Best 6sn7

My preference is the old Sylvania.

The old VT-231 types (any brand) would be my first choice. The Ken-Rad have the best bass. You will find VT-231 made by RCA, Tung-Sol, Ken-Rad, Raytheon, National Union, and Sylvania.

I use the Sylvania VT-231's in my BAT 150 SE's. I absolutely love them and they were a significant improvement over the stock Sovteks. I even collected a back up set.

Part of the reason I chose the Sylvania was based on the fact that they seem to be a bit more resadily available to purchase in groups of 4 or more which makes it much easier to collect a set of 12 than some of the other vintage tubes. I bought my sets a couple of years ago and, as far as I recollect, paid about $35-$40 a piece for them.

As far as the price now? - good luck!!

Agreed the front most tubes will make the most difference in those amps. Generally in any tube circuit the one(s) with the most gain will have the biggest effect.

VT-231 is simply the military designation for 6SN7GT - no real special meaning other than that. some think the vt-231 types sound different, most notably this may be the case with Sylvania but I have heard of it on other types too. Generally the vt-231 designation is more in demand from buyers so if you have to have that designation you will pay more, but likely get the same tube as the consumer version.

All the ones mentioned are good chioces. personally I prefer the earliest GT types, rather than GTA, GTB, etc. some WGT and WGTA are also quite nice.

Let me know if you need some, I have a collection of a few hundred and can part with a few, I think I still have an ad up listing some sample prices/types. (have many more than just those in the ad which are mostly all sold now anyway)

thanks
-Ed

Ed....I get the feeling you think the VT-231 are no better than the others because you have none for sale?

Actually the various 6SN7 types are not all the same. While they will all work in all 6SN7 sockets; they do not all have the same voltage and plate disapation ratings.

Consequently some will run hotter than others, and therefore, will not last as long as others, and will not sound the same. The various 6SN7 types and voltages are:

5692 - 275 Volts maximum & maximum 1.75 Watts per section

6SN7GT/WGT (and VT231) -- 300 Volts maximum & maximum 3.5 Watts per section

6SN7GTA/GTB - 450 Volts maximum & maximum 5.0 Watts per section

Some types may not be appropriate for some gear. You may want to check with your gear's manufacturer if you are not sure. The GTA/GTB were originally made to a higher voltage primarily for use in televisions I believe.