6SN7 tube question


Hello,

I need to replace the tubes in my Rogue 99 line preamp, which uses the 6SN7 tube. I was looking at an online seller who offers the following options with an affordably priced 6SN7 for a few dollars extra:

1. Balanced Triodes
2. High Gain
3. Low Noise and Microphonics
4. Matching

Options 3 and 4 seem most desirable for a preamp. My question is whether it is worth the extra few dollars (approx. $6 per tube) or is it just a pure marketing ploy to get suckers like me to drop more dough?
actusreus
Thank you, Al and Ralph. I was actually looking at the Sylvania tubes, but this particular era looks a little bit out of my budget. Circa 1970s is very reasonably priced, on the other hand, and I'd think probably better than any new stuff on the market.
I bought a pair of GE 6sn7gtb's for around 50 dollars that sound very good from top to bottom. They didn't take long to break in and are an excellent value. I didn't buy from Andy.
There is a lot of lore built up around the various brands and types of 6SN7s. Most of all, if your Rogue came with GTA or GTB types, stick with either one of those types. (They have the same max plate voltage of 450V, whereas the GT types are only recommended for up to 275VDC, if my memory serves.) The vendor you asked about seems to be well thought of, so go ahead and spend the extra money, is my advice. But keep in mind that selecting for low noise, balanced triodes (presumably this means that the two triodes in the single glass envelope are balanced vs each other), etc, does not mean that the tubes will necessarily last any longer, which seems to be your main beef. And also keep in mind that 6SN7s are unfortunately prone to go microphonic over time before they die. If you're wearing out tubes prematurely, perhaps Rogue or some competent tech can check the voltages in your unit; maybe there is an issue.
Whatever you do don't buy from Matthieuriverin from Quebec. He does not stand behind his tubes when there is an issue. There are more folks than just me that have had issues as well. Buy from Andy or the tubestore.
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