What made you change to a 6SN7 preamp?


If you made an intentional shift toward a 6SN7-based tube preamp, what sonic characteristics motivated your move?

I have been doing some comparisons and think I have some reasons I like the 6SN7 better, but there are so many factors which could be at play, that I'm not sure what is responsible. 

Rather than list my details for others to analyze, I'd rather hear your answer to the basic question.

Tell me about your path toward a 6SN7 preamp?

What did you change from and why?

Even if, overall, the change was worth it, did you lose anything in the transition? What?

hilde45

Showing 2 responses by big_greg

I went the opposite direction.  I went from a 6SN7 based preamp to a 6922 based preamp.  I agree with many of the comments about the 6SN7 and happily rolled tubes in and out on a regular basis.  After spending many hundreds of dollars on tubes, I found 2 or 3 pairs that were my favorites, each of which had unique strengths, and enjoyed the ability to change the sound from time to time.

I was a bit apprehensive when I bought my Herron Audio VTSP-360 because I wasn't sure that things could get much better than my previous preamp, but I was immediately struck by how much quieter it was, how much detail it had, and how it presented as good or better of a soundstage and had very precise imaging.  Most of what I've read about it indicates that there are not major differences to be had by rolling tubes, and to date I have yet to open the case and am still happily using the stock tubes that came with it.

There's more to the preamp than just the tubes and Keith works magic with his gear.  I also own the Herron VTPH-2A phono stage which uses a combination of 12AX7 and 12AT7 tubes.  Again, magic happens with the stock tubes.

@atmasphere Ralph, I think you were reinforcing the point I was trying to make that it's not all about the tube?  Interesting to hear the 6DJ8/6922 was intended for use in TVs.

@hilde45 I don't have any experience with the Quicksilver preamp you have listed in your virtual system, but I think you'd find the Herron preamp a night and day difference.