--- product_id: 24322238 title: "Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes - Upgrade for 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 - JAN 5654W Platinum Grade Pair" brand: "riverstone audio" price: "€ 69.51" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Riverstone Audio" url: https://www.desertcart.sk/products/24322238-tested-matched-pair-2-tubes-7-pin-jan-5654w-fully store_origin: SK region: Slovakia --- # Low-noise audio clarity Matched within 3% precision 2-year warranty protection Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes - Upgrade for 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 - JAN 5654W Platinum Grade Pair **Brand:** riverstone audio **Price:** € 69.51 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🎶 Elevate your soundstage with vintage precision — don’t just listen, experience it! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes - Upgrade for 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 - JAN 5654W Platinum Grade Pair by riverstone audio - **How much does it cost?** € 69.51 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sk](https://www.desertcart.sk/products/24322238-tested-matched-pair-2-tubes-7-pin-jan-5654w-fully) ## Best For - riverstone audio enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted riverstone audio brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **NOS-Level Performance:** Guaranteed micro-mho ≥ 4500 and plate current ≥ 6.6mA, delivering vintage tube muscle with modern reliability. - • **Plug-and-Play Upgrade:** Direct replacement for 6AK5 / 6J1 / EF95 tubes—upgrade your amplifier effortlessly and avoid costly damage. - • **Audiophile-Grade Sound:** Experience enhanced depth and clarity with low-noise JAN 5654W tubes, elevating your audio setup beyond the ordinary. - • **Precision Matched Pair:** Each tube is matched within 3% for plate current and mutual conductance, ensuring flawless stereo balance. - • **Authenticity You Can Trust:** Genuine USA-made tubes with etched '5654' and 'USA' markings, backed by rigorous life and sound testing. ## Overview Riverstone Audio’s Platinum Grade JAN 5654W vacuum tubes are a meticulously tested and matched pair designed for audiophiles seeking authentic, low-noise, and high-performance upgrades for 7-pin tube amplifiers. With guaranteed NOS-level specs, genuine USA manufacture, and a 2-year warranty, these tubes deliver superior sound clarity and stereo balance, making them the smart choice for professionals and enthusiasts craving that classic tube warmth with modern confidence. ## Description Product description RIVERSTONE AUDIO TUBE TESTING FACILITY Riverstone Audio specializes in the testing of vintage US and Russian vacuum tubes used for audio applications. During the past decade, Riverstone Audio has tested over 70,000 vintage vacuum tubes. The proper evaluation of vintage tubes for audio applications requires considerable effort and specialized test equipment. Our workshop has the best available equipment for testing and evaluating the electrical and audio qualities of vacuum tubes, including several state-of-the-art Amplitrex AT1000 tube testers and various vintage and custom-built tube and audio test equipment. The Amplitrex tube testers allow us to determine a vacuum tubes electrical parameters with precision, including plate current, mutual conductance, grid characteristics, gas, life, inter-element leakage and noise. Additional test equipment allow us to evaluate vacuum tubes under different test parameters, including self-bias (cathode bias) test modes. Riverstone Audio personnel are trained professionals, with a detailed understanding of vacuum tube technology and amplifiers. We have the hands-on experience needed to select vintage vacuum tubes that will provide the best possible audio listening experience. Our senior engineers are experienced in running engineering research labs and closely monitor all aspects of testing, matching, and QC procedures and are also available to answer customer questions when they arise. ALL RIVERSTONE AUDIO VINTAGE VACUUM TUBES ARE RIGOROUSLY TESTED AND MATCHED AT OUR PROFESSIONAL AUDIO TUBE TESTING FACILITY We reject 50% to 60% of the vintage NOS tubes we test. Why such a high reject rate? ONLY THE BEST JAN 5654W tubes we test are selected for Riverstone Audio's matched tube pairs. We want to find tubes that provide detailed sound quality, low noise and long trouble-free operation. To find these tubes, we have high standards in place for the electrical and audio quality; Riverstone Audio's requirements are higher than those required by the original tube manufacture's. Electrical parameter testing is performed using Amplitrex AT1000 tube testers. All 5654W tubes are fully tested for important electrical parameters, including plate current (ia), mutual conductance (Gm), grid voltage (or grid current depending on test mode), inter-element leakage, gas, noise and life. Tubes are matched within 3% for BOTH Gm and plate current. Matched pairs undergo a final audio test. Clearly Indicated Test Results WE PROVIDE TEST RESULTS DIRECTLY ON TUBE BOXES - measured values for ia and Gm are attached to the tube boxes. The data labels are Riverstone Audio’s quality promise to our customers. RIVERSTONE AUDIO TESTED AND MATCHED JAN 5654W 7-PIN VACUUM TUBES Our experienced staff know what it takes to select vacuum tubes that will provide high audio quality and long life. After electrical parameter and life testing, we MATCH the 5654W vacuum tubes for BOTH plate current (ia) and mutual conductance (Gm). The tubes you receive are matched within 3% for ia and Gm and to test at NOS levels of 4400 micro-mho or higher and a plate current (ia) of 6.4 mA or higher (tested in fixed-bias mode at plate and screen voltages of 120 V and grid voltage of -2.0 V). Tubes must also pass final audio testing. Why choose vintage 5654W tubes from Riverstone Audio? Better audio detail and resolution. Clearer sound performance in all audio ranges - base, mid-range and treble. Better sound stage and separation. Overall improvement in sound quality. A better listening experience from your amplifier. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION and USE of RIVERSTONE AUDIO TESTED AND MATCHED JAN 5654W TUBES JAN 5654W PENTODE TUBES JAN 5654W tubes are vintage US manufactured military-grade pentodes. The "W" designation refers to ruggedized tubes with better quality control and internal design changes to enhance reliability and reduce noise levels. These vintage US manufactured tubes have found new life as replacements for 7-pin 6J1, 6J1P (6ZH1P-EV), 6AK5, EF95 and 403B tubes and are used by audiophiles for the improved sound quality they provide. All Riverstone Audio JAN 5654W tubes are genuine unused NOS (New Old Stock) US-manufactured and were obtained from military surplus stock. 5654W TUBES HAVE B7G BASES WITH 7-PINS NOTE: 5654W tubes are DIRECT replacements for the following tubes ONLY 6J1 (Chinese), 6J1P / 6J1P-EB / 6Zh1P-EV (Russian), 6AK5 / 6AK5W / EF95 and 403B (US and European). ***REPLACE OR SUBSTITUTE AMPLIFIER TUBES WITH CAUTION: AMPLIFIER DAMAGE CAN OCCUR IF YOU USE THE WRONG TYPE OF TUBE*** IF IN DOUBT, CHECK WITH YOUR AMPLIFIER MANUFACTURER BEFORE PURCHASING SPECIAL NOTE FOR HYBRID-CIRCUIT PREAMPS AND HEADPHONES Although other 7-pin tubes outside the 5654W / 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 / 403B tube family are not equivalent in terms of their electrical characteristics, the hybrid circuits used in certain headphone and turntable preamplifiers sometimes allow 5654W tubes to be used in place of other 7-pin tubes, including Chinese 6J2, 6J4, 6J5 and 6K4 tubes. PLEASE check with your ampifier manufacturer or contact Riverstone Audio for advice regarding the substitution of 5654W tubes for 6J2, 6J4, 6J5, 6K4 or other 7-pin vacuum tubes. QC and PACKAGING -- We take pride in a job well done - all tubes undergo careful inspection, QC procedures and packing before leaving a Riverstone Audio Facility Carefully inspect every tube Prior to testing, tubes are visually inspected for defects that could impact tube performance. Defects include damaged pins, loose internal connections, getter degradation, internal debris, damaged/misaligned mica spacers and damaged/tilted tube plates (anode). Straighten tube pins Tube pins are straightened and aligned with Riverstone's vacuum tube pin straighteners (also available on desertcart). Please note that slight variations in the color of tube pins is typical and is from the original manufacturing process. Re-inspect, cleaning and data labels After all electrical and audio testing is completed, tubes are cleaned and given a final QC inspection. Shock proof and secure packaging We package tubes the way we would want to receive them. Thick EVA pads are placed at the top and bottom of the tubes to provide an extra degree of protection during shipping. After packaging, a tamper-proof QC seal is used to ensure that the tubes you receive are indeed a fully tested Riverstone Audio product. Review: Excellent bang for buck, way better than Chinese crap tubes! - This alleged matched pair of 5654W vacuum tubes were my first tube purchase from Riverstone Audio. Very impressive packaging – safe, secure, and it looks like they take pride in their work. As I do not have access to a tube tester, I have to take Riverstone’s word on them being matched and on their measured performance specs. These tubes replaced the cheap Chinese crap tubes that came with my equally cheap Douk Audio T3 Plus phono/headphone preamp. The T3 Plus itself is underwhelming, but for the price that’s what I expected. However, for relatively little money, these 5654W tubes made a subtle but very noticeable improvement in sound quality in my T3 Plus. And that improvement was well worth the cost of these tubes, regardless of the following concern: HOWEVER – and I’m hoping Riverstone reads and responds to the following comment – I am a little concerned that these 5654W tubes may (or may not) have been counterfeit, or not completely advertised honestly as real GE NOS / New Old Stock tubes (actual NOS means they were manufactured many decades ago in tube’s “muscle car era” and have never been used since. Such NOS tubes command very high prices now, due to their reputation and scarcity). Here’s my concern: The green ink printed labels on the outside of each tube appear to be printed over, and on top of, other labels in light gray ink that appear to be on the inside of the tube - question mark ( ? ). Hmm. While this is unlikely to be an actual problem, our friend The Internet is full of counterfeit knock-off tubes that are “advertised” as NOS / New Old Stock but are actually modern tubes that are not manufactured to the same old-school tolerances and specifications. Similar to cheap Gucci and Louis Vitton handbags, etc. As these Riverstone 5654W’s have both green and gray printed labels, one on top of the other, it makes me doubt their true manufacturing / vintage. That said, they sound better than the tubes I replaced them with, and that’s all that really matters. In addition, a deep dive into research on GE 5654W tubes from other vendors also shows them as having the double green/gray printed labels, so at least these Riverstone’s are no worse than that competition. All that being said, for the asking price, these Riverstone 5654W’s are well worth the asking price – they simply sound better than the cheap factory installed tubes I replaced them with, and for less than the price of dinner out this evening. As this 5654W tube and its numerous compatible variants are not commonly used by tube amp/preamp manufacturers, it’s difficult to get trustworthy research on them no matter which vendor you consider. Even tube “Godfather” Brent Jessie’s website has scant info about this tube family, and Brent Jessie’s website is the most trustworthy for vacuum tube research. Review: Go-to - Riverside Audio is my go-to for these tubes. I remember when tube testing kiosks were in regular stores (Sears, mid-60’s). Makes sense to match them for two channel music applications, and Riverside does this; i can’t. They come well packaged (with an “if seal is broken” notice, an “extra mile”) with documentation of the testing. What this means to me, along with my listening experience, is confidence in the brand. I paid more for a pair of 1940s vintage tubes but it wasn’t long before one burned out, leaving me with an orphan. Better to go Riverside, all of mine still work, though I can’t estimate how much time I have in them, at least a couple years in one pair. These are worth it, especially at the current price, under $20 a pair in early ‘21. What they add is an improvement in the depth of perceptible soundstage, vs. a more 2-D experience. Less potential for listening fatigue with the treble. No serious sacrifice in the details. When I have them out of my signal chain I can still enjoy the music, but then a restlessness sets in (“Audio nervosa?”), as if something’s missing. Knowing what that is means in theory is that there’s a possibility of it being all in my head — but then that’s where my ears attach. Then back in they go, and it’s “ah ...” I use them in three of those inexpensive “Chi-Fi” preamp/tube buffers that desertcart sells, in three different stereo systems, all with class D amplifiers, after many years of the same A-B amps, for something different. My first impression of class D was skewed by having it drive brand new speakers, which (seriously) benefited from a good period of break-in (believe it or not). The sound signature of all the class D I’ve heard is, to me, detail-oriented, flat across the frequency range (so far as I can tell), neutral, possibly a tad dark, which I like, after years of relative warm & creamy. But in that first combination I was reminded of the difference between early remastered CDs of rock music I had on vinyl — the analog knocked it out of the park. CDs sounded more compressed, with “digititis” leading to listening fatigue. Not so anymore. I have Riverside tubes between one of those little TDA7498 amps (32v 5 amp power supply) driving early 90s Definitive Technology DR7 speakers. One between an ICEpower 125ASX 2SE amp and Dayton Audio MK442t speakers. Even in my work-in-progress endgame (if there is such a thing) system, my sources to a Schiit Saga + and a made in Ohio VTV Hypex NCore 252MP amp, as far up the class D chain as I’ve gone, driving sweet Q-Acoustics 3050i speakers (for me the balance between two channel simplicity and enough bass to preclude a subwoofer). An issue I had was wanting to push the volume higher on certain music when using my current budget streamer, a discontinued NEXUM TuneBox TB20. The Saga has little gain. My heretical solution was to put a tube buffer back in the chain, between the Saga and the amp. Two preamps, but “Ah ... just right.” System synergy. So especially if you’re new to class D, or need a little extra volume (I set the buffers to around 11 o’clock), for not much money I found they worked for me. ## Features - Tested and matched pair (2 tubes) of low-noise 7-Pin NIB/NOS JAN 5654W Vacuum Tubes. Considered one of the best of the 5654 / 6AK5 / EF95 family of tubes for audio use. - Our platinum Grade 5654W vacuum tubes are matched within 3% for both plate current (ip) and mutual conductance (Gm) and are backed by a no-nonsense 2-year warranty. - We guarantee that the 5654W tubes selected for our Platinum Grade matched pairs test at NOS levels at or above 4500 micro-mho with a plate current of 6.6 mA or higher. All tubes must also pass a specialized life test and an audio sound test. - Riverstone Audio Platinum Grade tubes are provided with data labels showing measured ip and Gm. - Amplifier damage can occur if you substitute the wrong type of tube. 5654W tubes should only be used to directly replace 7-Pin 6J1, 6J1P / 6J1P-EB / 6Zh1P-EV, 6AK5, 6AK5W and EF95 tubes. DO NOT substiture for other types of 7-pin vacuum tube unless approved as a substitute by the manufacturer of your audio device. - For JAN 5654W tubes, water-based silk-screen printing was used for final tube-markings; the green-color print may be faded or partially missing due to the age of the tubes (the manufacture of 5654W tubes ended approx. 35 years ago). Determing the authenticity of a 5654W tube is realtively straightforward, as both "5654" and "USA" were etched into the glass during the manufacture process (this can be seen in one of the listing images). The final green-color print was used to denote additional details such, including "JAN 5654W", "Made in USA", factory logo, date-code and other tube specifications such as the "JAN" (Joint Army Navy) miltary-use designation. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B01BFJDTW0 | | Best Sellers Rank | #24,740 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #124 in Audio Component Amplifiers | | Brand | Riverstone Audio | | Brand Name | Riverstone Audio | | Color | Silver | | Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,962 Reviews | | Manufacturer | Riverstone_Audio | | Manufacturer Warranty Description | Riverstone Audio 2-year warranty. | | Material | Glass | | Material Type | Glass | | Maximum Pressure | 7 Bars | | Nominal Wall Thickness | 1.3 mm | | UPC | 763769918220 | | Unit Count | 2.0 Count | ## Product Details - **Brand:** Riverstone Audio - **Color:** Silver - **Manufacturer:** Riverstone_Audio - **Material:** Glass - **Maximum Pressure:** 7 Bars - **Nominal Wall Thickness:** 1.3 mm - **Set Name:** Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin JAN 5654W Vacuum Tubes - **Specific Uses For Product:** Audio equipment, Music listening - **UPC:** 763769918220 - **Unit Count:** 2.0 Count ## Images ![Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes - Upgrade for 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 - JAN 5654W Platinum Grade Pair - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91RgarCU-zL.jpg) ![Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes - Upgrade for 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 - JAN 5654W Platinum Grade Pair - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81pms7EbIsL.jpg) ![Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes - Upgrade for 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 - JAN 5654W Platinum Grade Pair - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81uoRFnU5hL.jpg) ![Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes - Upgrade for 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 - JAN 5654W Platinum Grade Pair - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91bfDbzEOCL.jpg) ![Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes - Upgrade for 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 - JAN 5654W Platinum Grade Pair - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71T7KS7K9EL.jpg) ## Questions & Answers **Q: Do I just plug them in and start playing music or let them burn in for 10 hours first?** A: Thank you for your question. First the quick answer...5654W tubes used in Riverstone Audio's matched tube pairs and quads have undergone extensive testing and are ready to use...so plug, play and enjoy. And now the longer answer...There are varied views on the effect of tube “burn in” on sound quality and if it is necessary. From a technical viewpoint, during initial use, there may be small changes in the electrical characteristics of a vacuum tube, including changes in cathode emission. For a given circuit, these initial changes may influence how a tube “sounds” in a particular audio device. For a headphone amplifier or other audio device, and depending on how a tube is used in a circuit (e.g., tube-based or hybrid circuits), detectable changes in sound quality, if any, will usually occur very early in the use cycle of a tube. However, for some tubes, you may continue to hear subtle changes even after 10 to 20 hours of use. Changes in electrical characteristics, which depend on the chosen operating point of a tube (e.g., plate voltage) are measureable and can be documented by monitoring a tube’s electrical parameters as a function of time. For the 6AK5/5654 family of tubes, we find that measurable electrical properties stabilize within the first several hours of use and, in fact, for many of the 5654/6AK5/EF95 tubes we have examined, stability in measured parameters is often achieved after less than an hour of use (the rate at which the parameters stabilize during initial use depends on the chosen operating point of a tube, such as plate voltage and grid bias).At Riverstone Audio we utilize detailed screening and test procedures for our matched tube sets. To screen out low quality tubes, and to help stabilize the electrical characteristics of the tubes used in our matched tube sets, we subject the tubes to several test cycles that incorporate an extended hold period during which key electrical parameters, such as plate and grid current are monitored for stability (drift). As part of our QC procedure, all tested/matched tubes sets are checked for noise AND sound quality. The sound quality test is performed using a headphone amplifier by technical staff well trained in the nuances in sound quality for various types of tubes – tubes that do not pass the electrical parameter tests, noise, or final sound quality checks are discarded.Our matched 5654W and 5670W tube sets are the most extensively screened and tested vacuum tubes available anywhere. So..plug, play and enjoy and rest assured that the tubes are ready to use. James at Riverstone Audio **Q: will this replace 6K4 i bought a headphone amp on here and it list this tube as a replacement for 6K4 so will this work** A: 5654W tubes are not a direct substitute - however, certain hybrid circuits using the Chinese 6K4 tube are designed such that several other 7-pin pentodes can be used as replacements Note that there is also a vintage Western tube that is also refered to as a "6K4 tube:; this tube is a sub-miniature TRIODE and IS NOT a substitute for the Chinese 6K4 tube as they have much different electrical characteristics and physical connections (the vintage US-manufactured 6K4 triode has electrical leads that are soldered to a circuit). The closest Western equivalent to a Chinese-manufactured 6K4 tube is the vintage 6BA6/EF93 pentode. Again, as mentioned earlier, some headphone amps and tube buffers that are available on Amazon have hybrid circuits that allow using several different 7-pin pentode tubes in place of the Chinese 6K4; including 5654/6AK5/6J1 tubes. Before ordering any tube, please check directly with the amp or buffer seller to verify that your particular amp or buffer model can utilize other 7-pin pentode tubes. Best regards, James at RIverstone Audio **Q: Do these riverstone audio - tested/matched pair (2 tubes) 7-pin ge jan 5654w work for my little dot mk1 + and my little dot mk ii as driver tubes ?** A: Yes, GE JAN 5654W tubes are excellent driver tubes for both the Little Dot mk1+ and Little Dot mk ii headphone amps. We have several of the Little Dot amps in our workshop and have tested these tubes, and many other US as well as Russian tube brands, extensively in both the mk 1+ and mk II; when properly chosen the JAN 5654W consistently rank the highest in terms of sound quality and low noise level. The test parameters we use during a portion of the electrical parameter testing were chosen based on the circuit requirements of the mk 1+ and mk II headphone amps. James at Riverstone Audio **Q: Do these tubes come with all the lettering intact or is the lettering worn off** A: We only sell vintage tubes that have good quality lettering. We inspect each tube to make certain that the lettering (tube type, manufacturer and date code) is readable on a tube - if it does not meet our requirements we simply do not sell the tube. The lettering will not always be "perfect", but it will generally be in very good condition. As background, the lettering that was used on many vintage US-manufactured tubes was often applied by silk-screen printing, which is less than ideal in regards to abrasion resistance of the lettering during shipping and routine handling. During shipping, surface abrasion, caused by movement of tubes within their boxes can damage to the print. In addition to abrasion during shipping, improper handling and cleaning of tubes can significantly degrade the quality of the 30+ year old lettering on 5654W tubes. To help preserve the lettering on the 5654W tubes we sell, we utilize thick EVA pads to prevent tubes from moving in their boxes. The EVA also helps absorb vibrations and impacts during shipping. We have gone the extra mile to provide good quality tubes, and want to make certain that the tubes you receive are protected from damage during shipment. If you ever receive tubes from Riverstone Audio that you are not completely satisfied with simply contact us for a refund or replacement. James, RIverstone Audio ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent bang for buck, way better than Chinese crap tubes! *by M***E on September 14, 2025* This alleged matched pair of 5654W vacuum tubes were my first tube purchase from Riverstone Audio. Very impressive packaging – safe, secure, and it looks like they take pride in their work. As I do not have access to a tube tester, I have to take Riverstone’s word on them being matched and on their measured performance specs. These tubes replaced the cheap Chinese crap tubes that came with my equally cheap Douk Audio T3 Plus phono/headphone preamp. The T3 Plus itself is underwhelming, but for the price that’s what I expected. However, for relatively little money, these 5654W tubes made a subtle but very noticeable improvement in sound quality in my T3 Plus. And that improvement was well worth the cost of these tubes, regardless of the following concern: HOWEVER – and I’m hoping Riverstone reads and responds to the following comment – I am a little concerned that these 5654W tubes may (or may not) have been counterfeit, or not completely advertised honestly as real GE NOS / New Old Stock tubes (actual NOS means they were manufactured many decades ago in tube’s “muscle car era” and have never been used since. Such NOS tubes command very high prices now, due to their reputation and scarcity). Here’s my concern: The green ink printed labels on the outside of each tube appear to be printed over, and on top of, other labels in light gray ink that appear to be on the inside of the tube - question mark ( ? ). Hmm. While this is unlikely to be an actual problem, our friend The Internet is full of counterfeit knock-off tubes that are “advertised” as NOS / New Old Stock but are actually modern tubes that are not manufactured to the same old-school tolerances and specifications. Similar to cheap Gucci and Louis Vitton handbags, etc. As these Riverstone 5654W’s have both green and gray printed labels, one on top of the other, it makes me doubt their true manufacturing / vintage. That said, they sound better than the tubes I replaced them with, and that’s all that really matters. In addition, a deep dive into research on GE 5654W tubes from other vendors also shows them as having the double green/gray printed labels, so at least these Riverstone’s are no worse than that competition. All that being said, for the asking price, these Riverstone 5654W’s are well worth the asking price – they simply sound better than the cheap factory installed tubes I replaced them with, and for less than the price of dinner out this evening. As this 5654W tube and its numerous compatible variants are not commonly used by tube amp/preamp manufacturers, it’s difficult to get trustworthy research on them no matter which vendor you consider. Even tube “Godfather” Brent Jessie’s website has scant info about this tube family, and Brent Jessie’s website is the most trustworthy for vacuum tube research. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Go-to *by Z***C on April 12, 2021* Riverside Audio is my go-to for these tubes. I remember when tube testing kiosks were in regular stores (Sears, mid-60’s). Makes sense to match them for two channel music applications, and Riverside does this; i can’t. They come well packaged (with an “if seal is broken” notice, an “extra mile”) with documentation of the testing. What this means to me, along with my listening experience, is confidence in the brand. I paid more for a pair of 1940s vintage tubes but it wasn’t long before one burned out, leaving me with an orphan. Better to go Riverside, all of mine still work, though I can’t estimate how much time I have in them, at least a couple years in one pair. These are worth it, especially at the current price, under $20 a pair in early ‘21. What they add is an improvement in the depth of perceptible soundstage, vs. a more 2-D experience. Less potential for listening fatigue with the treble. No serious sacrifice in the details. When I have them out of my signal chain I can still enjoy the music, but then a restlessness sets in (“Audio nervosa?”), as if something’s missing. Knowing what that is means in theory is that there’s a possibility of it being all in my head — but then that’s where my ears attach. Then back in they go, and it’s “ah ...” I use them in three of those inexpensive “Chi-Fi” preamp/tube buffers that Amazon sells, in three different stereo systems, all with class D amplifiers, after many years of the same A-B amps, for something different. My first impression of class D was skewed by having it drive brand new speakers, which (seriously) benefited from a good period of break-in (believe it or not). The sound signature of all the class D I’ve heard is, to me, detail-oriented, flat across the frequency range (so far as I can tell), neutral, possibly a tad dark, which I like, after years of relative warm & creamy. But in that first combination I was reminded of the difference between early remastered CDs of rock music I had on vinyl — the analog knocked it out of the park. CDs sounded more compressed, with “digititis” leading to listening fatigue. Not so anymore. I have Riverside tubes between one of those little TDA7498 amps (32v 5 amp power supply) driving early 90s Definitive Technology DR7 speakers. One between an ICEpower 125ASX 2SE amp and Dayton Audio MK442t speakers. Even in my work-in-progress endgame (if there is such a thing) system, my sources to a Schiit Saga + and a made in Ohio VTV Hypex NCore 252MP amp, as far up the class D chain as I’ve gone, driving sweet Q-Acoustics 3050i speakers (for me the balance between two channel simplicity and enough bass to preclude a subwoofer). An issue I had was wanting to push the volume higher on certain music when using my current budget streamer, a discontinued NEXUM TuneBox TB20. The Saga has little gain. My heretical solution was to put a tube buffer back in the chain, between the Saga and the amp. Two preamps, but “Ah ... just right.” System synergy. So especially if you’re new to class D, or need a little extra volume (I set the buffers to around 11 o’clock), for not much money I found they worked for me. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spectacular!!!!! *by M***S on April 11, 2024* I have a Little Bear tube preamp. To be honest, I just wanted the bougie glowing tubes with my turntable set up. ...It was horrible. It was noisy and just flat. Didn't sound good. I did a Google look to see if there were modifications people were making to him to make him sound better. I read one person changed the tubes for a quality set of tubes... Claiming the Chinese manufactured tubes it came with the unit weren't good. So I ordered these and gave them a try.... The difference is stunning. They are quiet, accurate, and balanced. I haven't measured the tube specifications to see if they met the matched claims of less than 3%, but I have no doubt that they do. Awesome matched NOS product at a super reasonable price! They were well packaged and obviously intended to be sold together... 100%. I'll buy from these guys the next time I need tubes! ## Frequently Bought Together - Riverstone Audio - Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes - Upgrade for 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 - JAN 5654W Platinum Grade Pair - Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp, Mini Stereo Audio Hi-Fi Preamplifier with Gain Gear, Pre-Amplifier for MM Turntable Phonograph and Record Player, with DC 12V Power Supply - Monoprice 1.5ft Premium 2 RCA Plug/2 RCA Plug M/M 22AWG Cable - Black --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.sk/products/24322238-tested-matched-pair-2-tubes-7-pin-jan-5654w-fully](https://www.desertcart.sk/products/24322238-tested-matched-pair-2-tubes-7-pin-jan-5654w-fully) --- *Product available on Desertcart Slovakia* *Store origin: SK* *Last updated: 2026-05-14*