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Danbstein
306
Apr 4, 2019
A while back, I posted a number of recommendations (with photos) for driver and power tubes for this amp. I've expanded my collection since then and thought I'd share a few more recommendations of tubes I've really liked for this amp (if you want to see my original post CLICK HERE.) First, Power Tubes. In addition to the ones in my original post, I recommend trying the following 6080 tubes (I generally do not like most 6080s compared to other varieties, but there are a few that are exceptional)
  1. Mullard 6080. This was a huge surprise. Unlike any other 6080 I've ever listened to. It has been my favorite power tube of late. Lush but not muddy. Incredible clarity and depth. It gives the DV a magic that I haven't heard with other power tubes. The Mullard 6080 has distinctive arrow like points on the top of the plates right above the mica spacers.
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2. Chatham 6080WA
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Driver Tubes (I give quite a few recommendations in my first post. These are just a few more that I'm adding to the list)
  1. Perhaps my favorite driver tube at the moment: Tungsram cv1988 (cv1988 is the British equivalent of the 6SN7). This is a VERY rare tube, but if you can get it close to NOS for under $80 I'd grab it. I got lucky and got it for $40. I'm a big fan of British vintage tubes (Brimar in particular) and have found that if you check ebay.uk, you will have better luck finding these tubes are much more reasonable prices. Anyway, the Tungsram paired with a 7236 power tube is sublime. The Tungsram is a beautiful sounding tube with all the lushness of a Brimar but with a bit more clarity.
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2. Admiral and Silvertone 6SN7GT--black glass. These are rebranded National Union tubes (which are often more expensive). I got each of these for under $20 (NOS).
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6SN7 substitutes. There are quite a few tubes you can substitute for a 6SN7--many of which are MUCH cheaper than NOS 6SN7s and often sound just as good and sometimes even better. I'll break it down by tube type:
  1. 6F8G. These are the pre-6SN7 tubes and many are excellent. They require an adapter (about $10 on eBay) which I show below. Here are some of my favorites:
a) Tung Sol VT-99 (VT-99 is the military designation for a 6f8g). This is nearly identical to the famed TSRP 6SN7s. Unfortunately, the word is out on these and the prices have gone up recently, although it's possible to get them at decent prices. There are so many good 6F8G tubes worth trying (Raytheon VT-99, RCA, etc)
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2. 6C8G. the 6f8g adapter will also work with a 6c8g. These tubes are even cheaper than the 6f8gs). Every 6c8g I've ever purchased as been excellent. Here are the ones I REALLY like: a) National Union JAN version (I just picked up a NOS for $15 shipped that sounds better than my NU grey glass USN-6SN7GT that cost me $70 for NOS).
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b) Another great 6c8g is the RCA round plates (also just got that NOS for $20 shipped).
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c) This Ken Rad is also an excellent tube
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3. 7193 tubes. These are insanely good tubes. Each one is equal to "half" of a 6SN7, so you need two tubes and an adapter (see pictures below). The adapter is around $30 but the tubes are ridiculously inexpensive (I purchased two NOS NU tubes for $20 shipped...for BOTH). a) National Union
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b) Ken Rad (with adapter)
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4. 7N7 (need an adapter). I believe all 7N7 tubes were made by Sylvania (thus there are few differences between the different brands ). This is a great tube--especially when paired with a 7236 Power Tube (or Tung Sol 6AS7G). Very inexpensive. Adapter is less than $10.
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5. 6CG7/6FQ7 This is the 9-pin electrical equivalent to the 6SN7 (and was meant to replace it). The adapter runs about $10. These are very inexpensive tubes and some are outstanding. My two favorite (paired with the Mullard 6080) are: a) Amperex (orange globe)
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b) Gold Aero (Mullard)
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Raytheon
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Enjoy!!
Beestonite
14
Apr 4, 2019
DanbsteinI have just received notification that my darkvoice has been shipped, I am so excited and anxious to receive it. True to form after studying all the forums I have already started purchasing tubes to roll. 6as7 or equivalent Svetlana 6as7g nos Tung sol 7236 now Mullard 6080 used. Raytheon 6080 now 2x RCA 6080 used Sylvania 6080 used Ge 6080 used. 6sn7 all nos. Sylvania 6sn7gta chrome top Shuguang black treasure, new And a Svetlana nos equivalent I am sure there will be more to follow, My system at the moment is computer based around flac files from CD, hi res flac files and dsd. Headphone are the sennheiser hd650, and my dac is the roksan k3.
Usehername
107
May 1, 2019
DanbsteinI just posted this question but since you are recommending/educating about tubes that you prefer, is there ever a need to check or adjust the bias? Can you please explain if/when it would be necessary and the procedure?
Danbstein
306
May 4, 2019
UsehernameThe dark voice is self biasing, so no need to bias
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