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Hi all:I've swapped-in some EH gold 6SN7's, 6H30's & 6C45's into my amps and phonostage (see system link next to my name)to replace stock ones. Was using NOS 6H30's from BAT in the amps, still using them in the preamp.
The EH golds are not broken-in, but they sound incredibly rolled-off. What are the 6SN7's of choice for my rig? The older Sovtek ones are totally different internally from EH gold and non-gold. Any prefs there? THe 6H30's (can't afford NOS ones, as they're $200/each now)? The 6C45's?
Guess I need some recommendations for reasonably-priced neutral sounding 6SN7, 6H30, 6C45 tubes for my all relevant parts of my BAT rig. I'm considering just calling VK and getting the OEM ones. Maybe the EH Golds will liven up with break-in? Just can't recall hearing new tubes that sounded that rolled-off.
Thanks!
-L
Follow Ups:
"The EH golds are not broken-in, but they sound incredibly rolled-off."First, you need to understand that other than a couple DHTs, the "EH Gold" tubes are just standard EH with gold plated pins.
Second, I have never heard anything approaching your observation about the EH 6SN7 ever before! If I hear any comments at all it is that the top end may be a bit too strong for some (that's the EH "house sound", so to speak).
I really suspect that something else is going on here. A rolled off top end is not representative of the EH 6SN7 sonic signature. And they tend to relax some on top as they break in, not get stronger.
I recently retubed my BAT VK 75SE with EH 6SN7 replacing Sovtek tubes. The EH tubes were more extended on the top end and very dynamic. It seems you have changed several tube types at once and perhaps need to go in a step wise fashion to figure out the source of the roll off. Would be surprised to find the EH tubes are the problem.
Hi,
I don't know anything about BAT gear, but I do have lots of experience with tubes. Generally smaller signal tubes take 20 - 30 hours to burn in and give a general impression of their character, but you shouldn't judge them completely until about 50 hours or more. Power tubes can take up to 100 hours. I do have some experience with the 6H30. My Consonance ref. 2.2 cd player uses a Sovtek 6H30 in the output stage. My experience there is that a 6H30 can take a good 80 - 100 hours to completely open up. So, I don't know how many hours you have on your tubes, but you probably shouldn't chase down alternatives until you hit 100 hours and are sure how they all will really sound...good luck....
don
Hi!Funny- I was just hanging out with my pal Don & listening to the UNIverse cartridge. I imagine you're correct, but I couldn't recall hearing that much of a rolloff at with prior tube changes. I installed Sovtek NOS 6H30, non-gold EH 6SN7, Sovtek 6C45 in the previous tube change 3-4 years ago.
Do you know why the Sovtek 6SN7's are so different internally (seemingly at least) than the EH 6SN7's?
Thanks!
-L
Hi,
No I have never seen a Sovtek or EH 6SN7. I have quite a 6SN7 collection, but they are all American production and also quite a few CV181/ECC32, but these are not really 6SN7's. Anyway, there is quite a variety of plate structures and gettering on 6SN7's so it is of little surprise that you see different internals. It is also quite possible that one of the tubes you changed is a bit rolled off in the highs even after break in. I guess you would have to experiment to see which type it was. Still, I would live with it at least 50 ro 60 hours before you start rolling tubes again. It may well open up and sound better. If, after some time, you come to tube rolling then try and be systematic and try to figure out which type it was by changing only one type at a time with known good tubes whose personality you are familiar with. You should be able to isolate the tube that you don't like fairly quickly. I have found it is usually best to only change one pair of tubes at a time - or one rectifier or other single tube. Then let the system burn in and evaluate. If you change a bunch at once it is difficult to "tune" the system to your tastes because you have too many variables and you end up sort of chasing your tail. Just my take on things. Good luck. There are lots of good NOS or ANOS 6SN7 types out there and they aren't all $100+ per pair. However it is hard to recommend anything without knowing the sound you are after. If you search around in the archives you will find many threads about the sound of various 6SN7's. Although the sound will vary with the application you will notice that certain tubes have certain personalities and are consistently reported as having a certain sound. For example, the Tungsol round plate 6SN7 that is highly sought after (and has become absurdly expensive) has a very detailed and balanced sound. It is not overly romantic. Some people love it, others find it sort of bland and dry, perhaps because they prefer a more romantic tube. I would have them as my second favorite tube in my gear behind the CV181. Others would say the CV181 is way too dark sounding. In my gear they are great. C'est la vie. What do they say..."one man's trash is another man's treasure.." Again, good luck!
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