I also have a VAC 30/30 Mk V with the Signature upgrade, and have found the Sylvania's to be a very good choice. The VAC amps run the input tubes and driver tubes at very high plate voltage (over 400 volts) and you should be using a Sylvania GTB 6sn7 which are rated at 450 volts to be on the safe side, especially in the driver tube positions, which are run a bit hotter than the input tubes. The best sounding though is the VT231 which is not a GTB tube (it is rated at around 300 volts) It is common for some to run the VT-231's at these higer levels, but I had to go through a lot of 231's before finding a pair that were able to operate properly at these levels. The next best sounding tube is the late 40's early 50's GTB's. The input 6sn7's have the most dramatic sonic signature, where the driver tubes are not quite as obvious. The Sylvanias will have much better dynamics and bass impact compared to other NOS tubes I have tried. The original VAC tubes however, sounded better than all of the NOS I tried except for the Sylvanias. Kevin and the crew at VAC did a wonderful job of balancing the sound of the amps with their original stock tubes. The Sylvanias may be a bit more forward for some tastes in the mids., but that of course can be very system dependant. Hope this helps!
valve experts - 6sn7 suggestions?
I just picked up a pair of VAC PA160 mkII monoblocks. They utilize 6sn7's in the input and driver stages. I have a quad of what appear to be NOS GE's. I was wondering if anyone has experience with the GE's. Also, what 6sn7's (or variants thereof) are you running? Thanks for your comments. Erik