[wdlvwdlv]

I am very interested in purchasing a Schiit Freya+ and understand that they ship with JJ 6SN7 matched quad tubes. After having done some research there seems to be a consensus that these tubes are good but clearing not the best. Is there anyone out there with this preamp that can recommend specific tubes.

Since I am completely new to this, I am a bit overwhelmed with the choices, not sure what will work with the specified Schiit preamp. I'd love to hear what the community has to say. My top budget would be $85 per tube for reference. Also, what are the benefits of mixing tubes versus matching.

Lastly, I've heard of Upscale Audio as a reputable vendor, are there any others I should know of.

Many thanks.

[mcmusicman]

Walt, 

     Google the following:  shootout of 6sn7 nos tubes shkong78

Read the entire thread.  This guy owns a Freya Plus and spent thousands and thousands of dollars testing 6SN7 tubes. I can attest to the amazing sound produced by the KenRad JAN VT231  & the MELZ1578 Metal Base.  I ordered some from the Ukraine & India and they are wonderful.  Every other month or so I order more to build stock for future use. The best sources for the really good tubes will come from abroad. They take a while to arrive but have never had a bad experience.  I will try to dig up some of the vendors I have been successful with. Feel free to PM and I will look for the two that I really liked.  The 8th post up from the last in that thread is an ebay link to the Melz.  Once in a while you may get a tube that has an issue but they will all replace. 3-4 weeks delivery time is normal.  I can say that my tubes are worth more than my Freya Plus but that is not unusual for the sound that makes this preamp sound better than preamps which cost multiples of the Freya Plus Price.

[wdlvwdlv]

     Google the following:  shootout of 6sn7 nos tubes shkong78

Read the entire thread.  This guy owns a Freya Plus and spent thousands and thousands of dollars testing 6SN7 tubes. I can attest to the amazing sound produced by the KenRad JAN VT231  & the MELZ1578 Metal Base. 

Awesome and thank you for this, it's exactly what I was looking for.

[mcmusicman]

You are welcome.  He also owns several other Tube Amps & Preamps and tested them in all his devices so you can trust the results as well as some of the other quality guys that contributed to that thread. Cheers.

[Samoyed]

Give the JJ’s a chance. I love mine.

[Markwatkiss]

I have had multiple electronics that utilize the 6SN7.The Ken Rad Black glass referenced by another member is wonderful as is the vintage Sylvania and RCA 6SN7.
For reputable and knowledgable vendors check out Brent Jesse and Andy's Vintage Tubes.

[FullRangeMan]

are there any others I should know of.
+ 1 on Andy at VTS.
Also there is Andreiy at GSTubes for Russian tubes at low prices.
http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=6h8c&submit=Find
I have ordered a dozen of cheap 6H8C at $1.50each in the past.
He have now the rare 6H8C MELZ metal base, perforated anode at $38.20 each.

[wdlvwdlv]

are there any others I should know of.
+ 1 on Andy at VTS.
Also there is Andreiy at GSTubes for Russian tubes at low prices.
http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=6h8c&submit=Find
I have ordered a dozen of cheap 6H8C at $1.50each in the past.
He have now the rare 6H8C MELZ metal base, perforated anode at $38.20 each.

Great resource, thank you. I just went to the site you linked and it's a blast from the past, wow! How much is shipping typically? It looks like when you are ready to buy you essentially ask for a shipping quote and an invoice. Lastly, what sort of payment do they accept? No indication of payment types is shown so, hopefully PayPal will be accepted.

Looking forward to your response.

EDIT - Ok, I did find that they accept PayPal, thought I'd share that here