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Best 6sn7 for a Magnum Rogue 99?

Hello, I realize that this topic has been discussed before, but I'm looking for more of a palaple, 3d, and warmer low end midrange without sacrificing the lows and highs. Currently using the Russian nos tubes that came with my Magnum upgrade. My system consists of: Cary 303/100 cdp, Magnum Rogue 99, Innersound esl amp, and Magnepan 1.6qr's. People in the past have suggested American tubes(Sylvania,Ge,etc.). Thanks for any suggestions.
128x128bradz
9 responses Add your response
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
I have some of the Ken Rads for sale if you want some. I have the old Russian ones too - not bad for $4/ea., but overall nothing special. Saying they are as good as GE isn't saying much IMHO. ;-> Generally GE is not a premium brand in this type. Agreed the Sylv. are great, though. (of course Ken Rad is terrific, but not too easy to come by.).

-Ed
david99
1,467 posts
 
Brad-When I bought my new 99 I ordered it with NOS G.E.'s
I lived with those for a year or so.
Mark contacted me and asked if I'd want some NOS Russian's he was thinking of offering in the 99's and he wanted my opinion of them.
I find the G.E.'s and Russian's very similar sounding.
The Russians 'maybe' have a tad deeper bass.Its real close though.
bradz's avatar
bradz OP
229 posts
 
Thanks for the congrats on my new esl amp...I love it. Where can I find the Kenrad tubes and how do you think they'd compare to my current nos Russian's? Thanks.
emale
11 posts
 
The American made 6sn7 VT-231 (as opposed to the GT or GTB) from the early 40s is the best sounding 6sn7 ever produced. The Kenrad and Sylvania are two of the best VT-231. Beware that the Sylvania is prone to microphonics however. I don't know what your room sounds like, but based on your system, I would recommend the Kenrad.

BTW, congratulations on the ESL amp purchase!
bradz's avatar
bradz OP
229 posts
 
Hey David...Have you compared the nos Russian's to any other tube and with what results?
david99
1,467 posts
 
Ed- the Russian Brad and I speak of is not a current production tube.It is NOS and pretty nice sounding.
as good as a (USA made) G.E.
I got mine from Mark at Rogue Audio.All I know about it is NOS Russian.I can't tell anything else about it because all the writing on the boxes is in Russian..:~)
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
Pretty much any vintage 6SN7 (USA made) will blow away the russian/chinese ones. They range in price from the same as the current production junk to $60/ea. and everywhere in between. I'd suggest grey glass RCA 6SN7GT or KenRad, Sylvania, or National Union are all other good choices. Do a search - much info out there. (email me if you want some of the above types...)

-Ed
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
Pretty much any vintage 6SN7 (USA made) will blow away the russian/chinese ones. They range in price from the same as the current production junk to $60/ea. and everywhere in between. I'd suggest grey glass RCA 6SN7GT or KenRad, Sylvania, or National Union are all other good choices. Do a search - much info out there. (email me if you want some of the above types...)

-Ed
david99
1,467 posts
 
the Russians are pretty good.I have some myselfin my 99.They replaced some G.E.'s. The Russians are 'maybe' a tad better in the mids.Its close.
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