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6SN7 variants circa 2019 - tone, longevity, reliability, value

Greetings all -

I’m very interested in hearing from those of you who are using equipment with 6SN7 tubes to hear your thoughts on what the best options are here at the end of 2019. Please do not simply post a comment stating that all modern tubes are garbage - I’m not interested in hearing the same old tired complaints.

I’m especially interested to hear from those who have compared the new production Chinese variants to the NOS "tried and true" champions. I’m interested in hearing your thoughts about *Tone*, reliability and value.

I’ve been trying to get a handle on the Shuguang & Psvane tubes. Many folks rave about them sounding better than virtually all the famous NOS tubes. However, I’ve also run across quite a few posts where people state that they failed much earlier than expected.

It also appears that the Chinese tube manufacturers have gone crazy, creating multiple flavors of 6SN7 tubes. My recent searches have turned up:

The Psvane C-181-T11 Mk IIs - grey internal coating.

The harder to find previous Black Treasure C-181Zs which some found better than the first gen C-181 T11s, but they are out there. Black internal coating.

I know Audio123 loves his "Western Electric "421" repro WE6SN7". Awesome and it makes me very curious. I notice, however, that these can be found in *various sizes* on ebay. What’s up with that?

Grant Fidelity is offering a special *limited edition globe version* of 6SN7SE.

There is also the Cossor version of globular 6SN7, with black internal coating.

Also a new "British" version of 6SN7. This is probably designed to appeal to those of us who are lusting after some unobtainium NOS Brimar tubes.

I could continue, but it would be tedious.I’m very interested to hear from those who have used any of these tubes for an extended period and how they are holding up.

Finally, what about reliable sellers on ebay? What happens to the tubes that fail screening? Do they end up on ebay after having been taken out with the trash?
128x128markusthenaimnut
facten
2,881 posts
 
I used the Black Treasure CV 181s - very nice full sound but lasted probably about 1/2 the hours they should have. Presently using Sophia Electric 6SN7 , easily as good sounding as the Black Treasures, no issues. My favorite NOS is Sylanvia
big_greg
6,644 posts
 
I tried the Black Treasures and the Sophia Electrics in my Modwright LS100 and had issues with both going microphonic in a relatively short time.  I contacted Brent Jessee and he recommended  Sylvania 6SN7GTA Chrome Domes.  I've been using those for a few months now.  I had one of those go microphonic also, but Brent sent me a replacement right away. 

The fact that I've had so many tubes go microphonic makes me think there might be a problem with my LS100, and not the tubes, or maybe I've just had some bad luck.  The Black Treasures and Sophias both sounded nice but I had problems with both not long after I got them.  The Chrome Domes sound great, and they were only $85 a pair at the time I bought them (plus shipping).  I paid extra for the two year warranty, which paid for itself when one went bad.

I used the Tung Sol tubes that came with the Modwright for a while after I bought it and there wasn't anything bad about their sound, I just wanted to try some different tubes.  Those never had any issues with microphonics, they were very quiet and sounded good.

I've bought a few other tubes from Brent and recommend him.  He'll give you recommendations to fit the sound you're after and your budget.
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
I've only used three brands because of $$$.Tung Sol-clean,clear,dry,'modern sound'.Sylvania chrome top- softer than TS but bland.Sofia Blue-warm and detailed,my favorite.No problems or failures with any of them.The Sylvanias were a little grainy until I cleaned the pins thoroughly like I should have done in the first place.
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