2. amps-preamps
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Which Preamp Tube is most consequential: Input or Gain

I've just gotten a pair of 1950s Tung-Sols for my Schiit Freya to replace two of the stock Russian NOS 6SN7. I will try them in both positions, but is there a typical position of more impact in terms of rolling preamp tubes in the input vs. gain positions? Thanks for any experience you'd like to share.
peterf6
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,154 posts
 
The input is where the circuit has to get it right. It doesn't matter how good things are downstream if the input fails to do its job as best it can!
peterf6 OP
107 posts
 
Thumbs up. Thanks.
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
@peter6- You may find the following interesting. Be certain to read the third to the last paragraph, as regards combining tube types. http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/6sn7_vt.htm
ghasley
2,544 posts
 
@peterf6


"Thanks, @lowrider57 , the Freya has two tubes per channel. Forward and rear are L/R channels; while the two left tubes are Input and two rights are Cathode follower. So I've been changing the two inputs or the two outputs to keep the channels the same."

I believe you have this backward. To be clear, if looking at the Freya from the front of the unit, the left two tubes are the cathode and the right two are the input gain stage. I don't own this pre, I'm going from memory but I believe I am correct. I remember alot of useless info not directly applicable to me, LOL!
peterf6 OP
107 posts
 
Hi @ghasley I got my info from tech support at Schiit (quote):L/R on the Freya is actually input/cathode follower and top/bottom is l/r.

I’ll try to confirm, but so that means you were suggesting going with the input side -- which if the tech is right is where they sound best in my experiment.
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