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

The best sounding 6SN7 I have tried in my Supratek Syrah preamp is the cheap Russian  military black base OTK.They are a bit microphonic however.They do sound very dynamic and vibrant though.The worst I have tried is the Shugyang Treasure CV181-Z which sounds quite muffled and dull.The USA Sylvania 6SN7GT black base is decent but a bit lifeless.What would be nice is something with the dynamics and vibrancy of the Russian military and the quietness of the others.Any suggestions.

By the way the Supratek is a fantastic sounding preamp.I own a Supratek Cabernet 300B as well.

@aldnorab Don Sachs D2 linestage takes 4 6SN7s that might be a little expensive to run if you want the best tubes. I have tried Ken-Rad VT231, they are well, not the smoothest in the HF but good tubes none of the less.

@jtgofish If you are looking for dynamic and vibrant in 6SN7 tubes you should look elsewhere, use 6CG7 with adapters in place of 6SN7s

The best 6SN7s I have heard were the Tung Sol round plates. These were used as drivers in a slightly brighter sounding power amplifier. Perhaps one of the best buys are the Hitachi made, often rebranded, 6SN7GTB tubes. 

@ptrck887

The Shuguang Dawning Series WE6SN7 PLUS. Bought a pair on line from a Hong Kong dealer.

Can you share this dealer's link, contact information? Thanks

Hi tyray,

I bought them at China Hifi audio, but since then there has been a big shake up at Shuguang.....some sort of family split?  Not sure.  They no longer offer the Dawning Series WE6SN7 PLUS.  I have since moved to a Don Sachs II pre and although Don liked the Plus series in his pre, I did not.  They were ok but not great.  I have been back to running NOS.  Sylvania Bad Boys in the output stage and Marconi's in the buffer.  Don supplied Pasvane Globes and they are quite good.  

Have fun!