What made you change to a 6SN7 preamp?


If you made an intentional shift toward a 6SN7-based tube preamp, what sonic characteristics motivated your move?

I have been doing some comparisons and think I have some reasons I like the 6SN7 better, but there are so many factors which could be at play, that I'm not sure what is responsible. 

Rather than list my details for others to analyze, I'd rather hear your answer to the basic question.

Tell me about your path toward a 6SN7 preamp?

What did you change from and why?

Even if, overall, the change was worth it, did you lose anything in the transition? What?

128x128hilde45

my Cayin came with Cayin branded 6sn7 and 6sl7.

one burnt out, I tried a pricey pair of .... from Brent Jessee. Definitely changed the sound, I did not like them. Brent had me burn them in 60 hrs, then decide.

He let me exchange them for a different brand, half price, they sound terrific. I paid shipping, he refunded the difference in price.

IOW, research, ask, buy from someone like Brent Jessee who will let you exchange them till you get the magic.

Great replies! Keep them coming. I've had great experiences with Brent Jessee, too. Props to him.

@tidybear , in the main I hear the same , More solid tone and texture , similarly with amplification.

in my experience , i have heard in same design , just difference tube, and listened many 12 series and 6sn7.. even 6sn7 in metal base(the best)(7n7 is  sounding close/same? as metal base) as we all know, please be aware, the implement is the main concern. in general the tube is bigger, better, not narrow , more detail, sweeter?(focal presentation area) than 12at/au/ax etc. 

I’ve used 6SN7 preamps for years now. Richer tone, greater linearity, in general less gain, and better availability of new production tubes that actually sound good. While I usually run NOS tubes, there are currently produced 6SN7s that I could easily live with if the supply of reasonably priced NOS tubes dried up.

My latest is the Atma-Sphere MP-3, possibly The Final Preamp for me. I’ve also owned a Don Sachs Model 2, the Modwright LS-100, the LTA MZ2, a Consonance Cyber 222, and a Wright Sound WLA12A.