Preamp Deal of the Century

Hi. I'm also waiting for my preamp (since 4/25). Hopefully will be here soon. In the interim, I'll likely shop a bit for tube upgrades. I've heard mention of a few 6SN7 options including Ken Rad Black Glass and JAN and Sylvania VT-231s. I'm wondering would options like RCA Red Base 6SN7 or Mullard EC32s (or EC34s) be better options? Does anyone have experience trying these with the Supratek preamps, or are the previously mentioned options better. I had purchased a pair of RCA Red Base 6SN7s for my Blue Circle BC2 monos on recommendations I found elsewhere and the improvement was shocking (over regular Sylvania 6SN7). Just wondering whether the two options above have been tried or considered by other folks for use with the Supratek. Cheers.

Outlier - preamps seem to be more sensitive to tube quality than amplifiers. A tube which sounds perfect in an amp can squeak and be rather noisy in a preamp. Be aware of this when shopping. Ask the seller if they honor an exchange or refund if the tubes you buy are too noisy for the Supratek.

I've tried many 6SN7's and clearly the best are either the Ken Rad black glass or the Sylvania 6SN7w's (metal base).

The RCA 5692 red base tubes you speak of are just okay. Tung Sol Round plates are pretty good. Raytheon VT231's are alright. Brimars are too detailed but may work in some situations. A tube I haven't tried is the Mullard CV181 - which isn't a "true" 6SN7 but should work.

In your tube quest you might try looking/shopping for 6SN7GTB tubes. They are new(er) cost MUCH less and there are quite a few different brands available. So far, I've picked up some National's and a pair of Canadian made GE 6SN7GTB's which were pretty darn good. There is no doubt that the character of the older NOS tubes is superior to the 6SN7GTB's I've tried but the GTB's are WAY quieter, less microphonic and super cheap (can usually be purchased for 10 or 15 bucks a pair).

hope this helps.

Hi Asa, Syrah is fine and has absolutely no problem. The changes are that I am reducing listening time to have more sleep!

Hi Bwhite I try to call scott to mod my chardonnay several times, but nobody answer the phone is he still in business?Or how can I get hold of him. Thanks

Thanks BWhite for the tube advice. I'll start hunting for some of those tubes.