So here's what I'll be working with:
I already had an RCA JAN 6AS7G, it's the only tube compatible with that back socket I have (other than the stock POS).
I also had a made in Russia Tung-Sol 6SN7GTB (which after perusing this thread further is kind of a POS itself), the stock POS tube, and a Shuguang Treasure.
I ordered a 6SN7 --> Dual 6J5 adapter from
@Deyan
And then the following eBay spree:
- Black-plate RCA 6SN7GTB (to see how it plays with the RCA already in my system)
- A vintage Tung-Sol 6SN7GTB (American made)
- A pair of black RCA 6J5s
- A mismatched couple of Silvertone 6J5s - one G, one GTG
- GSN7-->GF8G adapter
- NOS RCB 6F8G
- NOS Raytheon 6F8G
That's not including the solid aluminum knob and stepped attenuator I was convinced to order (and look forward to getting my hands on).
I think at this point I'm pretty solid on things to try out on the 6SN7 socket. If I could only find some decent options for the 6AS7 to roll with the RCA, but everything I've read here points me away from the 5998As and I'm not really sure if $110 is a good price for a NOS Mullard 6080 with Philips branding. Anyone up for selling me a nice 6AS7/6080/5998 they consider a good option?
@bcowen I'ma need to see those test results.