phono stage tubes for VAC Master Pre

@mulveling Mike from SunCoast recommended changing the line stage tubes to Amperex Holland 6DJ8's which he has in his system. My guess was that the Gold Lion's might work well for the 12AX7s.  Thanks for that recommendation.  I'm grateful that you replied to my post.  Through the years I have enjoyed your posts since your experience with VAC products far exceeds mine.  

@inna I like your breakdown. Not interested in the simple path.  While the Mullards may be the best path, right now I'm gonna take the middle road which is likely the Gold Lion's.  The reason-I failed to mention that my most understanding wife also allowed me the luxury of upgrading my cartridge to a Hana Umami Black during this same time frame.  Like Yes, currently I'm close to the Edge.  But, they are on the future wish list.

I did talk to Kevin about rolling my 1940's RCA 6SN7's, which I enjoyed in the 200 series.  He was surprisingly quite encouraging. 

7DJ8 requires 7V filament voltage. They’ll work with 6V but that will affect the SQ. How? I don’t know. I’d guess saggy and warm.

orthomead, tell us how they sound after 100 hours.

The new Mullard CV4004 is a nice preamp tube...mellow and clear.  The new Tung Sol ECC803S gold pin is excellent as well...still on the mellow side, but a bit more neutral and clear.  I did not care much for the EH12AX7 in my rig.  YMMV. 

Mazda triple mica chrome plate 12ax7 are definately not overly bright. They are absolutely spectacular and in the phono stage seats would me amazing with say a warm Benz Micro Wood series, Koestsu Black or even a Grado Epoch series cart. They are not cheap but they are, to me anyway, the best for creating space around instruments and spectacular imaging. Just my opinion