Most Musical 6NS7 tube for a Preamp?

BTW, the lowest for acceptable bass line is 1.0uf caps in place, anything less may sound imbalanced.

Surprised one of the most coveted 6SN7 tubes isn’t mentioned in this thread. I’ve seen Melz rated above all the bad boys, RCA and Ken-Rad. Iirc there’s a small window of time in the 50’s that are the best.

I’m using the Don Sachs D2 linestage, with all wood case, and it is working well with my VTL ST150, Pioneer M22, and PS Audio S300 amps. Also worked well with a friend’s Pass Volksamp. I'm using the Linlai E 6SN7 in it at the moment. Think I actually prefer them to the RCA grey and Ken-Rad black VT-231. But I could live with any of them.

Thanks,

Doug A

The best sounding 6SN7 I have tried in my Supratek Syrah preamp is the cheap Russian  military black base OTK.They are a bit microphonic however.They do sound very dynamic and vibrant though.The worst I have tried is the Shugyang Treasure CV181-Z which sounds quite muffled and dull.The USA Sylvania 6SN7GT black base is decent but a bit lifeless.What would be nice is something with the dynamics and vibrancy of the Russian military and the quietness of the others.Any suggestions.

By the way the Supratek is a fantastic sounding preamp.I own a Supratek Cabernet 300B as well.

@aldnorab Don Sachs D2 linestage takes 4 6SN7s that might be a little expensive to run if you want the best tubes. I have tried Ken-Rad VT231, they are well, not the smoothest in the HF but good tubes none of the less.

@jtgofish If you are looking for dynamic and vibrant in 6SN7 tubes you should look elsewhere, use 6CG7 with adapters in place of 6SN7s

The best 6SN7s I have heard were the Tung Sol round plates. These were used as drivers in a slightly brighter sounding power amplifier. Perhaps one of the best buys are the Hitachi made, often rebranded, 6SN7GTB tubes.