Building the Audio Note Kit 1 SET amp...

My Audionote Kageki came with the brown-base RCA 6sn7s. This is a warm, lush sounding tube. I tried numerous other types, and I ended up liking the Tungsol roundplates (and copies thereof, like French Neotrons). I really did not like the metal-based Sylvanias because they are lean sounding, but, something like the Sylvanias MAY be good in a 300B amp (something much more lush sounding than a 2a3 amp like the Kageki). Currently, the amp is on loan to a friend who recently tried CV 181s (old tubes, not Chinese, but I don't know what brand) in it and liked that tube best of all in the Kageki. I have not heard the combination myself. I believe the CV 181 is not exactly a drop in replacement and draws a bit more current so keep that in mind.

Rebbi,
Congrats again. If that fellow selling tubes has any other types perhaps you can let us know. In my tube stash I already have the RCA 6SN7s you purchased, lovely tube. So happy for you that you are experiencing really good sound and rediscovering your music collection. All the best.

I was fortunate to score a pair of Hy Wycomb Mullard CV378’s recently. Now on the hunt for U52, GEC, etc. you never know where stuff like this will pop up.

I also agree with Jwm concerning the Ken-Rad VT-231. For all the positive things I've read about them they are VERY microphonic in my experience and for the prices asked are not worth it. But if you INSIST I will gladly sell you a pair at a reasonable price, after all, they still "test" well. The Sophia premium tubes ARE quite expensive but IME the best 6sn7 tube I've listened to in both the output stages of my preamp and Oppo Modwright, linear and superb extension, in other words more accurate, natural with a bigger sound at least to these ears. It always depends on what floats your boat. The RCAs and some of the Sylvanias (brown base) are excellent as well. If you purchased from Andy believe me, you purchased quality tubes. The things he tests for, microphonics, noise, transconducdence, gas emissions and life are ultimately of greater importance overall than antedotal comments from some.

Mikirob:
Happy to share the info. It's this fellow. He just happens to be local to me.
I think I'll stay put with the RCA tube I have now. My next upgrade will probably be one of the Pangea power cords from Audio Advisor. I'm still using a cord cannibalized from a old PC! :-P