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Best 6sn7 for a Magnum Rogue 99?

Hello, I realize that this topic has been discussed before, but I'm looking for more of a palaple, 3d, and warmer low end midrange without sacrificing the lows and highs. Currently using the Russian nos tubes that came with my Magnum upgrade. My system consists of: Cary 303/100 cdp, Magnum Rogue 99, Innersound esl amp, and Magnepan 1.6qr's. People in the past have suggested American tubes(Sylvania,Ge,etc.). Thanks for any suggestions.
128x128bradz
9 responses Add your response
david99
1,467 posts
 
the Russians are pretty good.I have some myselfin my 99.They replaced some G.E.'s. The Russians are 'maybe' a tad better in the mids.Its close.
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
Pretty much any vintage 6SN7 (USA made) will blow away the russian/chinese ones. They range in price from the same as the current production junk to $60/ea. and everywhere in between. I'd suggest grey glass RCA 6SN7GT or KenRad, Sylvania, or National Union are all other good choices. Do a search - much info out there. (email me if you want some of the above types...)

-Ed
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
Pretty much any vintage 6SN7 (USA made) will blow away the russian/chinese ones. They range in price from the same as the current production junk to $60/ea. and everywhere in between. I'd suggest grey glass RCA 6SN7GT or KenRad, Sylvania, or National Union are all other good choices. Do a search - much info out there. (email me if you want some of the above types...)

-Ed
david99
1,467 posts
 
Ed- the Russian Brad and I speak of is not a current production tube.It is NOS and pretty nice sounding.
as good as a (USA made) G.E.
I got mine from Mark at Rogue Audio.All I know about it is NOS Russian.I can't tell anything else about it because all the writing on the boxes is in Russian..:~)
bradz's avatar
bradz OP
229 posts
 
Hey David...Have you compared the nos Russian's to any other tube and with what results?
emale
11 posts
 
The American made 6sn7 VT-231 (as opposed to the GT or GTB) from the early 40s is the best sounding 6sn7 ever produced. The Kenrad and Sylvania are two of the best VT-231. Beware that the Sylvania is prone to microphonics however. I don't know what your room sounds like, but based on your system, I would recommend the Kenrad.

BTW, congratulations on the ESL amp purchase!
bradz's avatar
bradz OP
229 posts
 
Thanks for the congrats on my new esl amp...I love it. Where can I find the Kenrad tubes and how do you think they'd compare to my current nos Russian's? Thanks.
david99
1,467 posts
 
Brad-When I bought my new 99 I ordered it with NOS G.E.'s
I lived with those for a year or so.
Mark contacted me and asked if I'd want some NOS Russian's he was thinking of offering in the 99's and he wanted my opinion of them.
I find the G.E.'s and Russian's very similar sounding.
The Russians 'maybe' have a tad deeper bass.Its real close though.
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
I have some of the Ken Rads for sale if you want some. I have the old Russian ones too - not bad for $4/ea., but overall nothing special. Saying they are as good as GE isn't saying much IMHO. ;-> Generally GE is not a premium brand in this type. Agreed the Sylv. are great, though. (of course Ken Rad is terrific, but not too easy to come by.).

-Ed
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