Rating the Sylvania 7N7 Black T-plates is a difficult task, as it is simultaneously one of the best and one of the worst tubes I have ever listened to. While it features T-plates similar to the legendary Sylvania 6SN7 “Bad Boy,” the color is a distinct matte finish rather than the shiny plates found on its 6SN7 cousin. The primary drawback of this tube is that it rolls off incredibly early, resulting in a loss of information that can make the presentation sound quite unnatural.
However, it is also one of the most musical and creamy tubes in existence, when playing “Deep Within the Corners of My Mind” by Melody Gardot, the lack of grain was simply unbelievable, creating an absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing experience. Ultimately, this tube can be a miracle or a disaster for your system, depending entirely on the genre of music you prefer.
Final Verdict: A polarizing specialty tube that offers mesmerizing liquidity at the expense of high-frequency extension.
Rating the Sylvania 7N7 Black T-plates is a difficult task, as it is simultaneously one of the best and one of the worst tubes I have ever listened to. While it features T-plates similar to the legendary Sylvania 6SN7 “Bad Boy,” the color is a distinct matte finish rather than the shiny plates found on its 6SN7 cousin. The primary drawback of this tube is that it rolls off incredibly early, resulting in a loss of information that can make the presentation sound quite unnatural.
However, it is also one of the most musical and creamy tubes in existence, when playing “Deep Within the Corners of My Mind” by Melody Gardot, the lack of grain was simply unbelievable, creating an absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing experience. Ultimately, this tube can be a miracle or a disaster for your system, depending entirely on the genre of music you prefer.
Final Verdict: A polarizing specialty tube that offers mesmerizing liquidity at the expense of high-frequency extension.