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Replacing The Stock EH 6SN7 Tubes For Cary SLP 05

Hi

I run a Cary SLP 05 in the following setup

Cary Audio SLP-05 Preamp > Krell FPB 200 c Power Amp > Dynaudio Contour S3.4 Speakers

The Cary SLP 05 gives me that "live" atmosphere and soundstaging but I find that brass and horn instruments are still on the bright and harsh side with the stock tubes. It could be the Krell power amp. As such I thought of tube rolling and trying out some 6SN7's to hopefully give me more warmth and I guess a more euphonic and traditional tube sound. I will look towards replacing Tube Nos. 3 and 6 or the balanced buffer tubes first, retaining the stock EH 6SN7's elsewhere.

My shortlist follows below. Your opinions on how these tubes may sound in the Cary SLP 05 vis-a-vis each other is much appreciated.
mikey8811
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,993 posts
 
Depending on how much you want to spend?

1. Shuguang "Black Treasure"
2. Sophia Electric
3. New production Tungsol
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,220 posts
 
I don't have a Cary SLP 05 but have found RCA GT Gray glass from the 40's have a very rich midrange and well balanced from top to bottom. So far they are my favorite 6SN7.
rodman99999
6,160 posts
 
The notes an info on this page, have proven very accurate, in my experience: (http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/6sn7_vt.htm) I've tried every tube in the top 10, on this listing, in the last few years. The National Union(VT-231), RCA(VY-231) and CBS/Hytron(6SN7GT) were the warmest(in that order). The bottom gettered tubes, from the 40's and 50's, are the best sounding of the NOS 6SN7 family. The exception to that is the Sylvania, tall bottle 6SN7W, but- That one definitely does NOT fit your desire for a warmer sound. BTW: Nothing currently produced will match the presentation of NOS tubes.
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