I tried the Melz’s 2 years ago, these run hot on my Atmasphere MP-3, bought 2 pairs, 1 tube of each pair died after a few hours, they weren’t that special IMO on my gear, I remember not much bass and very bright, but the RCA red base that it is supposed to be very good too wasn’t that special either. From most tubes I tried Raytheon gray glass and short bottle Sylvania 6SN7W were among the best, I settled for new production Chinese CV181-Z. Let me post a picture of the remaining Melz.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/x3dhhpbqoc2qjgq/AAC69xScWKrlfDY4aN0tHKhLa?dl=0
Thank you to the OP for taking the time to go over this
Oh I paid $10 for each Melz, there are plenty of old 6N8S like the Melz but black bases OTK, although not the same quality as the Melz should be very close and cheaper.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/x3dhhpbqoc2qjgq/AAC69xScWKrlfDY4aN0tHKhLa?dl=0
Thank you to the OP for taking the time to go over this
Oh I paid $10 for each Melz, there are plenty of old 6N8S like the Melz but black bases OTK, although not the same quality as the Melz should be very close and cheaper.