2. amps-preamps
  3. 156551-143982

Most Musical 6NS7 tube for a Preamp?

A request for recommendations by those with experience with different 6SN7 tubes.

My system so far is a Pass Labs XA25 SS Amp, and a circa 1988 Tannoy FSMs.
The speakers operate at 4 ohms with a 94 sensitivity.

The room size is medium. Acoustically well treated.

I listen at lower volumes 60-75db. Vocals mostly.

I am looking for the most musical preamp, with a remote.

Budget is $3k. Used preferred. Better value.

Not considering anything from Schiit Audio.

Considering- Supratek Chardonnay.

Any other suggestions?

Tube Ideas?

Thank you!
chorus

Showing 3 responses by seamaster300m

seamaster300m
26 posts
 

I have a deHavilland UltraVerve 3 remote version since 2013. I have been through few preamps, the UV3 will stay. I bought mine new direct from Kara, I asked her to installed Mundrof silver gold in oil 2.2uf caps in mine, sounds excellent but if I do it all over again, I will pick Jupiter copper caps instead, the SGO is a little highlight in HF but none of the less the caps sound technically wonderful! This preamp has kickass bass line for a tube pre, if you want less bass just ask her to install 1.5uf coupling caps instead 2.2uf, peace!

 

Best

Griffin

seamaster300m
26 posts
 

BTW, the lowest for acceptable bass line is 1.0uf caps in place, anything less may sound imbalanced.

seamaster300m
26 posts
 

@aldnorab Don Sachs D2 linestage takes 4 6SN7s that might be a little expensive to run if you want the best tubes. I have tried Ken-Rad VT231, they are well, not the smoothest in the HF but good tubes none of the less.

@jtgofish If you are looking for dynamic and vibrant in 6SN7 tubes you should look elsewhere, use 6CG7 with adapters in place of 6SN7s

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