Linlai E 6sn7 tubes

@aricaudio no big deal. I don't have a very memorable moniker:-)

I do have a small update regarding using the Herbies dampers on the input tube. They usually don't have a positive effect IME.One exception was with a CJ preamp that I owned long ago,but it never hurts to try a cheap tweak just to see.I ordered some larger "C wires" for a couple of $ and slipped on three of the silicone thingys on two of them. What I ended up with was the small damper on the bottom on the glass where it meets the base,the next larger damper slid up from the bottom until it made firm contact, the next right above that maybe 1/4" + .Darned if it didn't work! The unpleasant edge to the vocals disappeared.Piano is still a little sharp on the higher notes but I can live with that.So now I'm getting all of the good things this tube brings - detail, refinement, nuance,really great bass.

I really can't swear the dampers are the ultimate fix.It absolutely could be that better isolation would do the same. I actually have a much sturdier hardwood rack on order now. At present the shelves are mdf with a metal frame. Nonetheless I really like this tube and will order another to break in and see how two used as the stage following the input works.

@jtcf Now that you've done this tweak with the dampers how do you think the Linlais compare to other 6SN7s you've lived with?

@markusthenaimnut, that is very interesting question. 
 

Ray 

@markusthenaimnut  these are the best 6sn7 tubes I've tried so far,though I haven't experienced as many brands as some others here.Sylvanias(better than JJs have "soul" and nice tone,a good intro to NOS), GE( great mids and bass,but rolled off highs), Kenrad( similar to GEs), Sofia Blue(lush and beautiful tone that disappeared after break in!),JJs(crystal clear but no "soul").

This is specific to my room and system of course. GIK room treatments and three subs have a long way towards balancing and reducing room issues. The Zu Omen Defs purchased a year ago are also so sensitive that any change is clearly heard,which is both a blessing and a curse:-) The detail and nuance the Linlias bring are really addictive and and I don't want to go back. There's entire different layers in my favorite music that I was content with when they were hinted at and more blended in the background.

Yesterday I removed the smaller damper from the base and it seemed to be a small improvement.Either my imagination or it was a tiny bit over damped.I have another tube on the way to break in and then try one on either side of the input.Such a slow process....A huge thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread so far.

Quick and last update. A couple of days ago I gave up the sweet spot to my brother who was visiting for the day and wanted to spend some time listening. While seated off to the side the music was virtually close to perfect to me.Face Palm.I toed the speakers out an inch and a quarter attempting to get that same angle and voila.Never occurred to me to to make an adjustment like that to accommodate a vacuum tube,but it should have.