Ended up going with the LSR305s. Thanks everyone for the input.  

All the speakers I am looking at have XLR and TRS inputs. I will come out of my DAC as RCA using an RCA splitter so my current RCA cable goes to my amp/HP and the other would go to my speakers with RCA to XLR/TRS cables. Will this work and is there any benefit to one input over the other other...

Seems a refurbished M-Audio BX5 D2 can be had for the same price as used JBL LSR305 on ebay. Perhaps the BX5s would be a better option?   I also found these which also seem to be recommended. Not sure about the price though since it seems to be too cheap, but it is the manufacturers website...

I'm looking for some studio monitors to use when giving my ears a rest from headphones or while away from my desk to listen to music. I will only be using them for a year or so and then upgrading, so I am looking to spend around $100-200. I currently have the CA-3602 and I am getting a bit tired...

 

I think the noise is purely microphonic noises picked up from the transistor since I can hear a faint electric flow in that area. Unless the microphonics decreases then it will probably stay.    Did you have the standard RCA 6AS7G or the JAN version?

Had the electric noise from the RCA 6AS7G with both an RCA cleartop and Amperex Bugle Boy 12AU7s. The Bugle Boy has a buzz in the right ear so I'm returning it. It seems that the JAN version has less issues with microphonics. Don't know if vacuumtubes.net has any Chantham 6AS7Gs either.   And...

Anyone have issues with the RCA 6AS7G background noise? Mine sounds like a quiet power line. Does it go away with burn in usually? Not a big issue but it is noticeable when I first put the headphone on.

Yeah, if you want top quality music, get a record player or something. Cannot do much better with computers other than getting rid of noise from the electronics in the computer if you have it. Sound cards have better DAC/amp than onboard. The convenience is not getting a dedicated DAC/amp, even...

It's a modded Realtek 1150. Basically the 1150 with some extra software added in and a fancy name.   I also have to mention I have a DAC/amp already. As such, most of the purpose of a SC is lost. If I were to plug my headphones directly into the mobo vs a souncard with no DAC/amp, then the SC...

ASUS Maximus VI Hero

ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC, which is just a modded Realtek 1150 so I guess it isn't as good as I thought. It still sounds great, just not for 3D positioning compared to a dedicated SC.

The guy uploaded a few more videos with one still to come comparing music and gaming sounds. I'll have to give those a watch as well.    Still, the onboard is going to depend on your mobo. I don't know which one he has, but mine is a gaming mobo, so its soundcard is probably geared more...

Problem is that even though you get better 3D imaging, the detail is lost. That means I couldn't hear footsteps as well and if I got near water or anything with a constant noise, it decreased my ability to hear footsteps further with SBX active. The scout mode was a nightmare when I got near...

I will say I thought the DT880/600 had slightly better gaming capabilities than the HD600. The DT800 was more detailed as well as having slightly better positioning. However, the HD600 sounded more natural so I choose that.   With the Sound Blaster Z, the sound quality was so distorted to get...

I would have gotten a re-branded Seasonic one as well, or some other decent brand. I managed to get my platinum Seasonic for $130 over the $190 price tag today. Basically stole it.      Buy your electronics around the end of November. It turns out they start making things ridiculously cheap.

I decided on the RCA 6AS7G for now. If I can find a deal on the 5998 then great, otherwise I should be happy with the RCA until I need it replaced.

So I guess it's a waiting game for the ebay gods to bless me. 

Any places to look to find a 5998 Tung Sol?

So does that mean anything other than the tube was only allowed to pass if it met their standards? No differences in build quality or sound?

Does JAN designation do anything for the tube: sturdier or higher quality parts?

Yes, always get a PSU with a little more power than needed. It loses its strength as time goes on and will not be able to provide the power it originally did. I got an 860W when my system will only use 450W on full power (gaming). However, if you buy a good brand, Seasonic, then you probably...

If that's true then I have no options besides the 6AS7G unless there is something better out there. The only reasonably priced 5998s on ebay have crap testing results.

Have to try it another time along with E80CC. Already bought the Bugle Boy and Cleartop. Leaning towards the RCA 6AS7G as well since the only Tung sol 5998 I can find is on vacuumtubes.net for $85.

If you had to pick the better of the two, would you pick vintage or 1962.