Linlai E 6sn7 tubes

@lowrider57  wonder why Linlai isn't interested in small signal tubes? Harder to make? Less profitable? Also amazed tubes change so much during break in. Glass, vacuum, and some metal guts don't seem very susceptible to break in. 

My 2nd set of Linlai E 6sn7 have shipped. First set are gaining some air and decay. Unfortunately a small signal tube in the VTL ST150 quit. Couldn't find my replacements, so ordered a set only 170 miles away, in FedEx home town. Paid extra for FedEx 2 day shipping. 7 days later they are still riding around in FedEx trucks. Found my original replacements. Not the same tubes. Decided to hook up the delightful Pioneer Series 20 M22 class A amp. Will probably use it until all the Linlai are broken in. High-end is a war🙂.

Thanks,

aldnorab

Thanks,

aldnorab

@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.

I’m now at about 175 hours.  They have definitely settled in. No more sound fluctuations.  The “honeymoon” is still on. These really shine in my preamp. 

@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.

@lowrider57, when I get home from work, I’m going to pop the KenRads back in my pre for a bit,as a memory refresher. They are definitely (prior to the Linlai’s) the best tubes I have.