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Need tube help with tube buffer 6SN7 tubes

Hey guys,

I just got a Yaqin CD3 tube buffer. It came with a pair of chrome top (I believe) NOS tubes that were labeled as follows:

JAN 6SN7WGTA

Philips ECG 8626

34167 USA ADC

I'm not going to comment on the effects of the tube buffer yet, except to say that I have heard a difference. I would like to get another set of tubes and was considering a pair of Sylvania Bad Boy tubes. I'm considering these tubes for no reasons other than that I've read good things about them and they are reasonably priced at under $100 for a matched pair.

I'd appreciate any comments regarding the tubes that I have and those that I am considering getting. I'd also appreciate comments or recommendations regarding alternatives. What I'm looking for is a good "all around" tube.

For what it's worth, I'm running an NAD C162 pre, Aragon 2004 amp, Emotiva XDA-1 DAC, Squeezebox Touch (fed by NAS), Paradigm Studio 10 speakers and a small REL sub.

Thanks.
tonyangel
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
05-20-13: Tonyangel
Jmcgrogan, am I to understand that the Philips that I have are similar to the Sylvanias that you have and like?

I have not heard the Philips version, but I have been told that they sound very similar to the Sylvania's that I own.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
They don't call them Bad Boys for nothing. Expect to pay $200 MP for real Bad Boys.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
I have been watching 6SN7 prices as I am in the market for a pair.
And yes, they DO get very pricey!
I fully agree with Geoff and he was even being conservative as he is a nice guy and hates to hurt anyone's feelings :)
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I'd have to question whether it's worth that kind of money for tubes in a buffer stage. My Cary SLP-98 uses (4) 6SN7 tubes, two in the gain stage and two in the buffer stage. I have found that the two in the gain stage make quite a bit more difference sonically than the two in the buffer stage. As always, YMMV.
tonyangel OP
309 posts
 
Jmcgrogan2, what you said is the reason why I'm asking about less expensive tubes. I'm pretty sure that any changes brought about by the tubes would be subtle.

Geoffkait, I don't know what to tell you. I've found at least a couple of vendors that have been mentioned here on the gon that have Bad Boys for right at $100 a pair. There's even a guy on here selling some for $120.
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