2. analog
  3. 1439398250

6SN7 tube question

Hello,

I need to replace the tubes in my Rogue 99 line preamp, which uses the 6SN7 tube. I was looking at an online seller who offers the following options with an affordably priced 6SN7 for a few dollars extra:

1. Balanced Triodes
2. High Gain
3. Low Noise and Microphonics
4. Matching

Options 3 and 4 seem most desirable for a preamp. My question is whether it is worth the extra few dollars (approx. $6 per tube) or is it just a pure marketing ploy to get suckers like me to drop more dough?
actusreus
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,088 posts
 
FWIW we find the Tung-Sol tube to be just as unreliable as the EH tube. Both are made in the same plant and the big difference is the color of the base.
Post removed 
xonex77
42 posts
 
A good 6sn7 with transconductance and plate current within 10% or less triode-triode ,and at least 30% higher than the minimum,not microphonic and low noise is a good candidate bu do not compare brand of  6sn7 tubes if their Gm & Ip are not  within 5% of their tested reading Gm & Ip brand-brand since brand with higher test reading will always be on top..
wntrmute2's avatar
wntrmute2
188 posts
 
I would also check out Brent Jesse as a tube source.  He is honest and prices his stuff reasonably.  Has a whole section on the 6SN7 and variants.  He usually carries a Baldwin labeled tube which looks and sounds identical to the much more expensive Sylvania chrome top.  I have had good results dealing with him over a number of years.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
+1 for Brent Jessee. I've bought a fair amount of stuff from him over the years. I've also had some good luck with tctubes.com. Four years ago I got an out-of-production NOS Philips JAN 6X5WGT rectifier for $21 + $5.50 s&h from tctubes.
More to discover