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6N8P equivalent tubes in A-88

 
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VintageToo



Joined: 17 Mar 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Calgary
PostPosted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:50 pm    Post subject: 6N8P equivalent tubes in A-88 Reply with quote
Hi Ian,

After having one 6N8P tube fail in my A-88 (thanks for the warranty support!!) I've been looking at sources for tubes. I see more web sites refering to 6SN7 than the stock 6N8P type. But there are also different designations for those two types.

Parts express has an Electro-Harmonix "6SN7 EH" which I assume is OK as a direct replacment. I also see "6SN7GT", "6SN7GTA" and "6SN7GTB". Also VT-231 is apparently an old designation for "6SN7GT". So I gather matched NOS VT-231's would be OK as replacements.

Is it fair that if it includes the 6SN7 or 6N8P in the type it is a valid choice for the A-88? Any thoughts?

I am very happy with the sound of the stock 6N8P's but found some good comparison info on this site http://www.tubeseller.com/ratings.html and I'd like to know if they apply to the A-88.

Thanks.

Bernard

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igrant
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Joined: 04 Jun 2007
Posts: 500
PostPosted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 8:21 pm    Post subject: Re: 6N8P equivalent tubes in A-88 Reply with quote
VintageToo wrote:
Hi Ian,

After having one 6N8P tube fail in my A-88 (thanks for the warranty support!!) I've been looking at sources for tubes. I see more web sites refering to 6SN7 than the stock 6N8P type. But there are also different designations for those two types.

Parts express has an Electro-Harmonix "6SN7 EH" which I assume is OK as a direct replacment. I also see "6SN7GT", "6SN7GTA" and "6SN7GTB". Also VT-231 is apparently an old designation for "6SN7GT". So I gather matched NOS VT-231's would be OK as replacements.

Is it fair that if it includes the 6SN7 or 6N8P in the type it is a valid choice for the A-88? Any thoughts?

I am very happy with the sound of the stock 6N8P's but found some good comparison info on this site http://www.tubeseller.com/ratings.html and I'd like to know if they apply to the A-88.

Thanks.

Bernard

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Hi Bernard,

Yes you can run any 6NS7 or 6N8P variant, including later letter designations with good results. A few A-88 owners have reported that they prefer thew Shuguang 6N8P in the amp over the Shuguang 6SN7, but you have more NOS options with the 6SN7.

With luck 'manicman' (he's in Calgary too) will jump in or PM him, he's a walking library on tubes, a great guy and rolls like crazy. We both agree that the best tube upgrade is to Cryo treat your tubes which Morray James in Calgary has been doing as long as anyone. I really like the results I get and so far I have generally prefered the sound of Shuguangs over my rolling attempts, both new and NOS.

Also 'r3cc0s' here has been rolling some tubes in his A-88.

As far as tube ratings go by end users, I'd hazard a guess that not too many of them are using their tube amp just to drive Altec Horns as tweeters Smile. Mind you quite a few A-88 owners are doing something similar.

I'd suggest you try rolling in some inexpensive new tubes to get a feel for it first, prior to going the more expensive NOS route. If you do decide to run your A-88 as a main amp then NOS rolling is more fun.

Please keep us posted.

Ian
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r3cc0s



Joined: 13 Apr 2008
Posts: 22
PostPosted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 12:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
howdy VintageToo

Unfortunately I don't have huge experience with driver stage tubes, I am to believe that the Chinese Shuguang\Sino 6N8P are some of the best in the business.
However Ian is right that in regards to options & choices, the 6SN7 bolds more options and flavors...

I might be mistaken, but I've read that the 6N8P was introduced as a mass production valve tube to replace the 6SN7 for multiple purposes outside of the interests of the Audio hobby... yet work superbly as they have the "lowest" microphonics and yield great sonic accuracy.

If you just do generic searches online regarding this tube on places such as audiogon, you'll see favorable reviews of this tube.

When it comes to the replacing the 6N8Ps, I'm thinking of trying the Sylvania 6NS7 Chrome domes...

However all and all the tubes that came with the A-88 are of top grade and really do sound supurb.

You can change the characteristics to find the tonal harmony you like, but I'd start at the input stage 12AX7s tubes.... as the driver and output tubes are well rated for their quality and neutrality

I'm using Electro Harmonix 12AX7 gold pins, and they definately bring more warmth, but it appears at the expense of some detail
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VintageToo



Joined: 17 Mar 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Calgary
PostPosted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:28 pm    Post subject: Re: 6N8P equivalent tubes in A-88 Reply with quote
Thanks for the replies. Actually I currently am running full range using the A-88 and very impressed with the sound. I used my ss amp, which i've been very happy with, when the tube failed. Same cables and speakers, same Cyrus CD transport, same ss pre-amp and there was a huge improvment in detail with the A-88.

I appreciate the advice. I wanted to know my options for when I see something interesting!

Thanks again,

Bernard
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