Question

[lpd]

was surfing and found a local vendor claiming that a 6SL7 can be swapped with 6SN7 in a preamp. I can see how the buffers can be rolled but am unclear about the drivers.

Any thoughts?

http://www.space-tech-lab.com/SP-QA-114.html

[Colt45]

It will probably "work".. i.e. amplify.. but not as intended. depends..

[lpd]

I just don't get how the tubes are interchangeable? One seems to be half the mu of the other. Only thing I can think of is if they are used as buffers with a ss front end?

[Miles Prower]

Originally posted by lpd
was surfing and found a local vendor claiming that a 6SL7 can be swapped with 6SN7 in a preamp. I can see how the buffers can be rolled but am unclear about the drivers.

Any thoughts?

Yeah, you found a local vendor with a surplus of 6SN7s and a deficit of honesty. About the only thing that's similar between these two types is the pinout. Otherwise, no comparison. 6SL7s have a u-factor of 70, a Pd rating of 1000mW. The 6SN7 has a u-factor of 20, and, at least the "B" version, a Pd of 5.0W. The Q-points are not likely to be anywhere near close.