Best 6sn7

Agreed the front most tubes will make the most difference in those amps. Generally in any tube circuit the one(s) with the most gain will have the biggest effect.

VT-231 is simply the military designation for 6SN7GT - no real special meaning other than that. some think the vt-231 types sound different, most notably this may be the case with Sylvania but I have heard of it on other types too. Generally the vt-231 designation is more in demand from buyers so if you have to have that designation you will pay more, but likely get the same tube as the consumer version.

All the ones mentioned are good chioces. personally I prefer the earliest GT types, rather than GTA, GTB, etc. some WGT and WGTA are also quite nice.

Let me know if you need some, I have a collection of a few hundred and can part with a few, I think I still have an ad up listing some sample prices/types. (have many more than just those in the ad which are mostly all sold now anyway)

thanks
-Ed

Ed....I get the feeling you think the VT-231 are no better than the others because you have none for sale?

Actually the various 6SN7 types are not all the same. While they will all work in all 6SN7 sockets; they do not all have the same voltage and plate disapation ratings.

Consequently some will run hotter than others, and therefore, will not last as long as others, and will not sound the same. The various 6SN7 types and voltages are:

5692 - 275 Volts maximum & maximum 1.75 Watts per section

6SN7GT/WGT (and VT231) -- 300 Volts maximum & maximum 3.5 Watts per section

6SN7GTA/GTB - 450 Volts maximum & maximum 5.0 Watts per section

Some types may not be appropriate for some gear. You may want to check with your gear's manufacturer if you are not sure. The GTA/GTB were originally made to a higher voltage primarily for use in televisions I believe.

Sugarbrie -

I have tons of VT-231s, for both keeping and sale. (let me know if you want some). Generally my thoughts regarding them is the difference in sound between GT and VT-231 is minor at best. I am happy to supply VT-231 to folks, the demand (and thus price) is higher, which is fine with me. But bang for the buck, the regular GT version is just as good IMHO.

Re: ratings - agreed. But mostly the point I was making was labelling.

Correct re: TV's. GTB also had series filaments, and controlled warm up (11 seconds warm up time).

-Ed