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Most Musical 6NS7 tube for a Preamp?

A request for recommendations by those with experience with different 6SN7 tubes.

My system so far is a Pass Labs XA25 SS Amp, and a circa 1988 Tannoy FSMs.
The speakers operate at 4 ohms with a 94 sensitivity.

The room size is medium. Acoustically well treated.

I listen at lower volumes 60-75db. Vocals mostly.

I am looking for the most musical preamp, with a remote.

Budget is $3k. Used preferred. Better value.

Not considering anything from Schiit Audio.

Considering- Supratek Chardonnay.

Any other suggestions?

Tube Ideas?

Thank you!
chorus
dentdog's avatar
dentdog
498 posts
 
Maybe I should run my WE6SN7s for a while to see if the bottom end comes around. So far the Pavane CV181s bests those for good bass, mid bass. 
chorus OP
976 posts
 
I ended up recently selling my XA 25 and replacing it with the INT25
which is en route to me as I write. 
After much consideration I felt the same maker match was the 
most prudent way to go.
Of course I lost an avenue to tube sound.
I do also want a DAC upgrade from my Oppo 205
so I hope to land an R2R Day with a tube or two inside.

Thanks to everyone who provided their experiences.

markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
371 posts
 
There are a lot of good R2R DACs out there these days. I'm really enjoying my MHDT Orchid. There's a lot that's been written about the R2R NOS DACs in the last couple years and good options out there that don't cost a ton. 
seamaster300m
26 posts
 

I have a deHavilland UltraVerve 3 remote version since 2013. I have been through few preamps, the UV3 will stay. I bought mine new direct from Kara, I asked her to installed Mundrof silver gold in oil 2.2uf caps in mine, sounds excellent but if I do it all over again, I will pick Jupiter copper caps instead, the SGO is a little highlight in HF but none of the less the caps sound technically wonderful! This preamp has kickass bass line for a tube pre, if you want less bass just ask her to install 1.5uf coupling caps instead 2.2uf, peace!

 

Best

Griffin

seamaster300m
26 posts
 

BTW, the lowest for acceptable bass line is 1.0uf caps in place, anything less may sound imbalanced.

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