2. amps-preamps
  3. 123463-1475

6sn7 or 6sl7

I have an Almarro A318-B and would like to swap out one of the preamp tubes, but I cannot decide which one would have the greatest affect on the sound. The Almarro uses a 6sl7 as the input tube and the 6sn7 as an "anode follower" (I'm not sure what that is?). I can only afford to do one now, so hence my dilemma. I have three different 6sn7's at the moment with the following characteristics: RCA 6SN7-GTB that has a detailed but lush presentation; Electro-Harmonix that has a very detailed and airy sound, but is a little flat and edgy, and last is the stock Russian 6H8C that images very well but has limited frequency extension. I have only used the stock Russian 6sl7 (6H9C) with all of these because that is the only one I have. 

Any insight would be much appreciated. 

Thanks!! 
enobenetto
salectric
683 posts
 
And I should also mention another favorite 6SL7 variant---Brimsr CV1985.  In the right application it too is superb: fast, airy and detailed and very deep tight bass.  A little hard to find but worth grabbing when you see one.  A real workhorse too.
salectric
683 posts
 
Make that Brimar, not Brimsr.

realdeal
62 posts
 
For those 6sl7/6sn7 users,don't be afraid to swap 6sl7/ 6sn7 or vise versa,or even 6sl7 on one channel  and 12ax7/ 6dj8 12au7 on the other channel.it won't hurt your preamp.I've done this a hundred times ,I even use 12ax7,12au7.12at7,12bz7 & 6dj8/ecc88 etc. with an adapter with no problem in my socket modified Dyna Pass II.
barrysandy
152 posts
 
The absolute best 6SL7 is the Mullard ECC35 CV569 brown base which are rare as hen's teeth. Fortunately, there are the Tung Sol black glass 6SU7 GTYs which sound just as good and can be found if you look. Both are NOS. Both can last 10,000 hours. They sound terrific - very natural.
mikirob
950 posts
 
I like the NOS RCA Red Base 5691 (6SL7) slightly better than the Sylvania VT-229 in my set-up, either is superb, personal taste. Best, Rob
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