deHavilland Ultraverve 6sn7 tube question?


Hello, I have a deHavilland Ultraverve preamp. I have been searching for the "best" all-around, musically fulfilling 6sn7 tube. Any suggestions? Also, I have heard some things about the European Mullard 6sn7 equivalent being a good sounding tube...does anyone have any experience using the Mullard, and which Mullard works with the Ultraverve? thanks for all your help. Jim
jppenn
hi,

I'm using Sylvania 6SN7W in my AES preamps and they are great tubes. Extended response, detailed and very musical.

Larry
Mullard never made a 6SN7 equivalent. The tube you're thinking about is the ECC32 (and possibly the ECC34). Neither is a true 6SN7 substitute and both have significantly different operating specs then a 6SN7. In some gear, it can be used safely, but in others, you can harm your component. Ask the manufacturer first. IMO, any good 6SN7 will crush the ECC32 and ECC34. Good 6SN7s can get pricey, but the Mullards are very expensive too ($200-350/pr).

While I have no direct experience, customers with the Ultranerve have told me they enjoy the RCA 6SN7GT/VT-231 grey glass and the Sylvania 6SN7W in their preamps. It seems to me the Ultranerve does best with tubes that are full and warmer sounding. Feel free to email me directly if you want more opinions on 6SN7s. There are many dozen types so I know it can be overwhelming (Sylvania alone manufactured several dozen)
I rolled in a NOS Sylvania--- I likes it:

"Got you a perfect Sylvania 6SN7W from 1943 NOS,
tested, balanced and low noise. These came out of
Hanford Nuclear Reactor stocks in Washington from a
friend of mine who works there."

Charlie Kittleson
Vacuum Tube Valley
Andy Bowman at Vintage Tube Services (get link through atma-sphere.com) is very knowledgable and has current listings of many nos 6sn7 tubes along with their various attributes. I believe that the Sylvania 6sn7's of the forty's, fifty's and early sixties are excellent choices. Some people rave about the Ken Rads, I like the RCA 5692 red bases myself. Tube rolling in the 6sn7 series is a lot of fun. The americans developed this tube so they have the most experience with it. Happy Listening.