[Taniani]

I purchased a vintage Luxman CL-40 preamp and could use some advice from the tube gurus here.

This preamp uses a unique topology with 6BK7B (or 6BQ7A) for the first stage and 6CG7 for the second stage.

Although the CL-40 sounds really good with depth and 3d imaging, it was serviced 20 years ago and I am trying to move away from the stock Japanese tubes (Matsushita) to get a richer, warmer, but still dynamic sound.

Based on my research so far, I am considering this specific combination:

1st Stage (Input): RCA 6BQ7A Black Plates (1950s D-Getter) – Aiming for that classic lush midrange and holographic soundstage. I found this pair at $65
https://tubeworldexpress.com/produc...1xlG3iDEDWujdJBNNB6r4KTezaWyKgkVJElHsI9k3tHX0

2nd Stage (Driver): Raytheon 6CG7 Black Plates (Triple Mica) – Aiming for speed, punch, and tighter bass to complement the RCAs. I found this pair at $130
https://ebay.us/m/VEbjA1


- Has anyone tried this specific "RCA Input + Raytheon Driver" combo? Is the synergy as good as it looks on paper?
- For the 6BQ7A slot, is the difference between the RCA "D-Getter" and the later "O-Getter" worth the price premium in this specific circuit?
- Are there any other recommended tubes I should consider?


Thanks for your help!

[JakeJ]

Hello and welcome to Audiocircle and the Tube-O-Phile circle.

Pretty specific questions that only current and previous owners can answer.

As a fellow tube user that cannot answer these questions I recommend you post them on as many forums as possible

[FullRangeMan]

Phone to Andy at VTS he can recommend good tubes to you.