Linlai E 6sn7 tubes

@xcool 

I've seen that page. It doesn't look complete because it says "more to come."

I'll keep everyone on notice when I get the shipping conformation from G/F. If someone wants to send me their tubes from the US market, I'll put them under the microscope, to compare.

Hey @rocray,  I'm very glad that you're liking the sound.  Like I said earlier, that's all that matters.   So my guess is that your tubes might be authentic Linlai tubes manufactured for the Asian markets.

I also think that the reason why Linlai Global wouldn't answer my question whether the tubes with the horizontal labelling is fake is that they are probably indeed manufactured by them for the Asian markets, but they wouldn't want to disclose that to their global customers outside of Asia.   Just a guess!

Thanks @danmar123,  that's very helpful.  Sorry, just to confirm, the tubes that you got from @bugredmachine are the "Global Linlai" tubes, correct?

I don’t understand why they would make a different tube for the world. Never heard of such a thing. 

Here’s the company listed on the boxes I received.

http://www.linlaitube.com/en/

I noticed that they don’t show the E 6SN7.  

@rocray here's where I ordered from;

https://linlaiglobal.com/

@danmar123, did your tubes come in a gift box? 

@rocray go back 8 threads.

@rocray 

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

@lowrider57, that is absolutely correct. Horizontal labeling.  Yes, both sets ordered from amptata_audio. 

@rocray I don’t see the 6ns7 on their site.

 Never mind1:(

Does anyone have a tube/s with vertical lettering, purchased recently? 

@danmar123 , that’s what I noticed as well. I did a search on the company printed on the gift boxes I have.  The more I research, the more confusing.  I’m just going to enjoy the music at this point.  @xcool posted the answer,that there are two versions, one for the western markets,and one for the Asian market. I’m assuming the ones that I am using must be the Asian version.  These also ( I believe) are the versions that Mr. Sachs uses in his preamps.   Not realizing that there were two variations,the versions I own were the ones recommended to me.   These seem to be the more common versions.  

@rocray I better KEEP my opinion to myself. SAD!

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. 

@lowrider57 Like I said earlier; the tubes from China sounded better then the tubes from Viva, in my system.

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

@danmar123 

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

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.

All the Linlai elite 6sn7 tubes I’ve seen pictures of look identical besides the logo on the glass, except the ones from viva tubes the internal structure looks different in the pictures.

@danmar123, no need to keep opinions to your self!  I’m getting confused all by myself! LOL!  It’s all about sharing findings and info. 

YES. To invalid.

Here’s a close up of the gift box. Note the company name on the lower right corner.

Same box as mine. The question is, what box is Linlai direct and Grant Fidelity selling?

@lowrider57 Like I said; when I receive my tubes it should help clear things up....

That makes sense Dan. I'm extremely frustrated as I'm listening to these unknown tubes which sound fantastic.

All 4 of my tubes, purchased within the last 2 months, have the vertical Linlai.

2 came from Grant Fidelity in plain tube boxes.

2 came from China, eBay seller kt88_6550, in a gift box. Their picture of tubes and box was overlaid with signage that said "Linlai Store".

@rah50  Do they look & sound the same?

Pictures would be quite helpful.  

The name in the lower right corner is actually the full name of the Linlai company.

@lowrider57 Thanks for the encouragement.

Now this recent thread is rather interesting. First, I realised I need to add socket savers to to fit the Linlais in my Freya+. And now there seems to be two different Linlai models? Gosh!  These Linlais better be good.   My local distributor here is offering the Linlais as pictured by @rocray  (gift box) and the tube on the left he featured earlier in one of the pics shared.

My local dealer's Linlai  photo link is here https://www.carousell.sg/p/linlai-e-6sn7-vacuum-tube-1082058805/photos/ ( Sorry dont know how to post pics here directly)

Now am confused. Are the Linlais posted in the link above, the Asian version or Western version.  There are no Chinese Letterings on the tube. The logo is vertical at the base.   It has R registered label on the tube. The box says its from a Chinese company with Chinese letterings and the insert has Chinese letterings as well exactly what @rocray  gift box is. May I know what do I make of this?   I hope they are not fake. 

I am quite amazed how this forum is deeply observant and analytical. Never knew of the two variations in the Linlais. Some really good watchful expertise here. Am learning a lot. Thanks.

Appreciate your views.

@ram18 

Everything in your link is the same as what I purchased. Horizontal lettering on glass, logo on base, same box with test results for 2 tubes. What's interesting is the cards are printed in Chinese. There's a red stamp (probably for QC) in Chinese. And the date of manufacture is stamped in reverse of international/military dating. My tubes were made 22 - 03 - 2022. That's March 3, 2022. The card has 2022, 03, 22. Not a international date.

Looking forward to the delivery of @danmar123 tubes. 

@lowrider57  Tks for the confirmation. So these tubes are for the Asian market as they are not Linlai Global catered for the Western market?  But you have been getting quality sound from these tubes right? So I guess it shouldnt be an issue. Another thing I notice is the price. The Linlai Global tube seems comparatively more expensive than non-Linlai Global, at least the ones am getting locally (the same tubes as yours).  

Just to build on the point @danmar123  made. Googled the difference between TM and Registered as displayed by different versions of the Linlais. This is what it says ( not a legal interpretation though)

What is the difference between TM and registered trademark?

TM denotes that you are claiming a right to use your brand as a trademark, although it may not yet be registered with the relevant IP office. (R) signifies that your trademark is officially registered with the IP office in the country and for the goods and services that you are using it for.

Not sure if this adds to greater clarity or confusion.

@ram18

Yes, the sound is wonderful. You’re right, the Globals are much more expensive than from Chinese Ebay dealers. Grant Fidelity, $303 per pair. My pair was fairly priced at $190 USD but shipping to US was $60. So not so cheap.

Another thing I don’t understand is why Viva Tubes, who is an authorised dealer, has so many defective tubes.

Will wait to hear from danmar.

@lowrider57  Likewise Linlai non Global  tubes  sold here locally cost the same as yours -S$250 per pair. Well guess @danmar123  holds the key. :)

@aricaudio 

I hope you've been following this thread to see our confusion regarding Linlai Global tubes for export. Can you tell us which tubes you have purchased and are using, vertical logo or horizontal Linlai branding? 

And if you're able to comment on a difference in sonics between the two. Many thanks.

@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. 

https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/linlai2/

The full name of Linlai was mentioned along with Linlai global in this article.

I don't think anyone has to worry about fake tubes. There are only 2 companies in China capable of making these tubes and I don't think Psvane would do a fake, although a copy maybe with their own label is very possible. The two versions may be voiced differently, although I don't know why. Someone with both types will have to tell us what they think.

@danmar123 I don't know yet whether my 2 pairs sound any different. I'm waiting till I get 100 hours on the GF pair then I'll swap them into the gain stage. I only know they sound hugely better than the Psavane UK's that I replaced them with in the buffer and the Psvane UK is a decent tube. Hopefully the GF will sound a little better, for the extra cost they should!

@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. 

@rocray What W/E 6sn7? LOL

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

😁

@invalid 

I haven't read the full article yet, but the pic on top of page shows the Linlai (looks like E-6SN7) with logo and ridge on silver base.

@lowrider57  Think  I  will stick  with the horizontal lettering Linlai Tubes. Based on impressions here it sounds pretty good even compared to the PSVanes as well as your review. And the price differential compared to the vertical lettering tubes is signifcant.  The horizontal lettering  tubes  are $250 (no shipping cost as I can get it here)  and vertical lettering tubes are $365 ( without  shipping cost) based on my local currency. Interesting to know there are variations out there but as @rah50  has commented, dont think they are fakes.  Based on how they are packaged and the TM or R indications, they seem to be both originals just catered to different markets.

@ram18 

Sounds like a plan. The Globals are very expensive, I'm looking forward to the comparative analysis of both tubes.

I've given up on my conspiracy theories and believe you and the others are correct. No greymarket tubes, both Linlai types are genuine and are manufactured for Chinese domestic and international markets.

@lowrider57  Just hope the sound  between the 2  is not too different ;)