Really...My favorite power tube is reissue that's not widely popular


If you run 6l6/EL34 variants, I HIGHLY recommend trying this tube out.  The Tung Sol 7581A reissue.  I've had these for a good bit of time and compared them against KT150s, EL34s (several brands), KT88s, and maybe another that I'm forgetting.  They are a mere $30 a pop and they are the best tube I have heard. I know that's a brave bold statement to make as there is so much competition out there and the tube is very much under the radar from what I can tell.  

After having these around for a long time (and in and out of the amp), I had them in and was nearly spellbound one night by how great they sounded upon reentry into my amp.  I did a search and could only find one review, which I agree wholeheartedly with.  You can find it here: https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/amplification/6l6-vacuum-tube-review-tubes-courtesy-of-www-thetu...

I am nearly incredulous there isn't hype out there about this tube.  Simply my favorite tube.  I thought I'd pass this along as it may be much cheaper to give them a whirl then fuss with a much more expensive power cord, cable, or other tweak.  
128x128jbhiller

Showing 9 responses by noromance

@jbhiller you sure do like them.
I'm still running them in 2 sets of monoblocs since your first recommendation in 2017!
@metman Not a huge change as they burn in but they do loosen up becoming less dry and more open.
@metman @salectric
I have two sets of EICO HF35s one of which is a Stu Remmington rebuild with chokes, fixed bias and revised input circuitry. I believe they’re based on the venerable Mullard 5-20 push-pull circuit. I use a Psvane 6SN7 Globe with the TS 7851A tubes and it’s a stunning amplifier.
The review of 6L6s linked to further up in the thread lists the SED 'Winged C' 6L6 NOS as even better. Anyone heard those?
@mulveling I have 2 pairs of HF35s. One pair is a full rebuild with fixed bias and 3 chokes, PIO caps, Mullard GZ34, Psvane Globe 6SN7 ($375 a pair but amazingly detailed), TS 7581A and it sounds better than many amps costing a LOT more.
7591 is a 19 watt tube with different pin layout from a 30watt 6L6/EL34/7581.
What improvement did you hear? Can you describe? I have 4 pairs of 7581As. Thanks.