Supratek Tubes and Tube Swappin' for Everybody


I will have a Supratek Chenin in my set up in a day or so. Since so many folks are rolling tubes around here I was hoping to garner a comprehensive list of everybodies favorite tube compliments. Be it NOS or NIB or WLATB (Whatever's layin around the basement)
Being that the "Deal of the Century" thread is a little more like a novel I figured this would be a good place to post questions and answers related to one subject of Supratek amps and pres.
On to the subject of me. I don't have immediate plans to swap tubes as I've figured that Mr. Maloney would supply us with something listenable for the break in period. But, since so many have reported such dramatic improvments I want to ask this question:
What is your favorite compliment for quietest gain and dynamics in the phono stage?
I will be using the Chenin exclusively for vinyl ( I don't have a CD player) and listen to loads of early rock and roll and Jazz bands, smaller jazz bands mostly, quartets and quintets. Some classical, the usual Beethoven and Mozart, but usually just a lot of loud garage rock.
Ok, now lets see what happens.
mc5baby
Slowhand - I used the dual-plate 5932 in the Sauvignon and Cabernet for at least 18 months. IMO it is probably the most underrated of the regulator tubes. My SupraTeks were always at their quietest and the soundstage most stable with the 5932 in place. Regarding impact on the sound qualities the 5932 is between the 6F6G and 7027a/KT-66.

bass output/fullness 7027a/KT-66>5932>6F6G
harmonics 6F6G>5932>7027a/KT-66
detail retrieval 6F6G>5932>7027a/KT-66
Raytheprinter - 6SN7 quality starts to decline in the early 50's. This is just a generalization. There are very noteable exceptions like the Sylvania 6SN7GT of that period. 6sn7gta and 6sn7gtb are not as good for audiophile applications as 6sn7gt and vt-231. In 1952 6sn7gt's were still being manufactured and I don't think the 6sn7gtb had been designed yet. To the best of my recollection the 6sn7gtb has the same higher plate voltage of the 6sn7gta but with a slower startup. I stay away from GE tubes until there are no more Sylvania/Ken-Rad/RCA left in the world.
What is a difference in look, sound quality between Bendix 6106 and Red Bank Bendix 6106 ?
Or maybe all Bendix 6106 are Red Bank Bendix 6106 ?
It's the same tube. "Red Bank" refers to a specific Bendix manufacturing division/plant (located in New Jersey), not any cosmetic differences.