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AUDIO FORUMS >> Replacement Tubes >> New production SV-83
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Message started by Geno on 02/07/21 at 18:48:30

Title: New production SV-83
Post by Geno on 02/07/21 at 18:48:30

Has anyone had any luck with new production SV-83’s that are anywhere near as good as NOS?

While I’m asking too, can someone recommend a reliable source for NOS of same, besides Steve?

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by Lon on 02/07/21 at 19:35:41

I don't know if there are new production SV83. I would guess that they are all NOS.

I like really only two of the output tubes for the Zen amps: the original Svetlana SV83 that are sometimes available on eBay or from tube vendors and the tested and matched tubes available from Steve. I use the Svetlana in my Taboo Mk IV with the mods and the tubes from Steve with the SE84UFO3 with the mods--they are a touch warmer sounding, a bit less detailed, just a tiny bit. The original Svetlana are pretty reliable and long-lasting, those from Steve are fantastic sounding and long-lasting and reliable. Other of the same type out there are more of a chancy proposition. Some are excellent! Some are mediocre, some are not so good.

I think I have only bought them from eBay. If I were to get tubes from anyone other than Steve I would recommend buying from someone who would note that they have been tested.

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by MrDerrick on 02/07/21 at 19:49:31

Ebay seller tubes_old70 sells them out of the Ukraine.
But they cost more per pair than the pairs that Steve sells.

I bought some 6N6P from him awhile back.
Delivery was less than 2 weeks to Pennsyltucky.

They tested out ok, not as tight as claimed, but ok.
Steve's tubes are always perfect, I keep some pairs as backups at all times.

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by Geno on 02/07/21 at 20:21:39

Thanks guys.

Lon, are you sure that was Sovtek, and not Svetlana?

Derrick, I just took a look at the seller you referred to. I may order a few from him for comparison.

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by Lon on 02/07/21 at 20:40:35

Ah yes, you're right it's Svetlana. I was distracted, trying to set up Apple TV so my wife can watch even more HGTV nonsense--expensive nonsense as it gives her ideas. ;) I'll correct it above, thanks.

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by Donnie on 02/07/21 at 20:43:36

HGTV = house porn.

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by Lon on 02/07/21 at 20:50:31

I hate it. A friend of mine calls it "the white people's BET" which he heard on SNL. My wife loves it though. Oh well.

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by CAJames on 02/08/21 at 15:57:07

I don't know that "SV-83" is a reliable label for buying tubes. I've bought various versions of 6p15p tubes from:

tubes-store.com

Although just checking now there stock is somewhat reduced from the summer.

also:

gstube.com

although they are a little more work to deal with.

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by Lon on 02/08/21 at 16:42:54

SV83 seems to be the Svetlana nomenclature. I find those branded Svetlana to be pretty darned good tubes--that is what Steve first used in the amps after the Revision A which moved the amp from EL84 to this type.

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by CAJames on 02/08/21 at 16:51:09

Quote:

Posted by: Lon Posted on: Today at 16:42:54
SV83 seems to be the Svetlana nomenclature.

Yeah. I guess my thing is you search e.g. ebay for "SV83" and you get all kinds of different tubes, some of which like the EL83 are not compatible (without adapters) and possibly dangerous to use. My suggestion is, if you aren't going to buy tubes from Steve, which is probably the smart move, is buy based on the real Russian tube names, and factory codes. Either 6P15P (just plain) or 6P15P-EV or 6P16P-ER and the factory code on the tube. Of course there is also the difference between the English and Cyrillic alphabet where EV can be EB and ER can be EP. So it is kinda complicated to do right.

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by Lon on 02/08/21 at 17:10:15

Okay, but if you really want the Svetlana SV83, which I did until I ended up with about 12 pairs in part thanks to a forum member here, then you can search for SV83 or Svetlana SV83. They ware worth hearing if you have these amps. . . they may be just the right thing. I definitely recommend trying them in a Zen amp. As Fats Waller said "One never knows do one?"

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by CAJames on 02/08/21 at 17:13:30

That makes sense.

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by Steve Deckert on 02/09/21 at 02:00:17

New Sensor is up to their BS again, selling 6P15P tubes and branding them SV83's. Make no mistake a real SV83 before New Sensor purchased the Svetlana name, were always 6P15P-EV (6n15n-EB in Russian).

6N15P-EV have always cost a lot more than 6P15P.

So basically here is the deal. We have been seeing both 6P15P-EV and 6P15P mixed together as though there were no difference, both with the Svetlana printing on the bottle. The majority are 6P15P. Best to avoid anything labeled SV83 in today's market.

Steve

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by piezoman on 02/11/21 at 21:17:07

Steve, at one point in the past I believe you mentioned the best bet in truth & reliability are the older Svetlana large logos, am I correct?

small logo:

large logo:

I purchased 6 pairs of the large logo version from ebay and another vendor about 6 mos. ago, they were the last big logos that anyone had at the time. I haven't seen any more of them, anywhere, since.

Title: Re: New production SV-83
Post by pursuitofnow on 02/12/21 at 16:44:20

I recently purchased some 6P15P from Decware and received sv-83. I already had a stock pile of sv-83 and thought I was getting 6P15P. I've had some hit or miss luck with sv-83 in the past which is why I ordered some 6P15P thinking they would be OE tubes. I didn't realize the ev difference. Anyone know where to source some 6P15P-ev?