@larryi They are ECC 801S. Clearly labeled with the Telefunken logo. I assume they are legit, but they aren't the $2000 pair that you mentioned.
Do vacuum tube test values reflect sound quality?
I recently ordered a pair of output tubes to try in my LTA MicroZOTL preamp. Two Sylvania 6SN7WGT tubes, Gold Brand. I’ve had good luck with Sylvania 12sn7gt bad boy tubes, so I thought I’d give them a try.
After I bought them, I saw a similar pair for more money that had slightly higher test values. Does that mean they might sound better or that they just have more life left? What properties do you look for in tubes?
Below are the values of the tubes that I bought.
Tubes are matched for dynamic gain and structure, testing at 3000-2750 and 3000-2750 where pass/fail is 1625 micromho. They have the same structure inside and out, having matching date codes of "922", the 22nd week of 1959
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There are instances where someone gets tubes for well below market price, so it is entirely possible for you to have real Telefunkens. If they are not new in box, the price could be substantially lower than the price I mentioned. The good news is that these tubes have a very long life, so even old tubes can be good for a loong time. if you see the Telefunken diamond embossed in the glass on the bottom of the tube, that is a good sign; only the most sophisticated fakes have that embossed pattern. |
@lewm +1 |
@larryi You made me curious, so I pulled one. There is a diamond on the glass bottom. |
@lewm one section of a dual triode could be used for the gain stage and the other section could be used as a cathode follower in a single ended preamp. So both sections still being used. |
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