Tube rolling in Yaqin Pacific Valve Tube Buffer

Oops. I meant to say that the manufacturer states that 6N1, 6N11, & 6DJ8 will all work. However, no mention is made of 6N1P.

Well, then are you absolutely sure that the Amperex's are good tubes? Maybe after they settle in a bit, they will improve, but something sounds amiss.

The label was pretty much rubbed all off so the price on eBay was very good. I decided to burn in the tube for 36+ hours on the outside chance it was actually new and it seems to be settling in. I will have to reassess it after that time.

In my own personal experience, EBay tubes are for the most part, used junk. I have a tube tester (BK DynaJet), and would have to say that over half the time I buy tubes on EBay they are worthless, so cheap is the key to an EBay purchase. Also, I have found some of the so called "reputable" tube sellers on the 'gon to sell questionalbe stuff that they claim is still good. See if you can find someone in your area with a good functioning tube tester (electronics repair services may know of someone or have one themselves).

I am begining to think that the answer may be that the Yaqin tube buffer is supplied with a Chinese 6N1 and was probably designed for that tube. While the 6DJ8 may work, it and 6922/7308 tubes have different heater elements etc.
In fact, in the reverse case, many do not recommend 6N1 & 6N1P (Russian equivalent) in circuits designed for the 6DJ8.
So, maybe what I am hearing is the result of this.