Shootout of Nos 6sn7 tubes

[Dennis Meijer]

So you have me curious now to acquire a few ‘40s Ken-Rad VT231 staggered plates to see if they bring a little added bass emphasis in the mix to complement the Sylvania VT-231s upper detail and midrange clarity. As some performance although remarkably musical and revealing present a tad lean in the mid bass region. Not sure where to bring them in.

I wish this was clearly documented somewhere as my understanding is not that technically oriented. I have the MA-1 Mk. 3.3v Silver Edition. Attached is a sketch of what I recall Ralph describing to me. But can’t find the associated explanation for each position. I believe V1A needed a GTA or GTB for the higher output over a GT.

Your version is a bit different from mine, but the left and right rear and left center largely determine the sound. The front tube drives the power tubes, and that has to be a GTA/GTB because this tube has to work hard. In my version, the center right is the CCS, and in yours, it's a solid-state device. These configurations work best for me, from rear left to center left: 1. Ken-Rad Staggered Plates, Melz Holes Anodes (ribbed is too clean) '53 and Sylvania VT231. 2. Linlai E, Melz ribbed Anodes (holed too much bloom) '53 and Sylvania VT231. The two strategies are not far off. Both sound integrated, homogeneous, spacious, sonically sound, and offer a lot of engagement. The first one provides a more precise image, while the second one offers a somewhat fuller sound and, among other things, brings out the vocals a bit more. I can live with both.

Of course, a good tube selection for the preamp is even more important. Garbage in is garbage out. That's why I use the VT231 as the input tube in the MP-1. I find this GT one of the most musical tubes. It's a sensitive tube that needs a robust helper like a Melz with perforated anodes. To spice things up, I add a good dose of warmth by adding an RCA (or Brimar brand) black-coated tube in the third position, mid-'40s. It's a delicate choice; the wrong choice will instantly ruin everything and destroy the magic. But when it's right, Atma-Sphere's OTL is heavenly and, in my opinion, unbeatable.

 

[Dennis Meijer]

I found they did in my MA-1s. With the 40s Ken-Rads and Sylvania VT-231 you've hit on two of the nicest and most hard to find NOS 6SN7s. Good luck in your search.

They are available, and in very good quality, but not cheap, of course. It's important that the input tubes have matched sections. But my point is simple: if you're spending a significant amount of money on an MP-1 and MA-1, why not invest in NOS?

 

[DetroitVinylRob]

Your version is a bit different from mine, but the left and right rear and left center largely determine the sound. The front tube drives the power tubes, and that has to be a GTA/GTB because this tube has to work hard. In my version, the center right is the CCS, and in yours, it's a solid-state device. These configurations work best for me, from rear left to center left: 1. Ken-Rad Staggered Plates, Melz Holes Anodes (ribbed is too clean) '53 and Sylvania VT231. 2. Linlai E, Melz ribbed Anodes (holed too much bloom) '53 and Sylvania VT231. The two strategies are not far off. Both sound integrated, homogeneous, spacious, sonically sound, and offer a lot of engagement. The first one provides a more precise image, while the second one offers a somewhat fuller sound and, among other things, brings out the vocals a bit more. I can live with both.

Of course, a good tube selection for the preamp is even more important. Garbage in is garbage out. That's why I use the VT231 as the input tube in the MP-1. I find this GT one of the most musical tubes. It's a sensitive tube that needs a robust helper like a Melz with perforated anodes. To spice things up, I add a good dose of warmth by adding an RCA (or Brimar brand) black-coated tube in the third position, mid-'40s. It's a delicate choice; the wrong choice will instantly ruin everything and destroy the magic. But when it's right, Atma-Sphere's OTL is heavenly and, in my opinion, unbeatable.

Most intriguing, when I had the MP-1 Mk.3 I ran VT-231pair up front and black plate ‘50 RCA pair in the back row! Often changing center row, trying to sort that out though more RCAs came close. . Didn’t have Metz to try. Eventually moved to the Aesthetix Metis which is equally great but different in a number of ways fundamentally and sonically. Perhaps works a little better for me and my system. Both work extremely well with the MA-1 silvers. MP-1 was ever so slightly more robust, a bit firmer in lower frequencies and Metis offers a smidgen more delicate acoustic space in soundstage, even a bit more expansive, seemingly to infinity. Volume attenuation has much needed greater graduation as my listening room leaves me only thirteen feet from horns in first row and I’m very volume sensitive depending on performance. Both portrayed a very tuneful, effortless performance with incredible micro dynamics and layered textures. Both spot on in tonal color and timbre, solid image, with excellent timing and macro dynamics. All this is to my ears, in my system and by very subtle nuances.

 

[DetroitVinylRob]

They are available, and in very good quality, but not cheap, of course. It's important that the input tubes have matched sections. But my point is simple: if you're spending a significant amount of money on an MP-1 and MA-1, why not invest in NOS?

Could not agree more(.) Same goes really for any tube gear, but I’d say the better the gear, the more valve selection matters. My Rhea Signature proves that by a power of 26 (Db gain). Even the Brinkmann RöNt II shows us the difference with a Mullard GZ34!

 

[Dennis Meijer]

Most intriguing, when I had the MP-1 Mk.3 I ran VT-231pair up front and black plate ‘50 RCA pair in the back row! Often changing center row, trying to sort that out though more RCAs came close. . Didn’t have Metz to try. Eventually moved to the Aesthetix Metis which is equally great but different in a number of ways fundamentally and sonically. Perhaps works a little better for me and my system. Both work extremely well with the MA-1 silvers. MP-1 was ever so slightly more robust, a bit firmer in lower frequencies and Metis offers a smidgen more delicate acoustic space in soundstage, even a bit more expansive, seemingly to infinity. Volume attenuation has much needed greater graduation as my listening room leaves me only thirteen feet from horns in first row and I’m very volume sensitive depending on performance. Both portrayed a very tuneful, effortless performance with incredible micro dynamics and layered textures. Both spot on in tonal color and timbre, solid image, with excellent timing and macro dynamics. All this is to my ears, in my system and by very subtle nuances.

That choice for RCA is indeed striking. I've had the MP-1 updated to the latest version, by the way. Aside from acoustics, source, and speakers, tubes are incredibly important to me. I've experimented a lot over the years, and both the MP-1 and the MA-1 have a Melz in the second position. These are powerful, incomparably good tubes that seem to boost the amplifiers. I can't achieve the reproduction level I'm looking for without Melz. The same goes for the Sylvania GT Bottom Getter, which is also an incredibly musical tube, crucial to me for the fine details, acoustic reproduction, and 3D imaging, etc. I strive for maximum engagement without compromising timbre. Sometimes I sacrifice some width, depth, or sharper imaging. Unfortunately, there's no magic tube that can do everything. I try to keep everything at an 8+. In my experience, if I want a 9 somewhere, I'll get also a 7 somewhere. The KenRad with Melz Ribbed delivers a beautiful sound, but at the expense of some warmth in the voices. So, with the Melz Holed Anodes, I lose some of that sharpness, but I get beautiful timbre in the voices. If I still want more beautiful timbre, I switch to the Linlai with the Melz Ribbed, and then I place the voices a bit further back, or I sit a few rows back. It's still a matter of finding the ‘perfect compromise’ for me.

 

[Dennis Meijer]

Could not agree more(.) Same goes really for any tube gear, but I’d say the better the gear, the more valve selection matters. My Rhea Signature proves that by a power of 26 (Db gain). Even the Brinkmann RöNt II shows us the difference with a Mullard GZ34!

Yes, there are certainly nice, affordable sets, but that's different from falling off your chair at something you never thought you could achieve. I often sit there in amazement, wondering, "How on earth is this even possible?" It takes a lot of effort and, unfortunately, a significant investment.

 

[Lowrider75]

Open Question to US residents who have ordered Linlai, Psvane, or any other tube from China:

Have you purchased any tubes since the tariff changes this year? Or were they ordered previous to 2025?
I'd like to know if US residents are paying a tax or a VAT when Chinese tubes are delivered.

I'm hesitant to order from AliExpress until I have confirmation that we are paying the list price from Linlai, Psvane, and Shuguang.

Many thanks.

 

[Paul1960]

Open Question to US residents who have ordered Linlai, Psvane, or any other tube from China:

Have you purchased any tubes since the tariff changes this year? Or were they ordered previous to 2025?
I'd like to know if US residents are paying a tax or a VAT when Chinese tubes are delivered.

I'm hesitant to order from AliExpress until I have confirmation that we are paying the list price from Linlai, Psvane, and Shuguang.

Many thanks.

I just ordered a pair of LinLai ZX-6SN7 tubes from Aliexpress. The site says the price includes "import charges". I guess we will see when they are delivered. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808732512887.html

 

[Lowrider75]

I just ordered a pair of LinLai ZX-6SN7 tubes from Aliexpress. The site says the price includes "import charges". I guess we will see when they are delivered. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808732512887.html

Thanks for the reply and the link. I purchased a couple of pairs of Linlai E-6SN7s awhile back. When the Shuguang factory was up and running again I ordered the WE6SN7s. I love these tubes so I wanted to order another set. But when the tariffs kicked in earlier this year, AliExpress removed tubes and audio gear from their website. Now that they're operating again, I look forward to you having a positive transaction.

 

[Lowrider75]

I just ordered a pair of LinLai ZX-6SN7 tubes from Aliexpress. The site says the price includes "import charges". I guess we will see when they are delivered. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808732512887.html

Have you received your tubes yet? I'm wondering how AliExpress is dealing with the tariff.

 

[Paul1960]

Have you received your tubes yet? I'm wondering how AliExpress is dealing with the tariff.

I am a little concerned. It took the seller 6 days to get the shipment processed. FedEx is supposed to be the delivery agent but there is no information on their site that they have actually received the order so I have no idea what is really going on. The de minimis exemption ended for China some time ago so theoretically the change in de minimis that went into effect today shouldn't be an issue but it simply is impossible to know what is going to happen. I'll try and remember to post if and when they come.

My prior experiences with Aliexpress have varied widely in terms of delivery times and it really depends on how the actual seller processes the order. I have had power cables come within a week and other items take closer to a month.

 

[Lowrider75]

I am a little concerned. It took the seller 6 days to get the shipment processed. FedEx is supposed to be the delivery agent but there is no information on their site that they have actually received the order so I have no idea what is really going on. The de minimis exemption ended for China some time ago so theoretically the change in de minimis that went into effect today shouldn't be an issue but it simply is impossible to know what is going to happen. I'll try and remember to post if and when they come.

My prior experiences with Aliexpress have varied widely in terms of delivery times and it really depends on how the actual seller processes the order. I have had power cables come within a week and other items take closer to a month.

I'm sorry to hear of the trouble with your order. Very strange situation with FedEx. And yes, the latest de minimis exemption should not affect you.
I've had good luck with the Linlai and Shuguang vendors on AliExpress, but things were different in 2023, 24.

All you can do is wait it out and hope for the best. Many thanks for the reply.

 

[DetroitVinylRob]

Without a guaranteed testing program for new tube by a current supplier, I’m not sure anything but price and delivery matters. Not sure of anyone’s location and preference but an Amazon dealer seems to has these. And if you already have Prime and are in the U.S. I believe it’s a better/cheaper means of delivery and 30 day return guarantee.

 

[Lowrider75]

Without a guaranteed testing program for new tube by a current supplier, I’m not sure anything but price and delivery matters. Not sure of anyone’s location and preference but an Amazon dealer seems to has these. And if you already have Prime and are in the U.S. I believe it’s a better/cheaper means of delivery and 30 day return guarantee. .

If your order goes awry and with an unknown future of Chinese tubes, that may be a good option.
I'm sold on the Shuguang WE6SN7s in my system (still have some Linlai). It's now a waiting game, the terms of the tariffs have changed many times.

 

[Paul1960]

Without a guaranteed testing program for new tube by a current supplier, I’m not sure anything but price and delivery matters. Not sure of anyone’s location and preference but an Amazon dealer seems to has these. And if you already have Prime and are in the U.S. I believe it’s a better/cheaper means of delivery and 30 day return guarantee.

Huh, I thought I had looked on Amazon before I decided to purchase on Aliexpress but you are absolutely right and I would agree buying on Amazon would have been a better option. Here is the vendor I found. https://www.amazon.com/LINLAI-ZX-6SN7-Matching-Vacuum-Amplifier/dp/B0DPFQ7C6T

 

[StreamFidelity]

I came across the ZX-6SN7 Linlai Audio Triode through this forum. I use it for my T+A M10 monos. I originally ordered three factory-matched pairs. Due to delivery bottlenecks, I only received one pair.

I plugged them into the most important sockets in terms of sound. Wow, what a difference compared to the CV181T2 (6SN7T2) PSVANE. More timbres and a more full-bodied bass.

 

[Paul1960]

Have you received your tubes yet? I'm wondering how AliExpress is dealing with the tariff.

LinLai ZX-6SN7 tubes I bought from Aliexpress came today and were delivered by FedEx. No additional taxes, tariffs or paperwork. Tubes were ordered on August 19th so 16 days to get them. Cost was $158. I won't have the chance to listen to them critically for some time thus just this update for now.

 

[Lowrider75]

LinLai ZX-6SN7 tubes I bought from Aliexpress came today and were delivered by FedEx. No additional taxes, tariffs or paperwork. Tubes were ordered on August 19th so 16 days to get them. Cost was $158. I won't have the chance to listen to them critically for some time thus just this update for now.

That's great to hear. The EU has slowed the shipping to the US given unforeseen changes in tariffs.

 

[Campo007]

Anyone have any experinece with Cryotone 6SN7?

 

[RealMcCoy]

Received a pair of 6F8G today, is there a way to tell if it’s a genuine Ken Rad? The brand logo is gone