$2000 (exageratted number) in tubes later… I’m like …what did I do!? 
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After getting a $2.25 Foton tube, I am pretty done with tube rolling as it is almost as good as every other tube I tried.
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There’s a ton of variations in tubes out there, I didn’t even know Australia had there own type. . crazy. I have 5 Fotons and they’re nice, and a couple of they’re higher up cousins the Melz 1578 which are even nicer. It’s a rabbit hole for the collectors… Beware…do not enter… You’ve been forwarned…
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So quick question for anyone reading.
Does the 6AS7 have a tangible effect on the sound like the 6SN7 when tube rolled?
I have a couple 6SN7 tubes. Only 2 out of the 4 have a really noticeable effect. So I was thinking, maybe a power tube would make things interesting.
I have GE 6AS7 tube on it. High microphonics, but it’s good for me. I just would like to sample different flavors is all.
Try the Tung Sol 7236, and yes they make as much difference to the sound as the driver tubes.
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Out of curiosity, have you ever used socket adaptors? Like for instance, a 12au7 to 6sn7 adaptor?
Yes, works. If you have em, could be worthwhile, if you want to try something different. Tall 7N7 for beginners, then dual 6J5 for some serious tonal bliss.
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Just dropped a tung-sol 6SN7GTB into my new Darkvoice 240v and I’ve begun the burn in process to clear out the left channel. Is post-burn in hum a problem for the 240v model? or is it only more a problem found in the US model.
Seems to be the case. Give it a couple days.
If all of you were to average out how much money you spend per tube, 6sn7 and 6as7, what would it be?
I like to try out cheap tubes. They are fun to discover and play with.
The tubes that I would like, sound quality alone, are really expensive and seem to be getting more expensive.
EBay has cheap tubes, but shipping is literally the same price.
The best cheap tube is a Foton. The 1960’s NOS ones are just $2.25 on ebay. They ship from Ukraine so the shipping is 7ish bucks. It also takes about a month or two to ship but they are on par with the more expensive tall bottle Sylvanias. I use them in my DV and Lyr 3.
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I’m seeing some that say 6N7S. Is that the same as 6SN7? What’s with the name scheme?
I’m assuming that’s just how they do it over there. I apologize. I’m new to this whole thing.
I’d grab the 1958 and lower, cost a little bit more, and you get two for the asking price. I have a pair of 1953 Fotons coming in. for the price they’re good. I wouldn’t put them up there same as the Sylvania tall bottles though. they’re better than what their asking price is, that is a for sure realality.
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They are on par with the two hole Sylvanias. I have those but haven’t heard the crazy expensive 3 hole. Here is a much cheaper listing:
Ten 6SN7 Recommendations Having auditioned most 6SN7s (and there are a lot of them), I’ve decided to draft a list of ten “must audition” tubes. I chose these selections based on not only absolute performance, but also for sonic diversity. I am confident you will find a 6SN7 that suits your needs and/or preferences from the tubes listed below. Disclaimer: This is not a top ten list. There are many other excellent performers that missed the cut for various reasons. You may very well prefer a 6SN7 that is not on this list. And of course, this is all just my personal opinion. My goal is to provide a list of 6SN7 recommendations that provide excellent sonics but sound significantly different. Tubes are listed in alphabetical order (not by ranking).
Brimar 6SN7GT/6SN7GTY: Lush This is arguably the warmest, most “round” sounding 6SN7 produced. While in some systems, it may sound slow and bloated, in other systems, it sounds lush and wonderfully bloomy.
Ken Rad 6SN7GT/VT-231: Bass champs. The treble may not be the most refined, but both the clear and black glass versions provide world-class bass performance married with a sweet and seductive midrange.
Hytron 6SN7GT: Neutral and fast. Need speed and clarity? Hytrons are very hard to top. This is definitely my personal tube of choice for detail and neutrality. I liken Hytrons to crystal clear streams.
National Union gray glass 6SN7GT: Liquid and mellow. This tube is perfect to tame harsh systems or if you are looking for more open ambience from your 6SN7. NU GG is like floating on cloud nine.
Raytheon 6SN7GT/VT-231 type II flat plates: Sweet PRAT. This tube is much like the Hytron 6SN7GT, but with a sweeter tone. Not quite as detailed or neutral as the Hytron, but arguably more seductive.
RCA gray glass 6SN7GT/VT-231: Romanticism and warmth. The RCA gray glass possesses a full midbass and gorgeous harmonic richness, but yet delicate and detailed. When I crave the quintessential tube sound, the RCA gray glass is the first tube I plug in.
Sylvania 6SN7GT/VT-231: Heavenly from the belt up. I call this tube the anti-thesis of the Ken Rad 6SN7GT/VT-231. While somewhat lacking in bass impact, the Sylvania 6SN7GT/VT-231 arguably produces the most beautiful midrange and top end in this family of tubes. Its midrange is clear and open, and the treble is smooth as butter yet unrivaled in its detail and spatial separation. Zero listener fatigue is guaranteed.
Sylvania “Bad Boys” 6SN7GT (1951-1953): World class everything. Imagine the Sylvania VT-231. Now imagine it with bass in spades! What you have is Sylvania 6SN7GT from this era, often reverently referred to as “Bad Boys.” This tube is often mentioned in “best 6SN7” discussions.
Sylvania 6SN7W: Dynamics and slam. I can think of no other 6SN7 with more visceral energy then the Sylvania 6SN7W. From earth-shattering bass to the sparkling treble, all three versions of the 6SN7Ws provide a full throttle musical experience. The Sylvania 6SN7W certainly earns its place as a legendary 6SN7.
Tung Sol 6SN7GT/VT-231 round plates: Absolute silk. This tube needs no introduction. The Tung Sol round plates are arguably the most sought after 6SN7 for its “organic rightness.”
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The DarkVoice I bought from @Rick_Jones the other day arrived this afternoon. (Thanks!) Anytime I get something new, the first thing I play using it is something from Tool.
After the first track on Fear Inoculum, the adjective that comes to mind on the DarkVoice is ‘fat’ or ‘phat’ for you zoomers out there. Justin’s bass guitar sounds fuckin’ sick on tubes!
I’m using the Senn HD650’s at the moment. Will try with the DT800 600 ohm’s next.
I’m also very impressed with the amount of power this is putting out. I wasn’t expecting it to be this much.
I’m starting with the stock tubes since this is my first tube amp. @Rick_Jones also threw in some additional tubes in the sale. I’ll get to those another time. I should experience the stock ones before going to something else.
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Cool, yea it definitely has some good power and should drive your DT800s with no problems.
BTW, when you switch out the smaller pre-amp tube, I did burn that in for a bit which brought the humming sound down a lot. There is still a very slight hum with it. But you shouldn’t hear it so much with higher impendence headphones like the DT880s.
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Rolling a few Melz 1578 tubes, got a rare solid plated 1578 (Center) to audition against my two peferated plated 1578.
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Them stock tubes…throw them away… NOS tubes are best on the Darkvoice. (any amp really)
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