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?

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Showing 3 responses by immatthewj

I upgraded from a Cary SLP 90 (12AU7) to a Cray SLP 05 (6SN7) because 1) it was high time for a preamp upgrade, and 2) because Cary had one on their preowned page & I thought that the price was right.

I still don't think I have enough ear time into it to understand the pros and the cons

I am also still running with the Electro Harmonix tubes that came with it, and I have no doubt that those need to be upgraded, but there is so much out there I am overwhelmed with choices (so I have still done nothing)..

 

"Unrelated to the thread topic but important to those looking to optimize their purchases regarding NOS tubes, Andy @ Vintage Tube Services is the guy. Give him a call, you’ll be rest assured he knows his tubes and upon ordering you’ll also find yourself grinning from ear to ear. He’s a passionate and perfectionist audiophile."

@tubegroover I did order some 12au7s and 6922s (Mullards and Amperexs) from Andy over 20 years ago and he did make me laugh. He had some strong opinions about manufacturers that wouldn’t be fair (to those manufacturers) to share. About 7 or 8 months ago I upgraded my 12AU7 pre to a 6sn7 pre, and I am about to upgrade the tubes. I have been putting off my decision of who to buy the tubes from, but I guess I’ll give Andy a call on Tuesday.