Linlai E 6sn7 tubes

I have been running quad matched Psvane CV181-T MkII tubes in my Freya+ for a couple of months now, but having heard great things about the Linlai E-6SN7 tubes ordered a quad matched set of them as well to roll and compare. Well they came in yesterday and as soon as I got them up and running, I immediately noticed the difference. Although they’re still brand new with just a short burn-in so far, I am enjoying the punchier upper bass and the more natural vocal presentation. For those reasons alone I’m already preferring the Linlais over the Psvanes. Hoping to provide more feedback as these burn in some more, including a better comparison of air and imaging.

-Ed

I never could figure out why they are called cv181 when the nos cv181 tubes have a different heater current than a 6sn7 tube.

@eddnog be patient with the Linlai E-6SN7’s.  I had a pair and they went through a lot of changes during the first 75-125 hours.  Bass and brightness was a moving target in my experience.  Once they settled in they were a very nice new stock tube.  I just preferred my NOS tubes for a warmer more engaging sound on my system.  They would be my go to tube if my favorite NOS  dry up or if prices rocket up.

@tksteingraber Thanks! I’ve been trying to avoid going down the rabbit hole of discovering a NOS tube that’s older than I am (I’m 42) and falling in love with it only to never be able to buy more down the line, especially with an amp that needs at least a matched pair at a time. As such, I’ve been trying to stick to new production stuff.

-Ed

Just wait till they burn in!!!