@shkong78 Which Melz did you obtain? Apparently two versions of the metal base, one with T plates a la “bad boy” style, and one with similar T plates but holes “drilled” up the front side of the plates. Based on asking prices, the “holed” metal base are more rare and perhaps better SQ. I have all of the 6sn7s in your shootout, except the Melz. Ones without the holes can be had for $100+, the holed version are $300+ pair.
I have four tube amps, Willsenton R800i, Inspire KT-88, Cary 300SEI LX20 and an inexpensive chfi EL3, several pairs of speakers, Klipsch, Vienna Acoustics, Focals. Your impressions are spot on with what I hear when swapping tube manufacturers, nice work. Thanks for sharing.
There’s a Willsenton tube rolling thread on Steve Hoffman site run by Rachel, she may be the only person on the planet with more 6SN7s than you! Folks there rave about the Melz, and distinguish the drilled hole version over the non holed version.
I’m curious to try a pair of Melz, but procrastinating on the spend.