Traded Off my SLP-05

There is another thread discussing what component you would keep. It would be my BHK pre. Love it. 

Yeah I can’t wait to get it installed! I’m pacing the floors as we speak...

I read on the PSA forums that I can run the 6SN7 variant with the correct adapter. That might get interesting with the stock I have on hand plus what I want to buy from Andy at VTS.

I must confess that I’ve had 3 Cary SLP-05 

@sqitis , it took you three of those preamps to decide that they were not for you?

They will have to pry my SLP-05 from my cold dead hands.

If you tried 3 different SLP-05 preamplifiers and all of the tubes listed above, and it was still not "open" sounding enough for you, it's likely something else in the system going on or a combination of things together yielding a less open result. 

Your Plinius is known for a warm and open sound.  And, so are the Eggleston Andra speakers.  For example, If you had warmish caps in the SLP-05 too, that could make a difference even more to the warm side all three together.  

You also mention the "Tele" tube above which implies you are trying to open things up more there too.  All just guesses, but seems like a string of things together is not giving you the result you are looking for. Try the new pre and see if it's less rich and warm and more open and transparent for you.  Might work. Best of Luck.