Getting the best sound out of 6sn7 tubes

6SN7 tubes are typically used for the front end section of an amp or as preamp tube for a preamp like a 12ax7

First there are 5 different names for 6sn7 tubes 6sn7gt, GTB, GTA, and 5692. One hint to getting the best sound out of 6sn7 tubes is that the sound appears to work better when you combine different types of 6sn7 tubes together rather than having all one brand.

now lets list off the variation of sound between brands

Tung-Sol Round Plates/VT-231 or 6SN7- hands down best in everything they are clean, fast, sharp, have a huge span bandwidth need I go on?

RCA VT-231- their structure makes them rich in harmony, with sterling enhances on voicing, and a wide sound stage.

6SN7W or WGT Sylvania black plates- Can rank as one of the highiest quality tubes as well. If your system doesn't have enough balls such single ended amps this tube can give them the kick they need. There is three types of these tubes two large and one smaller with a smaller plate structure. The smaller one has better low level detail and the larger has a smack in the face to it. Overall the big and small have similar qualities.

Raytheon VT-231/flat black plates- the characteristic quality of sound produced by this tube is well balanced, compare it to the Tung-Sol just a little sweeter.


Ken-Rad VT-231/flat black plates- great bass, stellar midrange, butter bandwidth but not the best for preamps because they can get micro phonic on you.

Sylvania VT-231- wide bandwidth, well balanced, strong sound stage, and air.

Sylvania 1952 JAN-CHS-6SN7GT bottom getter- construction similar to early VT231 but sonics aren't and goes over the top the VT231 in every aspect

National Union VT-231- gentle bass with a good drive and great midrange

Tung-Sol 6SN7WGT Black plate brown base- sounds similar to the Tung-Sol VT-231 but not as clean

CBS/HYTRON 6SN7GT black plate- its the total opposite of me which means its quiet and its very musical we can call it the best of the military tubes

Ken-Rad6SN7GT black base- bass is slacking but still has a great clean ambiance and air.

Sylvania Green Label 6SN7GTB- its midrange and soundstage both pass as decent but its rich harmonic structure is what makes it

General Electric Black Plate 6SN7GTA- low level detail that gives it a smooth sound,wide bandwidth goes good as fourth tube combines with Sylvania 6SN7GTB in Atma-Sphere amps.

Sylvania Green Label 6SN7WGT Top Getter "silver top"- fresh out of the shower clean, great resolution, speed, although the midrange can get stuffy like your allergies, and the bass is a drag

6SN7WGTA Sylvania black base green label- good clean fun with some good bass

CBS-Hytron 5692- its too fast for love as motley crue would say basically what i mean is its fast with good dynamics to it and a lot of air with great timbre

RCA Red Base 5692- great for picking up voices and jazz music, generally a sweet warm sound

RCA 6SN7GTB- gives off a warm sound, with a bountiful mid range

G.E. 6SN7GTB Gray plates- wasn't designed to perfection but a good tube



Hope that helps in you picking out the best 6sn7 for your system!

information provided by tubeseller.com