6SN7 driver tubes

09-21-09: Mechans
I have heard that the russian tube is a world beater, but only the real deal old stock tubes. I have also heard their noise floor tends to be high.

What I hear with my own ears when used in the analog output section of the Modwright Transporter, is that the Russian 6H8C are absolutely dead quiet. No noise issue whatsoever. They are the "Platinum" grade tubes from UpscaleAudio. $25/ea. Perhaps they are noisy in a higher gain application, but I suspect *any* tube would be relatively noisier in a higher gain application (e.g. MC phono preamp).

I suggest calling Kevin Deal, and asking him for his recommendation based on your specific amplifier. He may have some other ideas as well.

Tvad, how would describe the sound of the Russian 6H8C?

It's a pretty neutral tube, IMO.

The highs are extended without etch. The bass is balanced and detailed. The Russian tube may have just a slight more midrange bloom than the TS round plates, but not significantly so. I do find the image to be larger with the Russian tubes than with the Tung Sol round plates (which I generally regard as the benchmark 6SN7).

Ditto recommendation of Tung Sol 6SN7 reissue. They get pretty close to the good characteristics of NOS Russian 1578.

I have always used EH 6SN7 tubesin all my Cary amps and preamps w/ excellent results for not much doe. They are nicely balance and great frequency extension. They last a really long time, as I've never had one go bad. They do take a long time to break in before they really sound fluid.