Category: Reviews by Tube Model

Which 6SN7SE should I get?

It has come to attention that some shoppers are confused by the different ‘6SN7SE’ tubes available on the market now.

We here clarify as below:

What we offer is called ‘Treasure Globe 6SN7-SE’ (GF-Select Special Edition).

GF stands for ‘Grant Fidelity’.

Globe is the shape of the glass enclosure as most 6SN7 tubes are either straight bottle, or mini 300B shaped with a shoulder.

SE stands for Special Edition, as this model was custom made for us based on the best possible design feature and electronic specs for single ended triode (SET) tube amplification.

We contracted tube factory made the special batch for us. We screen all tubes by our QC standards, not factory’s QC, and then further graded them to ‘low noise Grade A’ and ‘driver grade B’. For those not passing these two grades by our QC standard (about 53%), we instructed factory to destroy them (this we cannot verify if done or not, or these sub-grade tubes flew out of back door to some other vendors).

All our ‘Treasure Globe 6SN7-SE’ (GF-Select Special Edition) tubes are only sold from THIS website, not any other vendors directly or indirectly. Whoever claim they sourced the tubes from us and of same quality, it’s NOT true.

Psvane itself has launched 6SN7SE (clear glass globe shape, with white ceramic base), and 6SN7BE (blue glass globe shape, with white ceramic base). Both are offered under ‘HIFI series’ as varieties to entry to mid level 6SN7. These are NOT the same tube as our ‘Treasure Globe 6SN7-SE’ (GF Limited special Edition). Other tube factories in China may also offer globe shaped 6SN7 and call it ‘6SN7SE’ – they are NOT the same as our offering and have no relations to us either.

Hope the above clarifies the confusion around this SE model, and allow all shoppers to shop wisely with adequate information.

Happy Listening.

Grant Fidelity

6CA7-Z / KT88-Z or WE 6CA7Plus / WE KT88Plus – which one?

Answer to an inquiry from Germany – related to Unison Simply Italy:

6CA7-Z and KT88-Z were released over 10 years ago to the market as the very first high end upgrade tubes. But over years, the factory’s lack of quality screening has flooded market with mixed quality. We (Grant Fidelity) no longer carry them as the ‘selection’ cost is simply too high and performance varies too much. 


WE Plus series is the latest release before Shuguang factory went into relocation and ceased production in 2020 till further notice. From our own evaluation, the sound of this series is much better than previous Z-series (yes people do hear lots of good things about Z-series as they have been on market for 12 years with certainly more users). We selected through the entire factory stock and acquired less than 10 quads which meet our quality standard. We won’t hesitate to recommend them, simply just by the excellent test results we have seen on those we picked.


For your amp – i see the manufacturer website showing it uses EL34. It can be replaced with WE6CA7Plus no problem. I don’t see mentioning this amp can use KT88 – so please make sure your amp indeed can use KT88. If so, WEKT88Plus can be used. 


In general, KT88 gives more bass low frequency but resolution for midrange and high frequency isn’t as good as 6CA7. You can have to decide what is more important to your listening and choose accordingly. 


Hope this helps. 

12AX7LS: ‘Deadly quiet, extremely dark but not in a soupy muddled way’

Feedback received from Paul via email:

“Hi Rachel,
I just want to give you an update. The tube(s) are doing well. No issues seen and I have about 10 hours on them so far.
I gotta say “wow!” these are deadly quiet, extremely dark but not in a soupy muddled way, they are still very dynamic but the silence is incredible. I am really enjoying these so far and I am sure that they will continue to develop.”

 

Type 50 tube “if you like the sound of the old triodes go for Grant Fidelity (type 50)”

Read review by long time Type 50 tube lover Rob from Netherlands:

Conclusion:
Winners are Grant Fidelity and EML. I would put my money on these. You get new tubes, with warranty. If you like the sound of the old triodes go for Grant Fidelity, if you do favor a bit more modern sound, EML would be your choice. Comparing the Grand Fidelity 50 to the originals, the originals will set you back a heap of money for used pairs, whilst difference in sound will be subtle. You get the same character for far less money, and new. As a runner up I mention the EML’s. They do not exactly match tone and spaciousness like the Grant Fidelities and originals, but do breath about the same character with more tight bass and highs. A bit more “modern” sound. Available new as well. Take your pick.
One thing to mention, the Grant Fidelity type 50 was a one batch production, so only a limited stock is available. No idea how much pairs are left at this time..”

https://www.dhtrob.com/impressies/grantfidelity_50.php

Treasure 6SN7SE Globe – “A sound investment for sure”

Feedback from customer Leo. B via email:

hello,my 6sn7se’s arrived yesterday safe & sound !! wow they’re Beautiful !! i installed them as my 2-front driver tubes in B A T VK-75 & WOW They SOUND Beautiful sound stage fattened up & widened out DETAIL GALORE !! A SOUND INVESTMENT for sure….thanks so much & i’ll try out some other tubes soon !! Leo B.