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
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..
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.
+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.
I'm a bit frustrated as I've had to replace the tubes just about once a year even though I listen on the weekends only,

Check the filament voltage. If it's much more than 6.3vac then you will need modify your unit to lower the voltage. I have a Sun SV2A3 that was eating 6SN7s and the filament voltage was ~7vac.