Linlai E 6sn7 tubes

And if the Linlais are gonna score really well, may just get quad Linlais for my Freya + like you have done. Schiit apparently recommends all quads being of the same tube make.  So may go down that road.

@ram18 , a quad of Linlai's may provide more clarity and weight. I'm going to try them in my both my preamp and amp. The reason I recommended the GTBs over other Sylvanias was to take the edge off your speakers and for their deep imaging. Most Sylvania have extended and detailed highs. 

@vivatubes 

Thank you for corresponding. In the past, I've only had excellent transactions with you.

My suggestion regarding your Linlai's for sale, use the same name as the Linlai factory. Globe-Balloon Black Plates is different terminology than all other sellers. Linlai website states the name as Global Elite E-6SN7 Vacuum Tubes.

@aldnorab 

It's always something in this HiFi hobby. Like being excited and waiting in anticipation of your new tubes breaking in, and an unrelated tube failure happens.

Maybe Linlai will expand their production, they haven't been in business very long and I think they want to excell in their current offerings. It may also be due to the design team that started the company. This may be their area of expertise.

Regarding fluctuations during the burn-in process, this is not the norm but does happen. I like how most true NOS tubes burn-in, as the hours pass you keep hearing improvement.

@bugredmachine 

Your tubes are defective, no new tube should produce the noise you're experiencing. Give up on them and return.

This info hasn't been updated but it states who aren't authorised dealers.

https://linlaiglobal.com/index.php/dealer-locator/

@danmar123 

I remember you testing his tubes.

The tubes they sent me, did not look, or have the same sound signature like the one's from Grant Fidelity or China. ''First hand experience''. 

But this order was yours, yes?

I used Deoxit D5. It's for cleaning all metal contacts. Spray on metal conductors and wipe off the tarnish or crud. Or spray on a soft cloth and wipe down conductors.

Don't spray directly into tube sockets on component. 

@rah50 

Can you call Grant Fidelity and ask? I'm betting the vertical logo was an early version, but would love to know the truth.

This is way too confusing. Authorised dealers such as Viva Tubes and Don Sachs's distributor only sell Linlai's with the horizontal lettering. Unfortunately, all of Don's pics show the Shunguang tubes. I can't believe that these horizontal branded tubes that sound so good and have terrific build-quality are all counterfeit. The fact that Linlai didn't comment on said tube is perplexing.

Linlai and GF's websites have identical layouts, product photos, and descriptions. There's no question that they represent the legitimate products. I wish Linlai would publish authorised dealers instead of only stating who is not. 

@rocray 

I'm so mixed up at this point. Just to confirm, you purchased from amptata_audio and the tubes have horizontal branding, yes?

Everything I've read indicates the tubes for domestic China has Chinese characters on the bottle. I don't believe the horizontal branded tubes are for the Chinese. They sound full and balanced. And everything is written in English. 

Maybe they are grey market, all indications are they are meant to be sold to the West.

It bothers me that Linlai did not mention the horizontal branded tubes. They said Global have the vertical logo and domestic market is written in Chinese.

@danmar123 

Also interesting that tubes on your link to factory have Linlai (TM), Trademark. My tubes with horizontal wording has (R), meaning registered.

@rocray 

So glad the Linlai's are working so well. Can you remind me what the tube complement is in your preamp? ​​​​​​

Interesting, KR has a US dealer...

https://www.kraudiousa.com/

@danmar123 

Does KR only manufacture power tubes? The only small signal tube is the Marconi.

I’ve been following this thread since the beginning. There are many comments about the Psvane CV-181 but I don’t recall if the Psvane 6SN7-UK has been mentioned. Has anybody tried these tubes? I’d like to know how they compare to Linlai, 6SN7 UK vs. E-6SN7.

I recently discovered that Psvane is making tubes for Audio Note.

@rocray 

So the tube didn't blow?

@danmar123 

I have been searching since you posted. I don't see any Linlai called the Globes. Do you mean the Global E-6SN7?

Wait a sec. @rocray 

You pulled the tube, fine. What was the problem, installing it again while the amp was hot?

I contacted Don Sachs when Shuguang WE6SN7’s became unavailable. He’s using Linlai now and says they’re the best he’s found to use in his designs.

An adapter is needed to raise the Linlai so they can sit next to traditional size tubes. In most preamps tube sockets are close together.

The Shunguang facility burned down. There are no more WE6SN7 being manufactured. There are some vendors on Ebay selling these tubes, however there are warnings from tube enthusiasts that these are rejects by Shunguang that do not meet spec. 

@weebeesdad , did the Chinese vendor list them as Grant Fidelity "top 10% Ultra Low Noise?" Does the tube have PVT stamped on the glass?

My take after reading the GF website is the Ultra Low Noise is a replacement for their previously offered tube, not just tighter specs on an existing tube. They mention a different tube structure.

@weebeesdad , my first impression was that these tubes were graded higher due to tigher specs, the same way Kevin at Upscale offers his tubes. The choice of tube listed is "Top 10% Cryod" or "QC Pass grade." You may be right, that they're not a new tube. They're a higher grade. 

A rating called QC Pass grade doesn't inspire much confidence in the quality of this tube. 

@rocray 

That's why I had to ask. You're probably right, the preamp circuit was still charged. You had me thinking the tube's filament was way too fragile.

Audio Circle:

NOTE: The Bendix 5852 is not a drop in replacement for a standard 6X5GT as it draws 1.2 amps versus .6 amps.

I've done that by mistake with NOS and have never blown a tube or heard a bang, a pop, a sizzle....

@danmar123 

I know you didn't. Can you link me to the 6SN7 Globe?

The name of the Linlai's I and others purchased are the Global E-6SN7. According to the manufacturer, Global is the series for international sales. China has a domestic brand.

I had a good email exchange with Rachel from Grant Fidelity last night regarding Linlai. I said a lot of us were misled and bought the E-6SN7 Chinese version. I then asked about the Global HIFI compared to the Global Elite. She wouldn’t comment on sonic characteristics due to the many different component designs and circuits not to mention individual system setups. She did, however, state that the HIFI series are entry-level and are a good choice to replace stock tubes. The Global Elite are premium tubes which undergo additional testing. I didn’t need to read between the lines to catch her drift.

@rocray 

It's called Global Elite E-6SN7. It has a vertical logo on the glass. Only Linlai in China and Grant Fidelity sell them. Will try and post pic.

Previous Don Sachs Model 2 linestage owner set it up with two gray glass RCA VT 231, two Ken-Rad black glass VT231, and a Coke bottle Sylvania 6BY5GA rectifier. 

RCA is warm, KR is neutral/warm with the incredible bass. Linlai by all reports are pretty neutral. Rolling them in will be interesting. The choice is which combination sounds best.

Beware...Linlai does not have any authorised dealers on AliExpress. There is a "buyer beware" page on their website.

@decooney , you may have already mentioned this, but which premium tubes have you been using?

I have reserves of NOS and am starting my new tube experience with Linlai. 

@rocray 

Thanks for posting the pic. Makes me wonder if using a socket saver will provide enough clearance between my input tubes.

@whitestix , I'm also waiting for an order from Helen. There's currently a Covid lockdown.

Many thanks @decooney . There's been so much written about the CV181, but it's not a drop-in replacement in some circuits. 

I'm looking for neutrality in a 6SN7 (similar to Sylvania). I'm awaiting delivery of a pair of Linlai E-6SN7's and if there are positive user reviews, I would give the Psvanes a try.

Regarding the AN Psvane, it's possible that Audio Note's valves meet tighter tolerances than the standard run. Similar to military tubes during wartime.

@rocray 

Thanks, I remember the separate PS. I wanted to know how many tubes are in the gain stage. With only 2 6SN7GT's the Linlai's have a significant effect on your sonic signature. You're certainly capable of hearing all these tubes have to offer.

Does it make sense to try Linlai 6SL7s? 

Yes, the guy who is beta-testing the WE’s has been posting his findings for awhile.) I wonder if he’s supposed to be talking about them). He can’t be the only one with those tubes, if there are any others they’ve been keeping quiet.

And I’m waiting with baited breath as well.

There are so many variants of Sylvania 6SN7. Can you be more specific?

Scroll down to see Sylvania's production through the years. And there are subgroups within these tube types. I use an assortment of Sylvania in my system.

@fredcdobbs 

I've been buying from Brent for years, and yes, he does make great recommendations. 

I've used every type of Sylvania 6SN7 except the metal base. Currently, I have WWII VT-231's and 6SN7GT 3-holes in my amp. The VT-231 is milspec and presents a transparent wide, 3D soundstage. These tubes have become very expensive. The GT is more dynamic with smooth extended highs and a deep low-end. All Sylvanias present a sense of realism.

I'd like to buy more VT-231's (they're so quiet and clear) but I'm waiting for the Linlai's to arrive. 

You've got many hours ahead until the Linlai's are fully burned in, they'll go through changes during this period. This happens with any new tube.

I installed mine yesterday and the highs were rolled off. Today they have extension and sound harsh.

I don't want to derail the thread, but have a question. I noticed Linlai doesn't make any small signal tubes. Has anybody tried 9-pin tubes from Psvane, specifically 12AU7 or 6922's? 

Prices are high so I wouldn't want to buy without a recommendation.

Thanks @decooney .

I have many NOS 12AU7s bought throughout the years, but these days the term NOS isn’t what it used to be. I haven’t liked the Russian 9-pins that I’ve tried so with Psvane becoming the leader in premium tubes, I may give them a try.

Edit: it doesn't seem like Linlai will expand into small signal tubes.

@rocray 

Great to hear how you're enjoying these tubes in your system. Can you compare the sound to other tubes used in your preamp? I know this may take some auditory memory.

It sounds like you've found the perfect tube, Ray. If only you could become a beta tester for those WE's.

Soundstage width and height were pretty equal. Soundstage depth went to the Linlai’s.

@rocray  Interesting findings. One of the attributes I love about the Ken Rad VT-231 is its 3D image. It presents music from the front of the speakers all the way back to my front wall. I know YMMV but the K-Rs have this ability in both my amp and preamp.

Who wins for best bass and low-end?

What's the difference between your 6SN7BE and a 6SN7-SE?

I ask because Psvane is going heavy into the 6SN7 market. There's a 6SN7-UK in addition to the CV-181 and the globe tubes mentioned above. Perhaps they are filling the need for the dwindling supply of NOS tubes. The UK variant is a copy of Mullard/Brimar construction.

And did you purchase from China or a US dealer?