[jhm731]

I currently have a matched pair of RCA red base 5692s in the front end of my Aesthetix Atlas Signture, and they are much better than the stock black base 6H8Cs.

Based on Brent Jessee's 6SN7 page, I'd like to tried the metal base Russian 6H8Cs.

I think the Lampi DAC uses these tubes.

Does anyone have a good source for these tubes?

[Big Red Machine]

I currently have a matched pair of RCA red base 5692s in the front end of my Aesthetix Atlas Signture, and they are much better than the stock black base 6H8Cs.

Based on Brent Jessee's 6SN7 page, I'd like to tried the metal base Russian 6H8Cs.

I think the Lampi DAC uses these tubes.

Does anyone have a good source for these tubes?

I have a pair of the Russian Military versions Brent talks about on his website ( mine have all the proper markers he speaks of).  I am going to sell them and 3 other pairs I have as soon as I can photograph them and post them.

[Big Red Machine]

I put 4 sets of tubes up for sale here.  In a day or two they go to Ebay.

[Quiet Earth]

Don't sell them all BRM. It's nice to keep some spares on hand because things can happen to these old tubes after they run in. They might develop microphonic or intermittent spurious noises, or they might change sonically after a long extended burn in, or maybe your mood will change down the road and you will be curious about those other brands again.

Stick 'em in a drawer somewhere and keep them handy. You never know . . .

[DaveC113]

There are lots of different Russian 6H8C, the only ones that are valuable are the ones with:

-black plates
-holes in the plates
-marked"1578"

Recently I have only seen them for sale by ebay seller russhamma, all the other ones either have grey plates or no holes in the plates.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6N8S-6SN7-tubes-Metal-base-1578-MELZ-QTY-2-/221290868977?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3385f6b0f1

I have a pair of metal base black plates but no holes or 1578 marking, they were about $50. All the various metal based tubes are worth under $100/pair except for the black holey plated 1578. I also have some plastic base 6H8C and the black plate metal base tubes are far different construction and sound quite a bit better. I have never heard a "real" 1578.

[Jon L]

There are lots of different Russian 6H8C, the only ones that are valuable are the ones with:

-black plates
-holes in the plates
-marked"1578"

Recently I have only seen them for sale by ebay seller russhamma, all the other ones either have grey plates or no holes in the plates.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6N8S-6SN7-tubes-Metal-base-1578-MELZ-QTY-2-/221290868977?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3385f6b0f1

I have a pair of metal base black plates but no holes or 1578 marking, they were about $50. All the various metal based tubes are worth under $100/pair except for the black holey plated 1578. I also have some plastic base 6H8C and the black plate metal base tubes are far different construction and sound quite a bit better. I have never heard a "real" 1578.

Dang, those 1578 prices are approaching genuine Sylvania metal base tubes 

Are these tubes at Tubes Store the same thing?
http://tubes-store.com/product_info.php?products_id=706

[DaveC113]

Those look like the real deal except for the "1578" marking.

There is some debate, but from what I have read the tube for sale at Tubes Store is probably exactly the same thing but not up to spec for the 1578 marking, which were hand selected tubes for use in nuclear energy plants. I'd spend the extra money for the 1578 marked tubes, it's $140 vs $180 and resale would be a lot better with the 1578 marking if you ever wanted to sell them.

[Jehuty]

Hi all, IME the best 6SN7 is its cousin counterpart, the brown base ECC32. This is not a direct replacement of 6SN7, so please make sure your circuit can accept and run the tube. The red base 5692 is a very good tube but it's coarser sounding compared to ECC32. The ECC32 is very smooth, liquid, detailed and has great high frequency extension. I haven't had a chance to listen to B65 and Tung Sol 6SN7GT though, when I do I'll post some updates. Happy listening! 

[Big Red Machine]

Wow, you guys and your suggestions!  I tried a pair of CBS Hytron 5692's and the bass was stronger right from the get go.  All else was strong as well.  A very good tube.  Need more time with it.

Now I have the short bottle Sylvania's in and they are extremely good.  Super detail but very smooth.  Literally have 15 minutes in on them right now.

This will be tight racing now and requires me to spend an inordinate amount of time evaluating the sound.  Probably have my weekend planned now!

[DaveC113]

Lol, it's a never ending project, the time between tube rolls just changes...   

[carusoracer]

Wow, you guys and your suggestions!  I tried a pair of CBS Hy tron 5692's and the bass was stronger right from the get go.  All else was strong as well.  A very good tube.  Need more time with it.

Now I have the short bottle Sylvania's in and they are extremely good.  Super detail but very smooth.  Literally have 15 minutes in on them right now.

This will be tight racing now and requires me to spend an inordinate amount of time evaluating the sound.  Probably have my weekend planned now!

Good luck with your search.

Yes, the JAN CHS Short bottles are as you described. I too luv the detail, and mine only seem to get better with more time on them. They where produced in 45'

Curious as to what you found with the TS BGRP?

[Big Red Machine]

Curious as to what you found with the TS BGRP?

Haven't sprung the big dollars to get some of those.

[zybar]

Haven't sprung the big dollars to get some of those.

Expensive but they deliver!

I have a few pairs that thankfully I paid a lot less for than today's going rates.

George

[Big Red Machine]

Eventually I will get some.  Right now Mark's suggestion for the short bottle chrome tops is just delivering amazing results.  Tunes I used to only sample because they would wear on me are now left to play out because I am actually hearing new details I never heard before and they actually sound 'in tune' now.  Crazy good stuff, especially (like the Hytrons) the soundstage is out wider than the speakers and most of the time they disappear. 

Thanks guys!!!

[zybar]

Eventually I will get some.  Right now Mark's suggestion for the short bottle chrome tops is just delivering amazing results.  Tunes I used to only sample because they would wear on me are now left to play out because I am actually hearing new details I never heard before and they actually sound 'in tune' now.  Crazy good stuff, especially (like the Hytrons) the soundstage is out wider than the speakers and most of the time they disappear. 

Thanks guys!!!

Have those too. 

Different presentation from the Tung Sol, but depending on likes and system, equally as good.

George