Cary Audio SLP-5 Preamp Tube Replacement.

@couger4u I’ve tried various 6SN7s in my Cary tube preamplifier. Reliability has been better buying from reputable distributors who actually re-test them well before sending them out. People here all have their favorite dealers, re-sellers.

Not wanting to deal with boutique dealers as much for my backup sets I’ve had reasonable luck dealing with Viva Tubes, both input and output tubes. Sure, I also purchase NOS stuff from the speciality dealers too, but don’t use my vintage tubes as much any more. Hoarded a few sets away, but wanted to find new re/production 6SN7 tubes to use instead. I don't feel as bad running them more often perhaps.  

Having tried TJ Full Music (n/a now days, but I still use them today), then tried special production PSVANE, vintage Sylvania, RCA, repro Tung Sol, and more, comparing with friends, some have moved on to Linlai too, with decent results. Some buddies are telling me they like the lower level model PSVANE and the lower model Linlai as much or better in some ways, slightly less smoothed over, fwiw.

VIVA: You might call Viva Tubes and ask them about their guarantee, returns, and ask how they will support you since 6SN7s are expensive, worth doing some added Q&A with them, comparing to other retailers. I feel the support and guarantee is as important as the tube itself.

H

@couger4u The Linlai E-6SN7 tubes fit fine in the SLP-05.  I tried a variety of NOS and new production tubes and I liked the LinLai tubes the best.  They are very transparent and neutral with excellent top and bottom end extension.  I think they excel at soundstage.  If you are looking for a tube that provides some sort of boost, either to the top or bottom end I don't think they do that, they are very uncolored but just sound very good.  I have dozens of pairs of 6SN7 tubes and the LinLai's have become my tube of choice.

I have dozens of pairs of 6SN7 tubes and the LinLai's have become my tube of choice

@pinwa  , just a few questions for you as I am also a SL05 owner/operator who is always interested in better living through electronics:

1) how have you configured your SLP05 as far as the Linlais go?  Do you have the Linlais in all six sockets, or only the balanced inputs, or only in the four left and right + and - phase buffers sockets?

2)if you are only running a pair of Linlais in the left and right balanced input sockets, what are you running in the other four sockets?

3)I was looking at Viva's site earlier today and there sem to be a few different grades or models(?) of the Linlai 6SN7; which are you using?

Hi all, 

just ordered Linlai E6SN7 quad for SLP05. I had Linlai before on Supratech Caberet and liked them. So, let's see how they fare with Cary. I will let you know. Thanks to you all.