Shootout of Nos 6sn7 tubes

@ phcollie


Thanks for your kind word.

I am happy with Kenrad vt231 at gain stage and Sylvania vt 231 at buffer stage on Schitt Freya.

Thomas

6N8S from Ukraine are also good tubes at excellent value under 100$ per pair.

But I enjoy full bass out of Melz 1578.

Some Melz 1578 has a problem with noise.

Although I have Shuaguang Black 181z, it is not Nos, it will not be included here since it is not Nos.

I had already done comparison between Sylvania vt231,and Shuaguang Black 181z about one year ago.

My conclusion is that although latter sound warm and organic, it falls short of the former in details and transparency.

Thus it is not in the same league as five vt231 tubes here.

But its performance will be close to 6s7ngtb made in 1950’s which can be bought at 50-60$ per pair.


Some pre amplifier makers recommend new production tubes.

The reason is simple

They can get hundreds of new production tubes but not hundreds of Nos tube.

Thus they can not design their amp based upon Nos tubes.

I am not going to expand my inventory more than 14 kind of tubes that I already have.

This is subjective test for fun.

Choice of tube is dependent on personal taste and system.

Thus people should try themselves in their system.

List of 6sn7 that I have

1. Six Syl vt231
2. Six RCA vt231
3. Quad Kenrad vt231
4. Quad Raytheon vt231
5. Pair of Tungsol bgrp vt231
6. quad Syl GTB made in 1955
7. Two Amperex 6sn7 made in Canada
8. Six Rca gray glass gtb
9. Two Syl GT "Bad boy " made in 1952
10. Two Melz metal base 6n8s coming on May from Ukraina( two more coming on June)
11. Five Tungsol 6sn7gtb
12. Two CBS/Hytron 6ns7gt
13, Three Sylvania brown base 6sn7gtw

I will do second sets of shootout after delivery of Melz metal base which I ordered 3 weeks ago.

@lowrider57

It seems they are same but I am not so sure.

I am curious how it sound in my system compared vt231s.

I ordered pair 3 weeks ago and have my finger crossed when I will get it..

It was processed in Kiev 2 weeks ago.

The Reference 6SN7 Thread

6SN7 VT

Those two links are useful for selection of 6sn7 tubes.

As I go through the tubes myself, I concur with most of the opinion on those.

The only new thing I found out is that TS brgp is over hyped.

@audition__audio


All vt231 (Syl, Kr, Rca, RT and TS) are in the same tier, not that TS is one notch above .

Bass Kr, Rca, Rt, TS , Syl in the order

Transparency TS, Syl, Kr, RT, RCA

Details Syl, TS, Kr, RT, RCA

Tonal balance Kr, RCA, TS, RT, Syl

Soundstage width RCA, Syl, TS, Kr, RT

Soundstage Depth TS, Kr, Syl, RT, RCA


Thus overall they are close in SQ.

Unless you want see-through transparency, you do not need to pay 500$ for TS bgrp.

Kr is attractive due to best bass and sweet tonality.

Syl is attractive due to excellent details and transparency

RCA give warm and lush sound which make one comfortable with nice bass.

RT is not far behind other ones.

TS’s bass is close to Syl with tight but not full impact compared with KR.

I like Kenrad too.

But RCA seems to give more sparkle and air than KR.

Let us see what happen.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Red-Brown-Base-Sylvania-6SN7WGT-6SN7-All-3-hole-plates-Strong-Trio/264683854969?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

This is the best value to performance at 3 tubes at 60$.

Sometimes you can find a bargain at Ebay, but it could be hit or miss.

I am listening to "Vision of Love" by Maria Carey using this pair of tube.

It has extended treble and tight and slightly fuller bass than Syl vt231 while it falls slightly short of clean treble compared with Syl vt231, but not that bad.

I like this tube better than "Bad boy".

I will also include this one in the shooout.

I will add "Thriller" to test soundstage depth and width , dynamics.

It will be nice if I can get Melz metal bass this week.

I ordered it 3 weeks ago.

@rodman99999


I do respect your personal choice.


Choice of tube or cable depends on system and personal taste.

There is no best thing. for everybody.


I had pulled the trigger for another Kenrad vt231 which fit my personal taste with sweet mid and most strong bass.

Thus I will have 3 pairs of KR vt231 which will outlast me.

Each vt231 has 10k expected hours.

The only tube which has possibility to dethrone KR vt231 is Melz metal base which I ordered 3 weeks ago.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-1956-RCA-6SN7GT-Amp-Tubes-Matched-voice-of-music-VM-Strong-Pair/264691958675?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I bought this as reserve 6sn7 for Freya which use quad 6sn7.

After using KR vt231, I switched to this pair. It sounds clean and transparent with nice decays.

It sound better than " Bad boy" which cost me 10 times more.

I will also include this one in shootout.

Sometimes you can find nice bargain. But it could be hit or miss.

I paid 575$ to get TS bgrp.

I could get four pairs of each RCA, KR, RT, Syl vt 231 at total of 500$.

It is much better to have four of kind with  different flavor than over hyped TS bgrp.

I received Tungsol Black grass round plate ans Raytheon Vt231 tubes today.

I had done shootout between TS BGRP, RCA vt231, KR vt231, Syl vt231, Raytheon vt 231 and Bad boy

I had played same tracks for 6 tubes.

Eva Cassidy’s ’Autumn Leaves"

"Post card blues " by Cowboy Junkies

For classical orchestra, "Trittico" directed by Fennel.

"Still harry after all these years" will be for fusion jazz

1. TS BGRP gave most transparent almost see through sound. But it’s tonal balance is slightly skewed to treble, so it could sound hot in bright system.

It sound fast but the bass falls way short of the standard set by KR vt231 even behind Rca or Raytheon.

Some people are of the opinion that this one is holy grail of 6sn7 tubes doing everything well .

But it’s bass is disappointing.

2. RCA vt231 is kind of all around player. Compared with TS bgrp, its sound is slightly warmer with lush tone but with enough sparkle and air.

It is also very transparent just short of TS.

Its bass is also better than TS.

I paid only 1/5 price of TS on RCA vt231.

But RCA is as almost as good as TS.

Thus TS bgrp is over priced due to hype and RCA is a good deal.

if you can find Nos RCA vt 231 under 1505, grab it.

I had bought 3 pairs of RCA vt 231 with average price of 130$.

3. Kenrad vt231 has best bass among 6sn7 tubes.

With KR in it, I got the impression that I do not need subwoofer to get deep bass.

It also sound sweet. Thus its tonal balance is kind of neutral.

It is pretty transparent just short of TS.

4. Raytheon vt 231.

I could grab one RT vt231 at 80$.

But it was steal for the performance.

Its sound is halfway between RCA and KR.

it give better bass than TS and pretty good speed with transparency close to TS.

I wish to emphasize again the TS bgrp is overpriced due to hype.

I ordered one more RT vt231 at 70$ today.

5. Sylvania vt 231

Its sound is very similar to TS.

It has spooky details and transparency very close to TS.

But it’s bass is too tight but not with enough force.

I also have three pairs of Syl vt 231 at average price of 110$ for pair.

This one work better in Freya pre in front of headphone amplifiers rather than 2 channel system.

6. Bad boy ( Sylvania GT 3 holes made in 1952 or 1953)

This one has good tonal balance (slightly bass heavy) which will work well with bright system.

But it falls short of above vt231 tubes in tranparency with limited treble extension.

Its bass is full but not at the same level as KR but close to RCA or RT.

To conclude, this one is not at the same level as five vt231 tubes in detail and transparency.

It is overpriced due to hype.

But if your system is on the bright side, bad boy may work.

I think it is foolish to pay more than 150$ on it.

@lowrider57 

Thanks for your kind word.

Overall TS bgrp is the best tube but law of diminishing return apply too heavy here.

I have 6 more sets of 6sn7 Nos tubes for shootout including Melz 1578 metal base coming from Ukraina.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/shootout-of-nos-6sn7-tubes.932083/

I cannot paste Excel file here

@ pesky_wabbit


I found that Nos12sn7 tubes are available at lower price.

But I like full and sweet sound out of 6sn7.

After having spent 2800$ on buying 25 pairs, I found my favorite Kenrad vt231.

But I do not mind using some other 6sn7 tubes from time to time to taste different flavor.

My journey on 6sn7 is almost over.

The only remote possibility is what will happen if I like Melz metal base.

@tomcy6

I agree with your points.

There is no best one for everybody.

It will depend on system and personal taste.

Each person had better try those tubes in his system himself.

I appreciate transparency of TS bgrp but it is too expensive to have one more pair as reserve.

I have 3 pairs of Rca vt231, Syl vt231 and two pairs of KR, RT vt231 as reserve since it is getting difficult to find Nos tubes in good condition.

@lowrider57

If the listed price is 150$ instead of 250$, then I may take the risk.

But I will wait for the tube coming from Ukraine.

As writing this, I am happy with sound out of KR vt231 which sound sweet, laid back and punch.

By the way I use demagnetizaion track for speedy burn in.

It seems to work well.

Thomas

My amps have no internal switch for 12 volt filament.

Thus I can not use 12sn7

About 2 hours ago, I got delivery of another 1678 Melz tube from Russia after one week from placing order.

Very fast shipping.

I had not got tubes from Ukraine that I ordered 5 weeks ago.

It was made in 1980 and looks clean as Nos tube.

After playing demagnetization track, I am listening to familiar music to me.

"Thriller" by MJ sounds spooky with deep and full bass, wide and deep soundstage.

Its bass, decay and soundstage is just beyond any other 6sn7 tubes.

But people may get the impression that it is bass heavy.

Now I have three pairs of 1587 Melz tubes and eight 6n8s tubes, I am going to stop shopping of 6sn7 tubes.

After being back from Kr vt231 this morning, I found that 1578 has more body and decay while KR give almost same amount of details as 1578.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649606105-pair-melz-russian-1578-6sn7-metal-base-super-tubes/?utm_campaign=new-watchlist-added&utm_source=transaction&utm_medium=email

I placed an order for this genuine "Melz 1578" at 250$.

Although I do not need more 6sn7 tubes, I pulled the trigger for shootout.

Let us see what happen!


The following is quoted from Jesse Brennt.

http://www.audiotubes.com/6sn7.htm

" New Old Stock White Box, aged. This is the rare military version of the 6H8C with the special 1578 stamp on the glass that audiophiles look for, NOT the junky blackbase version selling elsewhere for $25. Worldwide stocks of the military version have virtually vanished from the market. Heavy duty metal bases, T-shape plates with the holes in the sides, and spring steel plate supports like Tung Sol oval plate construction! These tubes have incredible air, image, "rosin-on-the-bow" realism, and powerful yet accurate bass. Very hot testing tubes with great gain, yet incredibly quiet. Some clients say these are the best 6SN7 tubes they have ever heard. I have a few RARE matched pairs of these, carefully selected and matched to within 1-2 percent. SINGLES ARE $100 EACH. Better grab them now, before these Russian beauties become rarer than Faberge"

i bought 1578 tube on the condition that I can return it if it give too much noise.

Also I do not need to pay tax here unlike Ebay.

I expect to get it coming this Friday.

@luisma

Sorry to  hear your bad experience.

But I think you did not get Melz 1578 at 10$ per tube.

Melz1578 is a special one which cost 100$ per tube or more.

I am enjoying Grieg Piano Concerto  through Melz 1578 now.

I can definitely claim this is the best 6sn7 tube so far.

ButI do not mind using other excellent vt 231s to taste different flavor from time to time.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3c7y0kfiPiPhcKAedF_b8ONC22aHKTsDheEd51FmF8Omwv_hVyEck_W852...

Yesterday I got delivery of 1578 claimed to be made in 1973 (upper one in the photo).

But it appears to be same as the one that I got last week.

Both of them does not have shiny plate.

I compared the sound of both in Line Magnetic 508 amp.

They sounds almost same but slight high frequency noise that I noticed from the lower one is gone in the upper tube ).

Thus I had decided to keep the lower one as reserve and use the upper one as my "holy grail" of 1578 Melz for the time being.

I expect to get another Melz 1578 from Russia next Monday June 1st( fast DHL Express shipping from this Russian dealer only 10 day's within order)  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Matched-pair-Extremely-rare-1578-6N8S-audiophile-6H8S-6SN7-Metal-base/273874731266?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 

After I receive one next week, I will also do comparison.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/QUAD-FOUR-Matched-Balanced-Russian-6N8S-6SN7-double-triode-TUBE-NEW-NOS/312402083888?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 

I also got delivery of Nos 6N8S tube yesterday.

After testing 1578 Melz, I also put pair of above 6N8s tube in Line Magnetic 508 for comparison.

Wow this 6N8S tube sounds very similar to 1578 Melz  in overall signature while 1578 Melz give slightly more refined sound with wider and deeper soundstage.

But the difference between those two are not that drastic.

I can happily live with this 6N8s if I had not tasted 1578 Melz .

I saw the letter Vi71 on the bottom of this tube, thus it could be made in 1971.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3d6V72LNg7nKRCgdFBsk8dIbfv8BHalFGAY4vgIb5epdveAY00rkFhkpOT...

i also have new production 6N8S stock tube from Schitt Freya+ pre.

They looks similar except red logo in new production tube.

I had done comparison of two tube in LM 508.

Although both of them have similar signature of sound with full bass and sweet treble but new production tubes has some veil and lacks air compared with vi 71 version.

After comparison of two 6N8S tubes, I was back to 1578 Melz.

Everything sound more refined and impactfull and wider and deeper soundstage than both 6N8S tube.

To me 1578 Melz is "holy grail " of 6sn7 tube.

But 6n8s tube named vi71 Nos is a very nice value at 46$ per quad is a steal (best value overall).

I had liked Raytheon Vt231 which cost me 65$ as excellent bargain, but this 6n8s may have gone farther as performance to value.

Thus I had ordered one more quad set of 6n8s tubes just in case.

It is time to finish the shootout of 6sn7 tubes.

1578 Melz is the King of 6sn7 with nice decay, full bass, sweet treble, widest and deepest soundstage.

TS, Syl, KR, RT and RCA Vt231 are just in second tier but they are all excellent tubes that I can live happily.

6n8s vi71 that I got yesterday is half notch below Vt231s made in 1940s and best value at 46$ per quad.

All 6sn7 tubes made in 1950's are quite good but they have no more room to play in my system.

They will be in in storage until I decide to sell them.

Luisma

What you got is just regular Melz 6n8s tube.

Melz 1578 is notation for quality certification for military use and nuclear plant.

Someone tipped me about the manufacturing date on the etched note of the tube.

The 1578 that I got was made in 1980.

The 1578 that I got was made in 1983 not 70's.

8n6s Nos tube was made in 12/78.


Even without 1578 notation, some tubes are still pretty good for the price.

While waiting for 1578 tube to be delivered tomorrow, I am using Red Brown Base Sylvania 6SN7WGT to play old Jazz by Benny Goodman.

This one is very good for i old Jazz with transparent window and nice details.

But I paid 60$ for three tubes.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Red-Brown-Base-Sylvania-6SN7WGT-6SN7-All-3-hole-plates-Strong-Trio/264683854969?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

What a value!

With 14 different sets of 6sn7 tubes, i can taste various flavor like various wines.

They are gently used.

Thus no burn is needed.

It has nice body and full decay and the widest soundstage that I have had in my room.

It is worth every penny.

There are some USSR dealers in Ebay who sells tube with 1578 logo with 60 day’s return.

But it will take 6 weeks to get them.

I may need to order some more from Russia for Freya which use quad 6sn7.

I received Melz 1578 tube 2 hours ago.

It blew my mind with nice decay and body, deep bass, wide and deep soundstage.

I had not been blown by TS bgrp just impressed with its transparency.

To me this one is one tier better than TS bgrp.

I am listening to "The Wall"  which sounds full and powerful without subwoofers.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/133366164135


I ordered one more tube as spare.

Since I use pair of 6sn7 in LM508 and quad 6sn7 in Freya, i consider ordering more 1578 tubes.

Just out of curiosity, i also had ordered cheap 6n8s tubes for comparison.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/QUAD-FOUR-Matched-Balanced-Russian-6N8S-6SN7-double-triode-TUBE-NEW-NOS/312402083888?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I do not expect them to be as good as 1578.

If I had 1578 in the shootout 3 weeks ago, then i would not have bought more Kenrad vt231( Now I have three pairs they are pretty good for the money).

But I could not get 1578 at the time.


I heard that there are difference between 1578 made in 1970’s and 1980’s.

The one that I got today was made in 1980’s.

Next week I will get tubes made in 1973.

I will do comparison between them.



It seems that there are good Russian dealers in Ebay.

I will also do more study about it since I need more 1578 for LM508 and Freya+.

Thomas

QUAD FOUR Matched Balanced Russian 6N8S 6SN7 double triode TUBE NEW NOS | eBay

After listening to 1578 Melz, I am back to Nos 6n8s tube made in 1978 that I got quad at 46$.

By the way i got my first serious audio system on 1978.

What a coincidence.

This is a steal.

It sound musical with good balance of full bass and sweet treble.

Jump at it before they run out of this batch.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/273874731266?ul_noapp=true

I placed an order of one more pair of 1578 made in 1980

It will take 6 weeks to get it.

This dealer offer 60 days of return.

After having listed to 1578 for 8 hours, I am convinced this is the King of 6sn7 with nice timber, great bass, wide and deepest soundstage.


TS bgrp is not a bad tube but it is over hyped.

1578 tube made in 1970's will be delivered next Wednesday.

I will find out!

But it is possible that tube made in 80's work better with my system.

I used to use Mullard ECC35 for more than one year.

But about 3 weeks ago I switched to RCA 5691 red bass which give more details and deep bass than ECC35.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Raytheon-JAN-CRP-6SN7GT-VT-231-Vacuum-Tubes-1944-Balanced-Matched-on-Hickok/392787627010?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2

I won this Raytheon Vt231 tube at Ebay auction at 50$ on May 11th.
Including shipping and tax, total cost was 65$ on me.

After receiving this one yesterday, I replaced Melz 1578 with this RT vt213 for examination and comparison purpose this afternoon.

Wow this is the best 65$ that I had spent on audio gadget.
While 1578 sound more dynamic with nice decays, wider soundstage, this RT sound little bit more clean on treble.

The only downside of Melz 1578 is some crackle noise before warmup.

Most of crackle noise is gone after 10 minutes warmup but compared with RT vt231, I noticed slight high frequency noise.

Overall I am still of the opinion that Melz 1578 is the King of 6sn7 with explosive dynamics, deep bass, widest and deepest soundstage.

But valuewise, this Raytheon Vt231 which cost me 65$ is the best value with nice musicality.

If you look for etched sign in the middle of tube, then you can find the year like 80 or so.

After listening to 6n8s tube made in 1978 for several hours, I am back to Kenrad vt 231.

KR also has nice bass with sweet and refined atmostphere.

Definitely KR vt231 is at least half notch or even one notch above 6n8s .

Now I have 16 different variants of 6sn7 tubess.

After changing tube, sound also change as if new pre is being used.

It is like tasting various wines or coffees.

But if you do lot of tube rolling, be sure to use socket saver.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CED-P-ST8-1000-VACUUM-TUBE-8-PIN-OCTAL-SOCKET-SAVER-for-6L6-6V6-6SN7-EL34/150688246271?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I also have two pair of GE (Rca) gray bottle which sound warm and lush.

But I prefer to take turns between the tubes.

It is more economical way to get new flavor than changing pre amp or cable rolling.

i also had get delivery of 1578 from Russia this afternoon.

After I get it, I will give a try to compare with other two 1578 that I have.

Good luck to you!

The 6n8s made in 1978 that I had tried this week is real deal.

I ordered four more of them and two of them is staying in Freya.

@zipost


Thanks for your recommendation.

But there is no best thing for everybody.

It will depend on system and personal taste.

Also some audio gadgets are overpriced with hype or due to law of diminishing return.

I found Telefunken 6sn7 is listed at 1,600$ from Italy


I have more than enough 6sn7(17 different kinds total 70 tubes)

Thus I am going to stop purchase of more 6sn7 tubes.

Since my speakers with plasma tweeter and Dave and HMS is on the neutral or somewhat analytical side ( not warm or bloated) , my preference without considering cost is


1. 1578 Melz
2. TS bgrp
3. Syl vt231
4. Kenrad vt231 bg
5. Raytheon vt231
6. RCA vt231 gray bottle
7 6n8s made in 1978
8. Syl 1952 "Bad boy" three hole.
9 Syl 6sn7w brown base
10 Syl gtb tall bottle made in 1955
11 RCA gray bottle
12 Shuguang Treasure CV181-Z ( New production)
14.. Tungsol gtb tall bottle made in 1950’s
15. Amperex GTB
16. New production 6n8s ( stock tube of Schitt Freya)
17. New production Tungsol GTB

I do not have  Sylvania 6SN7W metal base.

But who heard the tube mentioned it is little bit overhyped.

I have  Sylvania 6SN7W brown base which sounds lively with good details but not in same class as 1578.

If is better to choose 6sn7 tube based upon what you want to improve.


The advantage of 1578 is nice timber,  bass, decay and widest and deepest soundstage.

If you want to go for utmost  transparency and details, then you had better get Sylvania vt231.

If you want lush and warm sound, then go for RCA vt231 grey bottle.

Just my 2 cent

Thomas

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Matched-pa...-audiophile-6H8S-6SN7-Metal-base/273874731266

I had got new one from  this dealer.

It took only a week from Russia to get to Washington State.

One of 1578 tube need more than 20 minutes warmup before some high frequency noise is gone..

After playing one hour it seems to be fine

Congratulation big_greg

But I have a problem with one of tube.

KR is dead quiet, but 1578 has hum and high frequency noise until 20 minutes warmup.

I am going to wait few more days before I contact the dealer.

I have three pairs of 1578.

Funny thing is that both pairs made in 1980 has some hum and high frequency noise

But one pair made in 1983 sounds fine and has filthy bass as described by "big_greg".

I am listening to "The Wall" .

I am happy that Line Magnetic 508 fitted with 1578 can drive my speaker Lansche 4.1 with such full force and control of bass.

It also give widest and deepest soundstage with holographic layering in my listening room so far.

If you are bass freak or soundstage mania, then you shall try 1578 Melz

@lowrider57 



Thanks a lot for informative link.

I am back to Kenrad vt 231 playing "Autumn Leaves and Songbird" by Eva Cassidy.

Although 1578 Melz give best bass, decay, widest and deepest soundstage, it has two drawbacks.

The first one is slight hum and high frequency noise which is almost gone after 20 minutes warmup while KR is dead quiet without warmup.

The second one is that its treble can sound closed in slightly lacking air or sparkle.

KR vt 231 sounds very similar to 1578 but with slight more sparkle.

Thus I prefer KR to 1578 in playing lady vocal music like Eva Cassidy while I prefer 1578 in playing orchestral music.


I will take turns at tubes to taste different flavor depending on music genre and my mood.

But be sure to use socket saver if you roll tube often.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CED-P-ST8-1000-VACUUM-TUBE-8-PIN-OCTAL-SOCKET-SAVER-for-6L6-6V6-6SN7-EL34/150688246271?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

@ jtcf

If you are bass or soundstage freak then you  may go for 1578 Melz.

Ken rad vt 231 is also pretty good choice all around.

If you care about details or transparency, then go for Sylvania vt231.

For lush and warm sound, go for RCA vt231.

Raytheon Vt231 is also good choice midway between Syl and Rca.

I am back to RCA vt231 in Line Magnetic 508 amp which make me comfortable with lush and warm sound but also with nice bass.


f I want explosive bass or widest and deepest soundstage, I play 1578 Melz.

Ken rad vt 231 has nice bass with more air than 1578

If I want utmost details , then I play Sylvania vt231.

If i want see through transparency, then I play TS bgrp

For lush and warm sound, I would go for RCA vt231.

Raytheon Vt231 is also good choice midway between Syl and Rca.

With taking turns on 6 sets of 6sn7 tubes, it is like having 6 different set of preamp.

I had done second sets of shootout

"Autumn Leaves" by Eva Cassidy
""Caravan" in the Still Harry Album.
’" You ll never find man" in Ice Age soundtrack
and some K pop

1. Shuagang Black 181Z

I got this tube upon reading some raved review that this one sounds better than Nos tubes.

But after comparing this one with Sylvania vt231, I found this one lacking details and transparency compared with Syl vt231 while it sound warm and organic.

i had done shootout with other tubes again this time.

It is just above average in detail, transparency, dynamics.

But it sounds balanced and musical with deep soundstage.

Overall it is a pretty good tube, but I will not buy at 120$ again.


2. RCA gray bottle made in 50’s

This RCA sound similar to RCA vt 231.

But RCA vt231 is more transparent and more detailed than RCA gray bottel.

Gray bottle has very good bass and macro dynamics also with nice decay thus it also sound similar to 1587 Melz.

This make overall sound round and warm almost analog like.

Some people may find this tube boring while other people may like this.


3. 1578 Melz

After listening to RCA gray bottle, I switch to 1578 Melz made in 1980 for comparison.

They sound similar with nice bass, decay and wide soundstage.

But 1578 is slightly better than RCA gray bottle on every respect and more air than RCA gb.

1578 give best dynamics and widest and deepest soundstage while it may sound little bit closed in compared with Syl Vt231.

This one will be good for hard rock, metal music and big orchestral music.


To me this is the "Holy Grail" of 6sn7 tubes.

I had bought three pairs of 1578( two made in 1980 and one made in 1983).



4. Sylvania GTB Tall bottle made in 1955

This one sound very similar to "Bad boy " version made in 1952 with excellent bass and macrodynamics.

It also has some lively treble but overall kind of mediocre.

Not a bad tube but not excellent as Vt 231s.


5. Sylvania WGT brown base made in 50’s.

I got three tubes at 65$ including shipping and tax from Ebay.

It could be hit or miss to buy Nos tubes from Ebay.

This one is clearly big hit.

This tube give lively details, good speed and transparecy.

It sounds almost like Raytheon VT 231 at much lower cost to me.




DetailsTransparenSpeedTonalityTreble ExTreble ClMi DynMac DynS. DepthS. widthNet costTotal costTS bgrp9.5​9.5​10​9​9.5​10​9​8​9.5​9​575​93​RCA vt2319​9​8.5​9.5​9.5​9​8.5​9​8.5​10​89​90.5​KR vt2319​9​9​10​8.5​8​9​10​9​9​83​90.5​RT vt2319​9​9​8.5​9​8.5​9​9​8.5​9​92​88.5​Syl vt10​10​9.5​8​10​10​9.5​7.5​9​9​100​92.5​Bad boy8​7.5​8.5​9​7.5​8.5​8.5​9​8.5​9​215​84​1578​8.5​8​9​9​8​9​9.5​11​10​10.5​250​93.5​S 181z8​8.5​8​9​8.5​9​8.5​8​9​8.5​120​85​RCA gr8​7.5​8​9​7.5​8​8.5​9.5​9​10​105​84.5​Syl Tall8.5​8​8.5​8​8​8​8​9​8​8.5​108​82.5​Syl Wgt9​9​9​9​9​8.5​9​8​8.5​8.5​45​87.5​Treble Ex means extensionTreble Cl means clarity
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/shootout-of-nos-6sn7-tubes.932083/

So far 1578 Melz got the best score just above TS bgrp at less than half cost.

All vt231 tubes made in 40’s are excllent.

Syl Wgt brown base was the best among the tubes made in 50’s at only 45$ per pair.