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In Reply to: Re: Sylvania 6SN7GT VT-231 Vivid? Detailed? posted by Len_ on March 5, 2007 at 08:08:53:
Len,Thank you!
Yes. You read vivid correctlty. Open and detailed. That is what I meant.
I have a pair of the 6SN7W black base. I tired these last night. I do like them a lot...but looking for a tube with a touch more on top. I put he 6SN7W in yesterday and ran them for about 6 hours. Do you think they need more hours to burn in? They are used tubes that test very well.
The Sylvania VT-231 sounds like it may be the way to go. Do you agree?
Follow Ups:
Keep one thing in mind about used tubes, especially the Sylvania GTs. I have used this tube for years--the regular and "bad boy" versions. The BBs do have more bass. An important point is to not buy "used/test-good" tubes. I re-tube every 2-3 years, when the high-end starts to lose detail, sparkle, and extension. At this time, the tubes still test quite good. If you buy "used-test-good" tubes, you may be buying tubes with a lot of use, and with the "magic" gone. I would spend the extra money for unused NOS.
Thank you. Good point. I think this is why my 6SN7W's dont have the top end sparkle that they should.
That is my guess. That tube should sound pretty darn good. With the GTs and VT-231s, you can tell if a tube has a lot of use by the heavy burn marks over the filaments. Much harder to tell with chrome domes. BTW I have bought really nice tubes from both Len and Ed Sawyer here on the Asylum.
These come up on Ebay fairly often and you may save quite a bit. Don't worry if "6SN7 GT" and not VT-231, as they are the same tube. Be sure the seller gives transconductance test numbers and has essentially perfect feedback (leaves small risk).I find all of the older "parallel plate" Sylvanias (not the "V" or triangle plates) have similar character.
The early 1950s GTA short bottle "V" plate is also of similar character. You'll often find these on Ebay as "new range testing" pulls from old organs. They are sometimes had for a relative pittance.
KenRad 6SN7 GT (clear glass) has a similar character in my Atma preamp, as do gray glass RCA 6SN7 GT.
The Ws should have pretty good top end reproduction, but because it is a bigger tone tube, it can sound less detailed and vivid. NOS specimens usually have very aggressive treble, and this mellows out over use. For more openness and clarity, the VT-231 may be your ticket.
Are you talking about the regular VT-231 or the Bad Boy version?
I was referring to the VT-231 in question, but the Bad Boys would work splendidly too, albeit at nearly twice the price.
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