It was a coincidence that my fave little Dennis Had Firebottle tube amp has one 6SN7GTB input tube (only 4 tubes total in that amp including a rectifier and two power tubes), and after using it with a SS preamp for a while I tried a Schiitt Freya (original version) and it has has 4. So now I have a drawer full. The sonic characteristics are simply great tone including exhibiting tonal greatness, immense personal satisfaction, and impersonal satisfaction.
What made you change to a 6SN7 preamp?
If you made an intentional shift toward a 6SN7-based tube preamp, what sonic characteristics motivated your move?
I have been doing some comparisons and think I have some reasons I like the 6SN7 better, but there are so many factors which could be at play, that I'm not sure what is responsible.
Rather than list my details for others to analyze, I'd rather hear your answer to the basic question.
Tell me about your path toward a 6SN7 preamp?
What did you change from and why?
Even if, overall, the change was worth it, did you lose anything in the transition? What?
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In perhaps the past 10 years or so there seem to be more preamps designed around the 6SN7. I’m on my second after using 12AU, AX7’s. I’ll agree with others regarding the tonal quality of these tubes, the spacious soundstaging, and the realistic textures of acoustic instruments. I use NOS exclusively in my preamp and in my amp, which uses six 6SN7s, due to their consistent quality and sonics (when you buy from a trusted dealer). Due to the increased pricing and availability issues of true NOS, I’ve started to take notice of the high quality of new production tubes. Now there will be no shortage of high quality 6SN’s with the availability of new production. For what it's worth, I’ve never owned a new production small signal tube that equaled the SQ of NOS. |
I have a Schiit Freya with 6SN7’s, NOS Sylvanias from Brent Jesse, They are quieter and create a wider sound stage - 3 feet beyond the speakers on each side. Never got that from the original Tung Sols or J&Js. BTW, my TT cartridge cost 4X the Freya. I downsized from Gryphon monoblocks. Don’t feel any burning need to move up from the Freya and it’s 6SN7s.
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@dougthebiker , You know I had a Schitt Freya a few years ago and I miss it. I've bought pricier things and still think about the pleasure the Freya brought me. The Freya was worthy pairing with gear even 5x its price. It's that good in my humble view. |
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