Sovtek 6H30Pi

There are two types of 6H30 tubes currently being produced. The Sovtek brand which have the chrome pins (listed here), and the Electro Harmonix Gold pin. They are the same tube from the same factory. Don’t get your panties in a bunch over which is better, as the gold plating is laid over the chrome plating. They are both terrific. What is most important is how they test. You guys already know that Upscale Audio is the only place that the Audio Research factory people give a thumbs up to. That’s because we actually have our power tubes matched properly and have the highest Gm, and that every small signal tube like the 6H30 is not just measured, but listened to in a special phono stage test circuit by using headphones. That, my friends, is the only way to get the blackest blacks in your system.

We deal with some fairly picky customers that want to make sure that their expensive ARC preamps, phono stages, and amps are as close to perfection as possible. For that customer we have 6H30’s in a grade called “ARC Select”.

This grade has four distinguishing characteristics:

1. The transconductance measurements will be as high as possible, resulting in a tube with the longest life.
2. Internal balance between the two triodes of the tube will be as tight as possible, within 10% (triode balance on a 6H30 can easily vary by 50%)
3. The microphony will be the absolute lowest possible, tested in a moving coil phonostage test circuit with 60dB of gain.
4. The noise will be the absolute lowest possible while being pushed in the same moving coil phonstage test circuit.

Platinum grade will be a fine tube for most people. If you want to assure everything in your system is PERFECT, then use ARC Select. Remember that the tubes are the actual amplifying device you are listening to. They are everything. More than those cables you bought, or that power conditioner. That’s why Upscale Audio is the place that ARC owner’s go. Nobody does what we do.

Please note: There are a finite number of ARC Select grade available. If the website does not let you place your order, call us at 909-931-9686 and we can put you on a waiting list.

Platinum grade – The best of the best. Lowest noise and microphony with the tightest triode balance we have available. This is typically 10% or tighter, but may be higher depending on available stock.

Gold grade – Low noise and microphonics with a triode balance typically between 15% and 20%, but may be higher depending on available stock.

This tube is not a replacement for 6922 or any other tube type.

Click here for a more in depth discussion on how we grade tubes. Label quality may vary from picture above. Prices includes matching in any quantity you need at no extra charge.