Loading... Please wait...CBS-Hytron 5692 - You may be familiar with the 5692 tube. Known for their build quality to withstand mutliple g's and to win the cold war. The engineer designing this tube was thinking about intercontinental ballistic missles, not the best tube for audio. But we benefit from the arms race. Back then this tube cost almost ten times as much as a typical 6SN7, and are very rare. Smooth mids, slightly relaxed highs. Wonderful for taming an overly energetic system... or for folks who just love that velvety smooth, 5692 sound.
Very highly sought after 6SN7 variant. These test perfect and are "da bomb" as the kids say. They were made by G.E., RCA, and CBS. This is the CBS, my personal fav. CBS 5692 throw the deepest soundstage of any 5692 in my experience.
They are easy to identify by the extra support rods and extra mica spacer. No other tube was built like the legendary 5692.
The tubes are marked as 6SN7 Zalytron. Zalytron was a tube re-seller, not a manufacturer.
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.
Click here for a more in depth discussion on how we grade tubes.
Logo quality may vary from picture above. Price includes matching in any quantity you need at no extra charge.
Posted by Noel
I just got my platinum grade Zalytron 5692s and I must say they are excellent input tubes (does not make sense to use this as driver tubes). If you are looking to make your VK 75 perform like the SE version, you have to get one of these. Yes they are very expensive but they are worth the money.The result may be different for a different set up but in mine which consists of an Electrocompaniet CD player, a VK 30 preamp and S. Faber Cremona speakers, they easily justify their cost.
Most of you already know that Upscale Audio is the premier destination for expertise and availability of vacuum tubes for high-end audio equipment. So when we offer servies and options, you can be guaranteed that it represents a significant investment of research and capital, and that the end result will greatly enhance your listening experience.
Upscale has contracted with the foremost company involved in this technology, 300 Below, to treat our most popular tubes. Other tubes will be added as time allows, but it is a time consuming proccess. Our intention is to have most stocks Cryogenically treated before we even test them.

Of course, your first question is – and should be – why? In a nutshell, reducing an object’s temperature to -300ºF re-arranges its molecular structure, creating greater uniformity that results in longer life and better performance than when the product was initially designed.With vacuum tubes, this process has a profound impact on a tube’s ability to endure thermal shock. Therefore, tubes can last longer and their sound can been enhanced in ways that are simply exquisite.
After thoughtful and thorough research, Upscale Audio chose 300 Below because of their extensive experience in working with musical instruments as well as auto racing, metal tooling, and high-end sporting goods from rifle barrels to golf clubs. Expect nothing but the best from Upscale Audio.
Our charge for Cryogenically treating tubes is a fraction of what others charge, though we use the premier company. Count on Upscale to do the best job and not price gouge . Also available is cryogenic treatment for cables, along with our well-known Nordost Vidar cable treatment system. Call for details. Pricing is listed on each tube and cable page.
Vacuum tubes are warranted for 90 days against defects, except in cases of abuse, and replaced with like-item only.
Vacuum tubes are warranted for 90 days against defects, except in cases of abuse, and replaced with like-item only.
Exceptions to our warranty policy are as follows:
Upscale Audio is not liable for any damage or injury caused by the improper use of its tubes or the use of an incorrect/incompatible tube type. If you are unsure of what tube or tubes your equipment uses, consult the manufacturer before making a purchase. Using an incompatible tube type may cause severe damage to your equipment and will void your tube's warranty.
Vacuum tubes are electronic parts and are not refundable under any circumstances.