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^ Thanks.
The CS-600 can use a variety of power tubes with the flick of two switches--[size=x-small] the 6L6GC and 6CA7 (EL34)[/size][size=x-small]. I am currently using its stock tubes of Sovtek 6L6GCW and Japanese made 6CA7 (first-stage tubes). I was very impressed when I had the CS-300XS. It floored me from the very first notes I played on it. I was also impressed when I first played the 600 with its stock tubes. But it sounded like it needed to open up a bit. The sound wasn't as expansive and it was a bit bland. But after 500+ hours, it has exceeded my expectations. I own many amps and have rotated them with the 600 and have always [/size]returned to the 600. Its efforts at reproducing acoustical music is the best. Especially among string instruments like guitars and violins. Female vocals are exemplary. But it also is able to review the flaws of poorly recorded (or dated) digital recordings even with my Havana MHDT tube DAC.
I am getting ready to sell off most of my equipment and am keeping about 4 amps. One of which is the Leben CS600.
I share your sentiment of how fantastic acoustic and live music sounds with the CS600. I've spent hours listening to Alison Krauss and the Union Station's Live album, just sounds so damn good with this amp/speaker (DeVore Nines) combo. I've also done a little tube rolling with the CS600 and I like what I'm hearing. I purchased my CS600 used and only heard the stock Sovtek tubes for a few songs before rolling in the 6p3se that Jeff Day mentioned sounds so good with the Leben. After spending a few hours of listening time with these tubes, I agree that they sound fantastic and are a heck of a bargain. Cryoset sells matched quads for $50-$60, not a bad deal.
I've also rolled in some Sylvania 6L6WGA 5932 tubes. Large brown base, short glass bottle, fantastic tubes. This and the 6p3se are my favorite so far. The Sylvania tube, to me, has a wider sound stage and better bass extension.
I was pleasantly surprised when I rolled in some new production JJ EL34Ls. I thought new production was suppose to be lacking? The JJ's were totally coherent, very tight bass, and clean sound. I have to spend more time with these, when listening to music with these tubes I had no complaints.
Next on my list of tubes to purchase are RCA 6L6GC black plates and maybe even some NOS Mullard EL34 if I can afford it.
Short story, if you have the Leben CS600 you should invest a few bucks into some good tubes, the Leben deserves it. Not that the Sovteks are bad by any means.
I also wanted to add that the CS300 and CS600 are some of the finest looking amps. I know we're all about the sound quality, but it doesn't hurt that these are some wonderfully eye-catching pieces of audio art.
