Tung-Sol Battle - American NOS vs Russian New Production 6SN7 Quads 

The new Russian seems to have a bit higher gain and it sounds more transparent and airy. The NOS produces the classic focusing sound with a little warmer. Both are good in each own way.

I am slowly moving all my 6L6 guitar amps over to the current Tung-Sol 5881's. I love the clean, tight basses they provide.

New production tubes are nothing to sneeze at. It's nice to have quality tubes still made for audio projects.

Excellent comparison and editing of this for our enjoyment! I’m easily going with the Red based, Russian tubes for sure. Just close your eyes when listening and you will hear the midrange and treble change :)

Its interesting to here the slight difference for my ears the NOS are nicer, the new ones sound boxed in on vocals, thanks for this test, it is nice to know that the new tubes still do a good job for the price I would still buy.

Maybe it's my phone. Maybe it's RU-vid. I hear no difference. Both sound good. And yea, its good that these are still made.

I was prepared to proclaim NOS as unbeatable before the demo started. After listening twice now I'm leaning more to the new. I feel like the top end has more air to it. The cymbals had more decay before they disappeared. IMO they both sound great and a huge thank you for talking the time.

Thanks for making this video. I use modern made Tung-Sol 6SN7's in my Freya+, replacing the JJ tubes it came with. I welcome this comparison, but I think micing your speakers makes it very hard to really compare them. The particular loudspeakers and amps (good as they are) contribute sonics and the room is also very apparent in the audio. Better to pull a direct output from the Freya to a high quality AD convertor and post comparisons that way. Just a suggestion, and thanks again for posting this.

Excellent comparison video. On my Audience The One speakers, I found the Russian tubes to be more open with greater treble definition. Midrange was also more open on the Russian tubes and the bass was more distinctly presented. Having said that, it would be totally system dependent. If I owned B&W speakers or brighter sounding gear in general, I might prefer the NOS.

Fascinating history on the TUNG-SOL tube company.

1st off, thank you sir. Fine comparison and choice of music. I'm drawn to this by way of guitar amplification. My admittedly battered ears can hear more content with the new offerings. On the live cut I can actually hear crowd banter which simply isnt there with the vintage set. But, that vintage bass tho! Almost a modern R&B flavor bass. I could hear the bass better with the new tubes but, could FEEL it better with the vintage set. I'm getting the new ones for my rig as I dont play bass. Thanks again friend!

The name of this vid is so specific and alienates all who don't understand the terms. I love it

Just proves that being NOS doesn't automatically mean better quality. Slam dunk for the new kids on the block here.

They both sound pretty good but I much preferred the NOS. Especially in the 1st track. This is listening over my phone though and I don’t like judging critical sound through a RU-vid video either. Always so many variables to audio. The newer sounds brighter to me and a bit hollow on the top end. The mid and lower lose a bit of their oomph and warmth compared to the NOS imho. That’s just me though. I’m new to trying to listen for these things so... be gentle 😝

Top end of the real Tung Sol's are smoothed out. They sound softer

The newer tubes sound like they need more break in. I like both for what they do, would use both in rotation. Thanks for the compare.

Great video! I have both and I like them all, but my fave is the NOS. The new Tung Sols sound a bit metallic for my ears. My system includes a 1978 Kenwood KA-9150 amp running the new Klipsch 600M II and the NOS Tung Sols really take the edge of those often too bright speakers

Listening to this through nice gear the vintage Tung-Sols are slightly more pleasing smother and natural sounding. The new reissue tubes have a slight edge and grain to them. The Russian Tung-Sols are outstanding tubes and a great value.

Going in I expected the NOS to win. But I liked the new ones more.

I think the newer one is a little nicer. Great video, thanks for sharing.

The NOS is more airy, and the newer one is more forward sounding to me. For long listening, I would prefer the NOS. ;)

The black one sounds cool and dark background, the brown one sounds mellow and clear background. I like the brown one, cause it has more flavor to me.

The USA old stock ones sound more tinny and narrower in sound, whilst the Ruski new ones have a wider sound like they have a bit of reverb and a nicer tone.

Love your videos, I am looking at getting a Freya. Seems so versatile. Hope to be able to listen to more video.

I normally don't like listen tests because you are hearing your own system. I admit that to me the modern ones sounded better(Some one below called it more modern), but I listened through 6L6GC in my Prima Luna and frankly nether sounded near as good as the smiths album played directly.(FYI I saw them live when he was still wafting about the carnations, if I remember properly) I am very interested in your descriptions, advice and grater experience etc but but I'm sceptical of direct listen. I am actively looking for new valves to experiment with as so far I have only heard the original Prima Luna EL34's and the above mentioned HARMA retro which I would recommend to anyone interested. I have just subscribed and hope to learn more about valves.

The NOS do sound better.. more realistic and immersing, but honestly for the money the Russians sounded pretty good. I think for a pre stage I’d spend for the nos but for power I’d go with Russian.

Here are my quick thoughts about this listening test. I really like the smoothness of the high frequencies coming from the American Tung-Sol tubes. There was no hint of edginess or harshness in the vocals in Suavecito and the presentation was very natural and neutral. This is in contrast to the Russian Tung-Sol tubes, which added a subtle but noticeable brightness to the vocals and percussion that was apparent in the 2nd song. As I mentioned before, the JBL 4343s use compression drivers in the high frequency and ultra high frequency speaker components that are very sensitive to high frequencies. They do not need any additional brightness coming from the tubes. For me, the Russian Tung-Sols sounded fatiguing to me through my JBL 4343s. If you have speakers that are more laid back or relaxed in the high frequencies, the Russian Tung-Sols may be a great option for you. As for the bass frequencies, the Russian Tung-Sols had more impact in the kick drum and bass guitar and seemed to bring the lower frequencies more forward in the soundstage. However, the American Tung-Sol's bass sounded more balanced and rounded to me. As for midrange, the American Tung-Sols just sound so smooth and controlled. They remind me a lot of the CBS-Hytron 5692s when it comes to midrange and high frequency presentation.

I replaced a worn set of old 6550 with a new production set and the sound was awesome. They nailed the 6550 tubes.

I preffer the Russian's. Thanks!

Very nice clip! Both sound magnificent! I use and recommend the New Sensor TS pretty much across the board. Very high quality. These Russian TS's have more clarity/spaciousness with the mid-high end tone while the vintage TS presents more low...of course an internal component mod can change that to some degree. I build n modify hiZ bullet microphones and modify only tube amps for us harmonica players where the ear is extremely important to achieve good amplified tone with rich n spacious tone before and at the clipping point . Having said that about the mid-highs of the Russian Pre TS, my favorite 6L6 is the new Tung Sol 6L6GT STR with its tight and punchy low end. When I AB verses my stash of prime NIB 50s n 60s RCA 6L6s the new TS STR in my opinion out performs my RCA's. I really like the new TS Russian built tubes. Note: The new Mullards are made at New Sensor and sound like TS and look nearly identical to the TS, however, I've had 6L6 Mullards show up with crooked bottles while the TS's are built with attention to detail and a little cheaper....2 different New Sensor plants. But now tthe Mullard "preamp" tubes are very very good just like the TS's. IMO you can't go wrong with new TS.

It is really difficult to say anything while I am listening on my Genius computer bar speaker :-) Only one who can say anything is you 'cause you are listening directly :-)

The russian ones are more warm and lush sounding, the american made one is while still lush in comparison to modern solid state amps is more bright and dryer. Both have that saturation in dynamics I expect from a tube that makes them appealing and makes youtube sound a bit higher resolution than it really is. I don't know in a situation like that I think I'd have to own both. They both serve a meaningful purpose.

I would be happy with either. NOS seem to compress a bit more. Russian ones more Open sound I would prob prefer on the long run. Wonder how they would go In a guitar amp

The Russian tubes are more open, cleaner with better base.

I use the new Russian Reissue Tung Sols in my set up. I have NOS USA ones also, but they just can't hang with the new. Listening to both thru my Klipschorns, the new tubes deliver more bass, mid bass and dynamics with more punch than the NOS, which also comes thru listening to both on your video even thru RU-vid. Thx for making the great audition video and posting it. Thoroughly enjoyed and confirmed what my ears already knew.... the new Russian reissues are nothing to sneeze at

To me the Russian tube seems to offer a "fuller" sound. The NOS is perhaps slightly more detailed but just by a hairs breadth. The Russian tube to me offers a fuller reproduction across the frequency spectrum. There's just more there, there. Given a choice, I would take the new tubes over the NOS hands down.

First off,nice selection of songs especially the second song,I don't know the worth of the USA made NOS Tungsol but im sure they would be much more expensive than the Russian made,but I like both,but just a little more in the Russian made Tungsol

I'm a NOS guy but pleasantly surprised with the Russian tube's performance... I still like the NOS better though. Great video... do some el34s Cheers

Just like when fender tube amps are compared to tonemaster amps. I don't hear any difference. This test is good, as new tubes are many dollars cheaper than very old (NOS) tubes. Chinese tubes? Not sure about them, as the Chinese are known to cut corners (cheat) when producing their products in general. But I haven't heard a comparison between all 3 types yet. So far, just like with old guitars, compared to the same type of new ones, I feel that the difference is in the mind not the ears. "Placebo". As long as the quality is equal. Very interesting demonstration. Love the music. Thank You

It’s a comparison of old vs new...... the 322 were made for sound on 1950s music and music equipment and of course the new ones for now. If there was anyway for you to acquire a music system from that era to compare the sound ,that would be very interesting to hear the comparison and truly appreciated. Thank you , great videos 👍🏻

Most every tube I've got made by Reflector C.O. sounds impressive. Their 5881WXT is hands down my favorite current production 6L6 type tube. The one and only problem is they don't last long. but at the same time one should consider how often you use the system/ device you put them in. if you don't use your amp/ sound system very often then they last a long time. If your going for any Russian/ Eastern block type tube and you find some that you really like, my advice would be to buy another set when you have some extra money and put them on the shelf (after testing them) . Right now tube companies are having a hard time staying open. someone told me Svetlana shut down. and I hear Winged =(C)= is gone also. I would not be surprised if say 5 years from now the only Tube production left would be in China. Having said that. I have never bought any 6SN7 tubes. but to my ear the US Tung-Sol has a little less treble. US Tung-Sol tended to make their output tubes with "noise suppression" built in . it works good but you lose some top end/ treble. The US Tung-Sol 5881 is to me the most "noise suppressing" of all. but they kill the treble and harmonics (to my ear anyway) If I wanted a US made set of 6SN7's I'd choose in this order RCA, CBS Hytron, GE, Sylvania. ( dependent on availability and price) . Again, I have never bought 6SN7 tubes . I'm just going by my previous experience with output tubes.

I have a question, doesn't checking the tube bias and the current balance for each "pair" count? Is the amplifier auto biasing. Also, how many high power hours of operation were used to "break them in". For new tubes, I carefully adjust the bias, then check it again after some operating time (100 hours?). Sometimes there is a notable change early on, then it's pretty stable after that.

Wow. Russian tube are absolutely outstanding. What a sound image and openness. Relaxed, wide, in higher frequency. Very detailed. Very tight bass and clear middle register.

Excellent tests, very well done. I wonder if the Freya is capable of revealing the differences as distinctly as others I have heard.

Balance is off, to the right. Not a problem on other vids. Not a problem with the intro. Thanks.

Great video. I buy new tubes. I’ve been told I’m waist int my money as 1960 NOS are the only way. BS I say. I’m currently using MULLARD reissue that sound great.

You editing is awesome.

DT-770 headphones, cheap standard laptop on board audio. Was surprised to hear such a difference. I was hoping the newbies would be better but I think not. Nothing wrong with them, just preferred the Tung-sol. I can understand why many like the new stock. They also give the allusion of higher gain. But a careful listen leads me to think the mix is less defined with the new stock. Still, the new stock sounds good and I wouldnt hesitate giving them a run. Scared to think what a quad set of NOS tubes cost.

The Russian tung-sol sounded more flat but a bit clearer The NOS is a bit warmer and more ( agree with William Fong ) airy

The New Russian tubes have a hollow metallic sound on the highs (tinny), however, appears to produce more pronounced bass. I suspect they are more responsive to low frequencies, while the old American tubes are well rounded. The 1950s was the peak era for tubes, therefore, we can expect NOS from that time to be of high quality. However, the Russian tubes are very good, and are top quality.

For someone going on 28 who can still hear CRT whine American tubes : sounds slight bit lower with more clean audio Modern Russian Tubes : Louder, warmer, more range, but a bit more muddled, while the music sounds warmer and inviting, the lyrics sound just a tiny bit more muddled but nothing to be super antys about. MIND YOU. I have good hearing but I have little BIAS for HIFI stuff, I'm still happy if something sounds like a VHS copy of a sound track, so long as I can hear the lyrics.

I think both are very good. You can choose better match for you depending what you look for. The good news is that new production insn't any whorse than NOS.

Just ordered a quad matched set of the Tung Sol's, for the Freya + . It will be interesting to hear the difference from the stock JJ valves ....

In the first selection, voice was slightly clearer with the Russian made tube. Second selection, it wasn't as noticable, (more voices???).

Excellent video. Do more like this?!

Russian tubes better and more forward midrange, just the way I like it. Great to see that there are great options to NOS. Good video.

Russian tubes nailed it

The Russian made has more low bass & the midrange is more open (higher in gain?). Thanks for the video, well done👍

in my position... beggars cant be choosers. I trust new Russian rather than NOS USA. Just glad the Russians still make them!!!

The Russian tung-sol sounded more hi fi and IMO they brought out more clarity than the NOS tubes.

Both are fantastic tube..usa tube is bright clear sound..and russian tube is full bodied warm airy sound..but I prefer both.🙏🙏🙏very good video.Thank you.

러시아관이 더 해상력이 좋고 차분하네요 저역이 안개처럼 촉촉해지고 강약조절이 리듬감과 생동감을 살려줍니다 미국관은 중역이 좀더 뚜렷하지만 좁게 들립니다. 미국관은 방송용 스피커처럼 보컬과 발음전달이 좋은듯합니다 스피커매칭에 따라 쓰면 되겠지만 개인적으로는 러시아관이 좋네요

Nice Vid. The first track showed clear evidence that the Russian tube sounded better.

Sweet video. I think both sound good. I think the bass from the NOS sounds a bit tighter and punchier. The brightness of the Russian tubes might be preferable in some songs though. And as other have mentioned, they could sound better after burn-in.

The difference using Senheiser phones was minimal to me! The new tubes sounded say 2 db louder in parts but it wasn't a massive diference! If you could only get the new Tung Sole tubes, it wouldn't be a total audio tragedy! They both sounded the same 98% of the time! I own a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated Amplifier and the EL34 output valves sound excellent! The only difference between the EL34 tubes and say some KT-120s was ouput power! There have been quite a lot of NOS failures actually! The filaments are the weak link. No power for 50 years then bam, wake up and sound superb while you're at it! I have also seen new KT88s 120s and 150s with open filaments on some RU-vid restorations but the seller was quite happy to swap them over at his expense! Our love of tubes or valves as we call them here in Australia is borderline senile dementia lol! I have 4 tube amps! A Leak Point One Stereo system I have is being restored. The pre-amp is in first class condition in looks and operation as is the amplifier itself! We dabble in this obsession of ours at our financial risk! That is all! LOL An Australian attempt at humour!

Sou tecnico de eletronica aqui no brasil , cheguei a concertar muitos aparelhos valvulados eram uma maravilha de aparelhos e muito bem fabricados qualidade insuperavel .

Sorry to say this but, I like the mothern. More detailed mid range be and top end. They sound brigher in a good way.

Hey man, great comparison. What's the amp? and is it an integrated, or a poweramp only? Cheers

Listening through my Russian 20 01 latest production in my Freya +.. I think Russians are more analytical with more presence though the American are more reminiscent of actual tube warmer sound..

Nice video, my opinion, the new russian tung sol sounds more bright, a bit more detailed, the sounds looks more open, wide, the NOS us, the sounds looks balanced, neutral, both good, but I will choose the Russian, I got the EL34B russian tung sol and they sounds absolutely great!

watching these vids is better than watching the yule log on xmas day on tv. i don't notice any difference maybe it's the equip - schiit modi 2 uber & vali 2 with ECG7EH tube - beyerdynamic dt-880 pro. prolly just my ears -- i just ordered a russian made tung-sol 6SN7GTB - i don't really know what i'm doing - good video

I think the American ones sound better. But it's no night and day difference. And I'm glad. Because all of my tubes are current production.

NOS ... Hands down ... its not even close ... Put in top class equipment the void would even be bigger ... 😎

Red base: More bass, less "defined". Black base: More clarity, possibly to much in the top end (fatiguing). But that is with my ears and my headphones. And my preferences. Think an inbetween tube would be best.

I would like this to be a blind test and then have people give opinions.

While they seem to draw the same vibe, the new production has better midbass and more bass presence. I would take new stock over NOS.

Nos a bit smoother on edge , Russia is brighter. Is all about what speaker is matching

The black (USA) sounded more tingy. they had a hot spot right around 8 kHz. The orange (Russia) sounded fuller, and didn't have that hot spot on the highs. The midrange is much better on the orange, but, they're not as strong in the highs. I can't say one is better than the other, but, I prefer the Russian tubes in this amplifier. I'm surprised there's that much difference. There might be something to "rolling tubes".

Listened with my hifi setup. Feel more acoustic quality with the new tubes, the russians win for me.

Should test with all acoustic instruments .

Bah... give me a class C transistor amp any day. Clipping is cool! Distortion is the future! :-)

Which of the two Red or Black versions has a higher Sund-Stage? Is one of the two more Bright in the treble? Thank you

looks like they have slight different electrical specs. (which very likely is due to different mechanical design noted at first sight). that could explain the higher gain in hi freqs... to be fair.

The difference to untrained ear or someone who wasn't expecting it is minimal. But, you can her American ones are a bit muted. Not much. The Russians are a bit brighter sounding. I like both!

cant tell which cymbals seems more natural to me....voice a bit more shrill with the ru tubes,..is it more natural ?

322? Illuminati confirmed.

the sounds different is really subtle. Are all the tubes differences so subtle? I just ordered a Tung-Sol 6SN7GTB and 6AS7G RCA NOS for my amp

Actually it is very difficult to describe as it is very much depends on the personal preferences more over the small signal triodes are more or less same as nos the NOS power tubes such as 6L6 GC 6V6 EL34 etc are more durables at higher anode voltage and also long-lasting ones .But NOS power tubes are very costly incomparison with the new productions and it is great that the vaccum are still in production.

With the old one, it's easier to hear all the parts. It's more enjoyable to listen to, for me.

В звуке на Российских лампах, немного больше средних частот, в отличии Американских. И Что? Смотря, что слушать и с какого источника звука - темброблок в помощь. In the sound on Russian lamps, a little more than the middle frequencies, unlike the American ones. So what? It depends on what to listen to and from which sound source - a timbral block is to help.

Советская (Российская) радиоламповая промышленность была построена американцами в 1937 году. И немцами после 1945 года. The Soviet (Russian) radio tube industry was built by the Americans in 1937. And by the Germans after 1945.

I’m damned if I can hear any difference at all, is this all hype. Bat ears spring to mind.

Absolutely no difference heard with an iPhone with earbuds

Agree with poster R00s, how much burn-in time on the new re-issue Russian 6SN7 before this test? Put 200hrs on the new ones and re-test. While this content is low resolution, you can tell a difference when playing this back through a resolving high efficiency audio system. The new TS actually sound fuller at times. I own NOS 1950s 6SN7s, and re-issue TS too, and they don't sound too bad - maybe useful to help tame brighter systems as the new TS re-issues are a tad more rolled off sounding than vintage american made TS 6SN7s at least for this particular test.

Sounds the same .Maybe slight high frequency on new...

When you listen and watch - it feels like you can detect a very slight difference with old seeming to have more extended frequency range (more on the Bottom and top) and the New production with a slight mid bump. Thant said, when closing ones eyes... I find that I am not detecting the transitions. Meaning - the change is extremely slight - and in a blind test - I think I find them to be so similar that it is negligible. I would save my money and buy the new Russian production tubes. Listening on ATC SCM45A near field monitors in a studio.

The Russian version sounds more holographic to me. I dig it!

Hi, i need some advice from you about the 6sn7 tubes as i am new to tube rolling. 2 questions; 1) I will be buying darkvoice amp and it says 6sn7 on the top plate. Since there are gta and gtb versions, can it be used in the DV? I believe gta/gtb version have higher power output and would it destroy the amp circuitry or anything like that? 2) Since tubes are expensive, i can't test out lots of brands straight away. I want to start off with one/two base line tube that's more neutral but has a kick to the bass and mids. I love soundstage, if there's a tube that can accentuate this, it's a bonus. My headphone I'll be using is Beyerdynamic DT990 600 ohm and Sennheiser HD650. Since my DT990 has high treble by default, i don't want a tube that accentuates the treble. Can you recommend me two/three tubes as a base line to try out this magical tube world. Thank you and great job on the video. No one in youtube has down what you are doing.

Why don’t you check the total harmonic distortion and frequency response with the 2 valve types I seem to remember the 3rd harmonic is what to look for in a valve amplifier

I just bought a Darkvoice with a Tung-Sol 6SN7GTB with the label at the bottom 20 03. What does this mean?