.com/about/news/octal-lisst-new-tube-options
Why buy a LISST tube? Then your preamp would be all solid state.

I should clarify.. a Russian 6N8S (NOS) is the stock tube for $349.00. The Tung-Sol 6SN7 is available at $374.00 and both the Tung-Sol 6SN7 and the LISST is available for $414.00.

In my Line Magnetic 508, Amperex(Bugle Boy) blew up Tungsol( American made NOS) with more refined sound all around.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PAIR-OF-6SN7GTB-AMPEREX-TUBES-NEW-6SN7-NOS-NIB-Vacuum-Tubes-Bugle-Boy/26392...