Linlai E 6sn7 tubes

@invalid, that is what I found,that is Linlai. I couldn’t find the connection to Linlai Global. That’s the reason I’m baffled. 

@rah50, you bring up good points about fakes.  I am interested to hear impressions of any difference between the two. But,for now,the burn in continues. I am at 12 hrs. I won’t do any comparison listening until I at least reach the 100 hour mark. I’m feeling good about having a back up pair.(I like them that much)  I will also be waiting for a potential release of  Western Electric 6SN7. 

@danmar123, that’s funny! I don’t care who you are! 

That’s great news @danmar123.  I'm really curious about your impressions.  I’ve got about 50 hrs on the new pair.  They are definitely starting to fill in.  I’m running them about 14 or so hours a day, minus last weekend.  

Hi @ram18,

 I keep the ceiling fan on,and I have a small computer fan I have aimed at the amp. It keeps the heat under control. 
    Ray 

My packaging is identical to the tubes @pinwa received. I wonder if Linlai sells more tubes, having two different types of silk screening?  On a side note,my new pair are burning in nicely. They are definitely becoming more liquidy. New word? 
 
    I now have two pair,purchased 3 months apart,and they look identical,and the new pair is definitely developing the attributes that made me like the first pair. 

@markusthenaimnut, I think those are really interesting points that you bring up. Other than my ears, I’m without any testing equipment.  I had an issue with some flaking of some cathode material in one tube,and after tapping a few times,this issue has cleared itself up.  The Linlai’s are as quiet as any tube I’ve had in my Motherlode II. This is a really quiet pre. I can pick an unused input,turn the volume all the way up, and with my ear to the speakers,only the slightest of a hiss. And I mean slight. Move away a few inches and it is silent.  IMHO, I always believed that the test cards that come from the Chinese vendors were just a gimmick.  Now,on the other hand,companies like Grant or Viva, I believe do proper testing and provide those results.   I am really happy with the performance of my tubes, unfortunately I don’t have access to any tube testing equipment. Hopefully someone can chime in that has,or has access to equipment. 

@ram18, it depends on the lighting. Under direct lighting the coating on the bottom appears dark, but move it away from the light source and it becomes reflective.  I believe this is normal.  

I guess I’m a little dense. Or maybe a lot dense. Can someone post a pic of the Global? I am curious if there is any physical difference between those and the Elite’s I am running.  Thanks in advance. 
  
   Ray

@lowrider57 ,  I know exactly which ones you have.  Like I said,sometimes I’m a little dense!  No worries about posting pics.  I just wanted to verify the tubes you have. 
​@invalid, my findings were the same with China Linlai E 6sn7. My second pair has about 120 hours,and they are just as addictive as the original pair.  That is what’s so interesting about this hobby, we all have different gear,different rooms,different ears,and different tastes.  The only sure thing about this hobby is,there are no sure things. 

Alrighty!  Thanks for clarifying @lowrider57. Now I’m up to speed. What NOS tubes would you compare the Linlai’s to?  I find it very interesting to see others take on things. 

Thanks for the link Dan. I’m sure buying these from China,vs a well established North American dealer has a certain amount of risk attached to it.   I see the value in buying from a dealer.  Logistics, they are tested and matched. The latter eliminates the main risk of quality issues.  If you were to have issues,you would receive much faster service.  Days vs weeks,  

I have to say that I’ve been confused about global, non global…… Last night I’m doing some listening,and whatever it’s worth,the Linlai’s that I currently run, sound better in my Motherlode II than any other tube I currently own. Now, I’m not saying that I have experience with 100’s of NOS tubes,and I am the ultimate expert.  I am a relative novice in comparison to others that share their knowledge here.  Other than the cathode material incident, these tubes have been silent, and give me a great textured, full spectrum response with a bigger soundstage than I have experienced before. However,we all hear,and desire something a little different.   I mentioned earlier about the value about ordering from a reputable dealer vs ordering from an epay vendor.  That,of course,still stands.  As with most things in life,proceed with caution, and do what you are comfortable with. 

I’m waiting for the WE version too @danmar123. However,the info they recently released,says nothing about a 6SN7. I guess time will tell. 

Thursday evening, I put my original pair of Elite 6SN7 back in my preamp. The back up pair has well over 100 hours on them, and I wanted to see if they stack up to the pair that grabbed my attention.  The answer is yes. Both pair add magic to my system.  I’m not saying I will never purchase NOS tubes in the future, but I will probably be a little hesitant.  The Linlai’s just work well in my system.   Highs are detailed but not in my face, mids are addictive, and bass is full and tight. Everything I could ask for. 

@sid-hoff-frenchman, thanks for your impressions,and what works for you.👍

Postimage works well for me,and I am technical simpleton.   I have faith that if I can figure out how to post pics, you can too @roxy54. 😁

@markusthenaimnut, that is very interesting question. 
 

Ray 

The gentleman that originally recommended the Elites,has tried the the cheaper versions.  He strongly recommended that these were not worth trying.  I’m only going by what was relayed to me.  I chose not to try them. YMMV. 

Hi Dan,

  My last response was for @b8_ayaka.  He/she was wondering about the less expensive Linlai’s.  Hopefully you get your cart soon!  

My primary Elite 6SN7 purchased from an eBay vender in China, are still sounding great. I’m probably at 600-700 hours.   My only experience is with the Elite’s. The only visible difference I can see between them, is the labeling, as also stated by @invalid. 

As far as longevity goes, my second pair has at least 700 hrs on them. My original pair has around 300 hrs, as far as I can recall. I haven’t swapped tubes in months.
I’m still very pleased with these. I’m listening to Shpongle/ Tales of the Inexpressible via Qobuz as I type this. Great detail,huge soundstage, and the toes are tapping! 

Ray

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.

Just wait till they burn in!!!