British were coming, now they are here!
Got three pairs of 50s long envelope Brimar 6SN7GTs. Mailman said "you came to the door quick"
Although the seller claims it's impossible one pair seems to be DOA
Seller responded QUICKLY and insured he will resolve this if indeed I'm correct, just a bummer since he does not live around the block.
I first put them in the Source and they sounded great, not as fast as TS rounds but otherwise as clear and as dynamic off the bat. I will NOT say they are better since the session was short. The differences were minor to be honest but I'm sure I can eventually dissect further. Surely more of flavor choice then a clear cut winner.
I then decided to put the working quad of Brimars in my audio aero amp and WOW
They blow the grey glass RCA VT-231's out of the water in this position, less tubey sound, just cleaner, more dynamic, more resolving, NO COMPARISON. RCA's are now BANISHED from my amp. Seller was right, Brimars are AWESOME!
Then I threw the RCAs in the MWTP. Wow, now suddenly I'm in love with them ,and now since my amp seems to have the proper tubes, I will concur w/Ted that the RCA's are now 90% of the TS round plates. And I'm sure like most of us I could throw in any TOP NOTCH 6SN7s and hear differences (esp over time) but would prob thoroughly enjoy all of them as well.
When I do replace the DOA pair I can say how they sound in the source eventually but doubt it be as good as the TS or RCA's b/c of past experience and what I read that mixing the 6SN7s give the best results. TBD still but so far I agree.
If you can find them you will NOT go wrong with these blk coated 50s Brimars, there more along the same cost as RCA's, and most definitely sound better IMO, this presents themselves as a TREMENDOUS value! HIGHLY RECCOMEND!!
This thread has really helped my system, and now I'm excited to just ENJOY the music!
UPDATE: I'm the one that is NUTS! All three pairs work PERFECT, me the idiot jumped to conclusions but it turns out I did not have the tube with no spigot(guide pin) installed right, I got the quad in the amp and the pair in MWTP and it boy does it sound GLORIOUS, I will most def. post again in reference to how I like them compared to TS rounds and RCA's, just emailed the 30yr valve vet to tell him this rookie owes you an apology