Linlai E 6sn7 tubes

I just received my Linlai E-6SN7 tubes and installed them into my T+A S10 Amplifier. As many have shared, it is a very full-sounding tube with good definition, but it is a bit dark to start. I’m on hour three and will be running these nonstop for the next few days. I think this combo on this amp, paired to Vivid Audio Kaya 90 speakers will be quite special.

I’ve had a lot of experience with Psvane ACME and some Linlai Elite and they have never disappointed. FWIW, I received confirmation from Austin at Viva Tubes that the Linlai E-6SN7 is the same exact tube as the Linlai Global Elite 6SN7. They only differences are that the E-6SN7 is manufactured for the Eastern markets, and Global Elite are exports for the Western markets. Viva Tubes buys direct from the Chinese factory, so they have the Eastern tubes in stock. Of course, purchasing from Grant Fidelity guarantees more stringent tolerances, but I haven’t really had any issues with Viva Tubes. If I ever have issues, they have always been able to replace a tube with no hassle.

I highly recommend giving these tubes plenty of saddle time.  I found they really shine with at least 100 or so hours. I’m looking forward to hearing your impressions with some hours on them.

@rocray I’ll definitely report back. I’ve had a lot of experience with 6SN7 and owned a number of Ken Rad Black Glass VT-231 and while they had wonderful tone, I always found them to be a bit rolled off on the extremes which I could never live with. I tend to gravitate more to the Sylvania VT-231, which have better slam, linearity and detail, and those are what these Linlai are replacing. If the Linlai can bring the tone of the Ken Rad with the tightness and detail of the Sylvania VT-231, I’m going to have a sure winner. 

I have a pair coming from https://www.vivatubes.com/new-matched-pair-2-linlai-e-6sn7-globe-balloon-black-plates-vacuum-tubes/

@300bdude I think I you will be very pleased. Mine are broken in now in my T+A S10 and the amplifier sounds spectacular. It is a different beast than my T+A HV reference series amplification but neither are overall better than the other across the board. The tube upgrade in the S10 brought the performance and presence up a level.