Shootout of Nos 6sn7 tubes

I had gone through most of famous 6n7 except Telefuken and Sylvania wgt metal base ( I have Syl wgt brown base).

Now I am getting ideas of the pros and cons of each tube.

No tube is perfect.

1578 has rather closed in treble although its treble is pure and clean.

TS has no bass slam compared with Kenrad vr231 and Russian tubes.

So far my overall favorite is 6n8s made in 1953.

I do not claim that 6n8s sound better than 1578 or TS bgrp.


This 6n8s made in 53 goes midway between 1578 and TS.

Thus I enjoy this tube more than either 1578 or TS.


I placed just one more of 6sn7 tube.

Strong Matched Pair National Union 6SN7GT Black Glass Tubes Same 1951 Date
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Strong-Matched-Pair-National-Union-6SN7GT-Black-Glass-Tubes-Same-1951-Date/164063553459?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

It could be rebranded TS bgrp or maybe not.  

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-reference-6sn7-thread.117677/

This will be my last order of 6sn7 (now I have around 100 6sn7 tubes).

I expect to get this tube this coming Friday.

I will finish shootout of 6sn7  tubes by this weekend.

I contacted them about it and they replied with a question, which I have answered. Waiting to see if they'll offer a replacement.

Who was the seller delax?
I purchased a pair from delax some time ago, one had the crackling noises, he was very helpful and refunded

Ive been curious about the NU. I never ordered them since reviews say the bass is not extended. Can't wait to hear
your thoughts.

The NU tubes are both some of the smoothest 6SN7s I've heard. They aren't really lush so much as they are "liquid." RCAs are definitely sweeter. I prefer the gray glass for its tonality, but the black glass has better bass in my system” –Len

● “…the sound is very good. Wide soundstage, a little more forward presentation, very good bass, and treble, and a sweeter midrange than the Kenrad. I still like the way the Kenrad attacks better. but if your looking for a lusher sounding tube than the KenRad theses grey glass NU are good. They dont sacrifice the bass and little treble.” –tom hankins

The NU black glass is very similar to the KenRad, the bass is not quite as huge. A bit dark, beautiful sound.” –Robert H

@luisma31


It is good to hear good experience about Delax.

I ordered two more pair of 6n8s tubes from him.

https://www.amazon.com/Center-Stage-Lowell-Graham/dp/B0001XGOX8

I am playing Olympic Panfare.

6n8s give both sparkle and air on the top and also full bass slam out of it.

It sounds gorgeous through 6n8s made in 53.

Yes those are National Union tubes. The Gray glass NU tubes bass was a little soft. Those black glass have good bass and are liquid sounding. You should enjoy them.