What's with BAT?

That’s what I thought. I was aware of the tube, but- never saw it used, prior to BAT’s VK-D5SE(et al). I’m with you, when it comes to the most excellent 6SN7, but- I don’t believe anyone made a quieter tube than the Siemens CCa(six, in my VK-D5). From what I hear, the German and Dutch Posts were pretty picky!

rlb61-

the supertube, 6H30, is almost used exclusively.  Happy Listening!

All "super tubes" are not created equal. The last BAT VK-300SE I purchased (three years old at the time) had noisy 6H30s. I purchased a new pair from Audio Research which were gritty and progressively noisy after three months. I finally "bit the bullet" and acquired two NOS "DR" tubes from BAT -$300 a pop (these were stamped ’91 as the year of manufacture). These have performed well and sound good.

I'm not too thrilled with the sound of the 6H30, as I think it sounds too clinical generally. Makes me appreciate my VK-3i a whole lot more than I do already.

I love to roll tubes but 6H30 sounds excellent in my ARCs so I just enjoy the music.