I suggest NOS USA made Amperex tubes, but they're hard to find (one came with my Dennis Had SEP amp, and I liked it so much I bought another one for backup)...I've recently scored a little pile of NOS Sylvania "chrome domes" that seem neutral and clear as a bell, assuming bells are clear. Sylvania NOS tubes aren't particularly expensive so there's that.
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The bottom-gettered VT-231 Sylvanias(JAN-CHS) and Ken-Rads(JAN-CKR), from the Forties are wonderfully clean and airy, and present a wide sound stage(if the rest of the system supports). No artificial warmth, though some are fond of that. Not too pricey, either! If your amps take two 6SN7s each, mix them to get the strengths of both brands. ie: https://www.ebay.com/bhp/sylvania-6sn7gt and https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC1.A0.H0.Xken-rad++v... This may be of interest: http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/6sn7_vt.htm I’ve tried the top fifteen tubes/brands, on that list. To me, all sounded to warm/colored, but the Sylvanias, Ken-Rads and Tung-Sols. I’m currently using a pair of 6SN7W(tall bottle/metal base) Sylvanias and a pair of Tung-Sol VT-231, round plates. Glad I bought a few pair, before the prices on NOS tubes went nuts. |
I've used that Dehavilland/Chimera list as a guide and found the results spot on, although not complete. The VT-231 Tung-Sol, round black plates have it all, air, dynamics, 3D image, and a premium price. As stated above, Sylvanias are neutral with airy highs. These are the go to tubes for clear top-end extension. All the RCA's have a classic warm presentation with open sonics and excellent soundstaging. Amperex Bugle Boys have airy highs with amazing 3D imaging. There are so many good tubes on that list, try to buy from a dealer who accepts returns or exchanges. A good source of tube info and a very good dealer is Brent Jessee. http://www.audiotubes.com/6sn7.htm |
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