It is too bad that you have to sell your Leben CS300XS (Stereophile class A, they say nothing better) integrated amplifier. If properly set up they do sound rather good. If it is because of other expenses of life then I understand, but if you are not happy with the sound, consider rolling the tubes.
To make mine sound it's best, I did replace the two stock 12AX7 valves with new old stock (NOS) vintage Amperex Holland "Made for medicine" (lower noise) valves, and the four Sovtek EL84s I replaced with x4 NOS 60's vintage Amperex designed for Hammond Organs and the notes plumped up nicely. This is what a valve amplifier is supposed to sound like.
I am also currently burning in two NOS Brimar yellow T 6060 valves for my Leben phono stage, which are still burning in so I can't decide whether better or not than the JAN 6060s that were in there before, but if anybody is out there who also has this phono stage then let me know and I will write back with the outcome.
Mark
To make mine sound it's best, I did replace the two stock 12AX7 valves with new old stock (NOS) vintage Amperex Holland "Made for medicine" (lower noise) valves, and the four Sovtek EL84s I replaced with x4 NOS 60's vintage Amperex designed for Hammond Organs and the notes plumped up nicely. This is what a valve amplifier is supposed to sound like.
I am also currently burning in two NOS Brimar yellow T 6060 valves for my Leben phono stage, which are still burning in so I can't decide whether better or not than the JAN 6060s that were in there before, but if anybody is out there who also has this phono stage then let me know and I will write back with the outcome.
Mark