Sony SCD XA5400ES tube rolling?

Hi Podeschi

I agree with you concerning the Sylvanias, they are also one of my very favorite 6sn7 providing you procure them from a reliable source and they are closely matched. Unfortunately this is not always the case and it can make a significant difference. A tube tester and reliable tube source is mandatory. For that reason I recommend you trying the Sophia Electric premium tubes. They ARE closely matched and will give you pretty much everything you can ask for in a tube, top to bottom extension, dynamics, balanced soundstage and image placement, a real big deal once they break in. The top end was a bit agressive for the first 100 hrs or so but not now. Do yourself a favor and try them. They aren't exactly cheap at 200.00 a pair but I can't say enough good things about this tube in my Supratek pre-amp and I've tried pretty much all of them except the Tung Sol's. I would expect you will hear these aspects of its performance characteristics in the Sony as well. It is often about the electrical parameters and how closely they match that is going to dictate the performance in a given component and these tubes are seriously matched with greater mutual conductance than any I've measured.

It is clear to me why Dan Wright recommends this tube.

"There's still plenty of NOS available and most for less money."

Yes, you're right, unfortunately you don't always know what you are getting and it really is a minefield out there without a reliable tube source. I highly recommend Andy Bowman of Vintage Tube Services towards that end. What I have found over the years is how important matching plays into the total equation of the overall impressions you hear when listening. I'm certainly not against NOS tubes providing you have a trusted source with measurements. I have plenty in my catche and I can attest to how good they can be. Unfortunately supply has dwindled and there are inflated prices on some of these tubes, especially the ones in greater demand, the Tung Sol round plates come to mind. It isn't this better than that more than with the Sophia Premium tubes you KNOW what you are getting, they are culled and carefully matched. The end results may vary in a given application but I will say this, I wouldn't give them such high praise if I didn't recognize what they bring to the table, at least in my application and 9 years of experience in my situation. I have no affiliation with Sophia and as always, YMMV. I do encourage the individuals that make the committment to post their impressions to lend balance to the discussion. Initial impressions should be IMMEDIATELY apparent aside from break-in considerations.

Hi Mr. Tennis. I would do a google search. E-Bay would probably be a good place to look. These tubes are not readily available in any case and I expect you will pay a premium.

Rfogel8, I too have purchased from e-bay dealers with good success, their feedback rating is important when dealing with them. It is always wise to purchase from dealers that show published test results and better yet, offer a guarantee and avoid like the plague tubes being sold "as is" at premium prices. My comments are based on experiences I personally have had with so called repudable dealers. Tubes I didn't test based on recommendations and that were spent, beyond their usable life yet sold as "NOS" because they were a premium, desired tube. One dealer I had two such experiences with. One time I'll give the benefit of the doubt two times it is no longer a coincidence. My point is really directed towards new guys, be careful and deal with reputable dealers with test results. If you really get into purchasing a lot of tubes invest in a tester. For what you can spend for tubes it is a modest investment. I use Andy as the best example of someone who's reputation is unimpeachable and will educate and be fair in pricing. Another good reason to own a tester is to test periodically to make sure your system is operating optimally. Some circuits use tubes faster as they are biased at higher currents, particularily power amps.