Sennheiser PC37X randomly goes bad after disconnecting the cable ?
Greetings, Yesterday I was using my headset like normal with my macbook, just listening to music and on a call with people like usual, and the headset was perfectly fine. The stock wire that came with the headset is extremely long and yesterday it annoyed me very much that it kept getting tangled with itself, so I decided to see if the cable is replaceable. I pulled out the cable from the headset and saw the adapter, and looked online for a replacement. Upon plugging it back in, the audio sounded extremely muffled and washed out. Im not sure what I did wrong to make it mess up like that as I've always taken good care of it, ive had it for about 2 years and its always just been chilling on my desk, but anywho I thought the cable just went bad and ordered a replacement. The replacement came, and the issue is still persistant, so I am not sure what the issue is I've tried multiple different headsets and the issue is not with the port, and I also tried it with my windows laptop and...
Apr 23, 2024
1. National Union (CNU 6SN7GT) Grey Glass
2. RCA VT231—Grey Glass
3. Ken Rad VT231—Black Glass Staggered plates
4. Sylvania 6SN7w
5. Sylvania 6SN7GT “Bad Boy” (1952 vintage, bottom getter)
6. Brimar 6SN7GT Black base
7. Brimar CV1988 Brown base
8. Tung Sol 6SN7GT Round plates
B. With power tubes Sylvania Gold Brand 6080 or Tung Sol 5998/2399
1. Sylvania VT231
2. Raytheon VT231
3. Raytheon 6SN7-W-GT Brown Base
4. Tung Sol 6SN7GT—Mouse Ears
5. Tung Sol 6SN7WGTA Brown Base
6. CBS 5692 Brown Base
7. Sylvania 6SN7GTA (“chrome dome”)
8. Sylvania 6SN7GT (1950’s vintage, bottom getter)
In response to your question: Definitely not. Completely different tube with a much higher gain. The 6j is a single pentode and the 6n is a twin triode. Different pin outs.
There are a number of tubes that you can sub for the 6sn7 with various adapters. I've tried a 12ax7 to 6sn7, a 6cg7 (the mini 9 pin version of the 6sn7) to 6sn7, a 12au7 to 6sn7 and a 6f8g or 6c8g to 6sn7. Wasn't crazy about the 12ax7 or 12au7 with adapters in the DV. The 6cg7 is an interesting tube. Most of the ones I tried were too bright, but I have a mullard and Amperex that sound fantastic.
The 6f8g was the tube prior to the 6sn7. I've just recently gotten into these tubes and they are quite impressive. Some people (with way more knowledge than me) claim they are better than the 6sn7. I have a Tung Sol VT99 (Military version of the 6f8g) that is the same tube as the famed 6sn7gt round plates. IMO, the vt99 is a better tube. The national union 6f8g is also amazing. Prices for the 6f8g tubes are generally much lower than the equivalent 6sn7 tubes (the adapter is only about $15). I got the Tung Sol VT99 (nos) for $25 a year ago. Unfortunately that particular tube has skyrocketed in the past year.. but you can still get them much less than the 6sn7 (plus they are gorgeous to look at).
Also worth noting, the 6f8g adapter will also work with a 6c8g. These tubes are even cheaper. Look for the national union JAN version (I just picked up a NOS for $15 shipped that sounds better than the NU grey glass in my photo above that cost me $70 for NOS). Another great 6c8g is the RCA round plates (also just got that NOS for $20 shipped).
I'll try to post pics of these when I can.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-RCA-6SN7GT-AUDIO-PREAMPLIFIER-TUBES-TV7-TESTED-STRONG/264971092108?hash=item3db182008c:g:axQAAOSw6a5fib12 (very good price) https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Tung-Sol-USN-CTL-6SN7WGTA-Military-Electron-Tube-NOS-NIB-1957/203255383490?hash=item2f52f705c2:g:m7EAAOSwcsJgCgLn (make an offer of $35) I looked for 7236 tubes on ebay, but there are very few and way over priced. I did find one used one on ETSY that is reasonable (LeedsRadio is 100% reliable): It's a Sylvania but nearly identical sound wise to a tungsol https://www.etsy.com/listing/952076244/sylvania-7236-vacuum-tube-black-plates?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-craft_supplies_and_tools-tools_and_equipment-parts-electrical_parts-bulbs_and_tubes&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAiA1eKBBhBZEiwAX3gql865nNYWIeB0y5HSv43U-WX7-PqbBZxzAuAiHqLaY6SRKl4MWgElEhoCncMQAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_11502762680_117987343091_476135477659_pla-295472667347_c__952076244_125010449&utm_custom2=11502762680&gclid=CjwKCAiA1eKBBhBZEiwAX3gql865nNYWIeB0y5HSv43U-WX7-PqbBZxzAuAiHqLaY6SRKl4MWgElEhoCncMQAvD_BwE I recommend picking one or two of the driver tubes I suggested above (perhaps the pair of sylvanias--first link, and the hytron, NU, or RCA given their low prices). I also recommend reading through Brent Jesse's description of 6sn7 tubes to learn the different types (http://www.audiotubes.com/6sn7.htm). He is one of the best tube sellers out there. Anything from him will be top notch. Generally, he is more expensive, but if you scroll toward the bottom of his price list (description on top, tubes for sale toward bottom), there are quite a few very reasonably prices NOS or slightly used tubes, all under $50. I saw this listing: "6SN7GT Sylvania black STAGGERED Plates" for $35. This is a Ken-Rad tube and is outstanding. Very hard to find--especially at this price. Great thing about Brent is you can email him and ask if he thinks this tube will pair well with your 5998. He's very honest and helpful. Best in the business. This website is probably the most helpful description of 6sn7 tubes out there. I learned so much from going through the first few pages. It will save you a huge amount of time if you learn what you are looking at (reading date codes, brand codes, etc) and the specific types of tubes that are worth looking for. I strongly recommend spending time on this page: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-reference-6sn7-thread.117677/ If you decide to go with the 7236, we can then discuss possible warm tubes for it. Still, I think your best bet is to start small and decide what sound works best. There's no reason to spend 100's of dollars on the best of the best. Let me know if this helps and if you have other questions. Also curious what you end up with. Good luck