Russian Tube Preamp, No Return, Here I go again

In my opinion, that AI Modulus is a bit overpriced, as it does not include a built-in phono stage.  As such, it would not even fulfill your needs. The one worth having would be the 3A version with a phono stage designed by John Curl (if memory serves).  That one on eBay is worth a few hundred bucks, tops.  Again, in my opinion.

Yesterday vintage NOS Japanese NEC 6bq5 (EL84) power tubes replaced Russian power tubes in this Luxman integrated amp. We were shocked by the difference! Luxman stock tubes are branded Luxman, but in fact it’s modern Russian tubes.

Japanese tubes from NEC (made in the 70’s for hi-fi audio) are much quieter, the resolution is much higher, I never tried them before (tubes were sealed in the boxes), it was a blind deal for me long time ago, I don’t even have an amp with EL84 anymore, but a friend purchased Luxman from me few years ago.

After an evening of listening we are all (4 of us) came to conclusion that an old Japanese NEC is killing New Russian tube. So the NEC green series is amazing power tube. 

My advice is to look for a NOS tubes instead of Russian or Chinese tubes. 

I bought a rare LP set from someone in St Petersburg, Russia. It took about a month but it arrived, condition as described. 

lewm

thanks for the advice, details and price. I was just letting you know, the looks of that domestic one would have worked (in the shelves with my black Chase unit, not on top like the Russian will be).

In the 5th photo is shows a phono selector

I felt, but didn’t know that it was too high a price.

the Russian 6N4P tube is not available here. they say no hum.

I asked seller for price of spare, but unfortunately he had already shipped the preamp, and he says EMS minimum cost is $40. if I buy just the tube.

Knowing that, IMO, they should include a spare.

They say substitute is 12AY7, while checking I see a lot of 'they hum' comments.

Some suggested use 12AV7, lower gain, less/no hum.

maybe I should buy half a dozen, sell some on eBay to offset the high shipping cost. I wonder how many people want 6n4p's?

Thoughts, ideas______?