2. amps-preamps
  3. 123463-1475

6sn7 or 6sl7

I have an Almarro A318-B and would like to swap out one of the preamp tubes, but I cannot decide which one would have the greatest affect on the sound. The Almarro uses a 6sl7 as the input tube and the 6sn7 as an "anode follower" (I'm not sure what that is?). I can only afford to do one now, so hence my dilemma. I have three different 6sn7's at the moment with the following characteristics: RCA 6SN7-GTB that has a detailed but lush presentation; Electro-Harmonix that has a very detailed and airy sound, but is a little flat and edgy, and last is the stock Russian 6H8C that images very well but has limited frequency extension. I have only used the stock Russian 6sl7 (6H9C) with all of these because that is the only one I have. 

Any insight would be much appreciated. 

Thanks!! 
enobenetto

Showing 1 response by maxmad

maxmad
182 posts
 

If you can affort and find, try NOS Tung Sol 6SU7, which is 100% replacement of 6SL7. This tube sounds fantastic.

For 6SN7 I highly recommend NOS Mullard ECC33, brown base, short bottle, but thats only if your amp can take that tube, ask Almarro guys directly. Other than that, try Italian made NOS Fivre 6SN7, brown base, they will match Tung Sol perfectly.

More to discover