I've had my Cary AE3 MkII preamplifier now for a few years now. I've been quite happy with the sonics of the stock Chinese 6SN7 tubes. Mostly sweet sounding with good tone and staging.
I recently took advantage of a black Friday special for Sophia Electric's large bottle variation and bought a pair to try out.
Well consider me quite impressed! The sound has become more full and robust. A bit more brightly lit but none of the stridency I got with the old tubes on some recordings. The tones and instruments sound somehow more complex. More resolution I suppose but without any negative side.
They make a VG product. Prefer Sophia to Full Music.
charles
Thanks for the report Chris. I have heard good things about Sophia 6sn7 also. Most of the Chinese tubes are a little more clear than the vintage favorites, I like that extra edge, as long as it is just clean and not exaggerated.