Linlai E 6sn7 tubes

@lowrider57 I have. Now using Psvane 12aU7 and 12aT7 MkIIs made in 2020/2021. They are installed now in two mono tube amplifiers.

Bought them to set my vintage nos Mullard Blackburns aside in storage. After the psvanes settled in a bit I kept telling myself I’d let them play a while longer. One time in the last year i reinstalled my other best curve-tracer matched triode Mullards back in play. That lasted a week, and i went back to the Psvane MkIIIs. I was looking for something smooth, not lean, and they fit the bill for the sound I wanted.

Prior, i had tried some older premium box pairs a colleague sent me, dated way back to 2013 I think it was, and they did not sound good to me On a whim, i re-tried the latest 2021+ version I have now. Sounded nice. Not bright, smooth, not overly detailed. Had tried vintage EI Yugo, RCA, GE, Tungsram, and newer JJ, new re-issue Mullard (not real Mullards) along with various original vintage mid to late 60s, and early 70s Mullards. Still have all of those. The 12axx psvanes have stayed put. Hoping they last beyond 2+ years. We’ll see, time will tell. Your experience may vary.

Thanks @decooney .

I have many NOS 12AU7s bought throughout the years, but these days the term NOS isn’t what it used to be. I haven’t liked the Russian 9-pins that I’ve tried so with Psvane becoming the leader in premium tubes, I may give them a try.

Edit: it doesn't seem like Linlai will expand into small signal tubes.

@lowrider57  wonder why Linlai isn't interested in small signal tubes? Harder to make? Less profitable? Also amazed tubes change so much during break in. Glass, vacuum, and some metal guts don't seem very susceptible to break in. 

My 2nd set of Linlai E 6sn7 have shipped. First set are gaining some air and decay. Unfortunately a small signal tube in the VTL ST150 quit. Couldn't find my replacements, so ordered a set only 170 miles away, in FedEx home town. Paid extra for FedEx 2 day shipping. 7 days later they are still riding around in FedEx trucks. Found my original replacements. Not the same tubes. Decided to hook up the delightful Pioneer Series 20 M22 class A amp. Will probably use it until all the Linlai are broken in. High-end is a war🙂.

Thanks,

aldnorab

Thanks,

aldnorab

@aldnorab 

It's always something in this HiFi hobby. Like being excited and waiting in anticipation of your new tubes breaking in, and an unrelated tube failure happens.

Maybe Linlai will expand their production, they haven't been in business very long and I think they want to excell in their current offerings. It may also be due to the design team that started the company. This may be their area of expertise.

Regarding fluctuations during the burn-in process, this is not the norm but does happen. I like how most true NOS tubes burn-in, as the hours pass you keep hearing improvement.

I’m now at about 175 hours.  They have definitely settled in. No more sound fluctuations.  The “honeymoon” is still on. These really shine in my preamp.