It depends - are the Siemens and GE's definitely real NOS, or are the "used but test like NOS"? If the former, then I'd say put them in right away so they too can burn-in. If the latter, might as well use the Sovteks for the burn-in.
If you do the burn-in and initial listening with the stock tubes it allows you the opportunity to really appreciate the sound of the NOS tubes by having a frame of reference. Sometimes we jump when an smaller step could be more appropriate.
I use the Genalex Gold Lion EL84 and am very satisfied. The best new production I have tried and well balanced sound. When I looked around half a year ago there there was no abundance of NOS matched quads of EL84 for decent prices. There may be better NOS but it is reassuring that the Gold Lion reissue is easily available.
I just wanted to make some additional comments on a comparison of the Leben CS300xs to the Lavry DA10.
I mentioned in a previous post that some songs sounded dull on the Leben CS300xs compared to the Lavry DA10, but I have been listening very closely to them both. All the detail is there on the Leben and I definitely think not that it doesn't sound dull anymore. I think I was mistaken because the Lavry DA10 sounds more shrill and I mistaken that to better resolution.
But I think the sound on the Leben, because there are tubes involved, there is a slower decay on the notes and that gives that tubey soundstage on the Leben.
Comparing the two, I think because they are both quality units. They both sound good, I can't say one is miles above or clearly better. But the sound on the Lavry is bright and clear, where the Leben has that tubey soundstage and clear. It's interesting that the spectrum of tonal difference is pretty far between, but I like them both.
I also ordered 4 Genalex Gold Lion EC84 tubes. They are recent production tubes and I paid $109 for all four delivered. I must say, comparing them to the stock Sovtek, I can't tell a difference. If someone held a gun to my head and told be to distinguish on sound alone, I think there would be a 50/50% chance of me guessing which was which.
My only advise on the new tubes, maybe someone with golden ears can tell a difference, but I would try a different combo.
Running Sylvania Black plate 6bq5's and a Pair of Sylvania NOS 5751 gold brand driver tubes. I can safely say the 6 screws on the Leben top plate will not be coming off for a while.
It's here. I'm floored. Must regain consciousness. Where am I?
When I turned the Leben on for the first time that was when I realized the meaning of A Motion Sound. It was as if the musicians were in the room with me. It was that impressive.
Thanks to all for introducing me to the Leben. A special thank you to Skylab.
And how is this possible?: I connected another amp (Woo Audio 2) to the Leben Tape Out and guess what? The Woo Audio 2 is much improved (+++). I am using the Beyerdynamic DT990 600Ω. Unbelievable. I hope that's okay (Leben Tape Out > to the WA2 Line In). That was just an experiment. I'm sticking to listening to the Leben for now.
Mind to comment your impression (sound signature) of Leben vs WA2 alone? I don't mean which is better, just the sound character only
And how's Leben playing, not-so-good recording? will it become unbearably harsh? or? I asked because, usually, high resolution system = 'very bad for less than super recording', in the end, I end up playing only Demo songs, shucks.
Can any of you guys that own the Leben post the specifications? I am assuming the amp came with a sheet? Would be awesome! Curious of the output power to the headphone jack. how many V and mW?
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