CV181 6SN7 ModWight CD Player ?

At one time, I owned the MW 5400ES and cycled thru all of the tubes you reference. All are good, none necessarily better than another... just like different flavors of ice cream. If I recall correctly, I think my go-to tube was a 1940's vintage smoked glass RCA VT 231 purchased from Brent Jessee Audio Supply.

No, although there are other old stock tubes you may want to try. I find the Sylvania VT231s to be bit bass shy and the Ken Rads to be a bit treble shy. If you have the funds, the Tung Sol black glass round plates would be great. If not, I think the sylvania 6SN7Ws may be the best of what you have listed.

Guys,

Thanks for your responses. I prefer the VT 231 and Ken Rads over the Black plates W and would love TS but they're hard to find and more than I want to spend but I'll keep my eyes open...

Wig

Dminches, have you tried the Black Treasures?

I tried the old Tungsols but found them to be tipped up in the treble and very fatiguing.