[gongos]

Have one of Bill's modded Jolida 801a's and am looking for some suggestions for some NOS 12ax7 and 6sn7 tubes to use in it. I'm not looking for an overly warm or euphoric sound. Want a clear, accurate, and dynamic presentation. Hell, if you think newer tubes are a great match let me know. Right now I have some EH 6sn7 gold pins and a Sovtek 12ax7lps.

[BillB]

I always liked the GE 5 star 3mbp 5751s in my SP3. They are very accurate and smooth.

There are a ton of 12at7s that work pretty well too, I have 2 pair of military Mullards I could let go.

[Niteshade]

Ei Makes a great 12AX7 and TungSol makes good new 6SN7GTB's. For the 12AX7, I always thought the long plate versions were better.

[zybar]

Have one of Bill's modded Jolida 801a's and am looking for some suggestions for some NOS 12ax7 and 6sn7 tubes to use in it. I'm not looking for an overly warm or euphoric sound. Want a clear, accurate, and dynamic presentation. Hell, if you think newer tubes are a great match let me know. Right now I have some EH 6sn7 gold pins and a Sovtek 12ax7lps.

How much do you want to spend on 6SN7's?   aa

You can spend $45-450 on a pair depending on what you choose.

This gives you an idea what some of the most popular NOS 6SN7 tubes sound like:

http://home.att.net/~chimeraone/6sn7sound.html

George

[Bill Baker]

Hi Gongos,
 My only comment would be carefull of early production 6SN7 tubes in the 801. They run a high plate voltage and you cannot run 6SN7's manufactured before 1954.

 For the 12AX7 current production, I like the Ei, JJ Gold and believe it or not, current Chinese variations.

 My personal preference in current production 6SN7 tubes is the Chinese (Valve Art or Ruby)

[zybar]

Hi Gongos,
 My only comment would be carefull of early production 6SN7 tubes in the 801. They run a high plate voltage and you cannot run 6SN7's manufactured before 1954.

 For the 12AX7 current production, I like the Ei, JJ Gold and believe it or not, current Chinese variations.

 My personal preference in current production 6SN7 tubes is the Chinese (Valve Art or Ruby)

Bill,

How high is the plate voltage in the Jolida?

Gongos,

To be absolutely safe, you can use the GTA or GTB 6SN7 tubes as they are good to 450 Volts max.

Here is some general info:

5692 - 275 Volts maximum & maximum 1.75 Watts per section
6SN7GT/WGT -- 300 Volts maximum & maximum 3.5 Watts per section
6SN7GTA/GTB - 450 Volts maximum & maximum 5.0 Watts per section

George

[Bill Baker]

Bill,

How high is the plate voltage in the Jolida?

 George and Gongo, I will have to check the schematic as I don't remember off th etop of my head now.

[gongos]

Any luck on the plate voltage?

[Bill Baker]

Hi Gongos,
 I haven't forgotten about you but I am trying to locate the schematic I made with all the voltages. If I recall, they run at about 350-400V

[charlez]

I also have Bill's modded Jolida 801A and have tried a variety of tubes in the 12AX7 slot. My favorites, in order of preference are: (1) NOS Raytheon 5751 black plate 2mica, (2) NOS Tesla ECC 803S (frame grid), (3) Ei 12AX7, and (4) JJ ECC 803S--which is not similar to the design and construction of the Tesla with the same number.

You haven't asked about the power tubes, but the new Genalex Gold Lion KT88s are terrific in this amp. On the expensive side, but worth it.

[gongos]

I also have Bill's modded Jolida 801A and have tried a variety of tubes in the 12AX7 slot. My favorites, in order of preference are: (1) NOS Raytheon 5751 black plate 2mica, (2) NOS Tesla ECC 803S (frame grid), (3) Ei 12AX7, and (4) JJ ECC 803S--which is not similar to the design and construction of the Tesla with the same number.

You haven't asked about the power tubes, but the new Genalex Gold Lion KT88s are terrific in this amp. On the expensive side, but worth it.

I'm using the Gold Lion's

[Bill Baker]

Hello Gongos (and others). I found the schematics and here is what I have for plate voltages. Keep in mind these are B+ voltages going into the plate and does not take into account dissipation. The voltage going into the plate of the 6SN7 is 350V for the 801 series you have. The new RC version has a voltage of 385V at the plate.

[gongos]

Hi Gongos,
 My only comment would be carefull of early production 6SN7 tubes in the 801. They run a high plate voltage and you cannot run 6SN7's manufactured before 1954.

 For the 12AX7 current production, I like the Ei, JJ Gold and believe it or not, current Chinese variations.

 My personal preference in current production 6SN7 tubes is the Chinese (Valve Art or Ruby)

Bill, I'm surprised you recommend the Chinese tubes, most people on the forums say they're terrible. What is it you like about them? Are these people just ignorant Chinese tube haters?

[BillB]

A lot of people say the same thing about Russian tubes. I have found the 70s NOS tubes incredible bargains and sound.

I think because they are cheap people dislike them immediately without even giving them a chance.

Example, my 6j6 endevour has led to me trying:

RCA, GE, CBS, Westinghouse, Russian NOS, and Mullard.

Only Mullards have been better and it is marginal...just a bit more detailed. The Russian tubes own the other brands I have tried.