Dude's 6SN7 replacements with Chinese CV-181/6SN7

I also purchased my tubes from Andy including the same od3 and 6080 tubes you have coming.

The first thing you must do is get a power cable from Paul. It will be the biggest improvement you will hear without a doubt. I use nothing but Paul wire.

Hi Bill, Thanks for your advice on the power cable. Yes, I know you had mentioned Andy from VTS, and as I said I had used him before too. I don't want to hijack this thread (I wish we could pm or somehow talk...) but I am a big believer in aftermarket power cables and am currently using one of my very favorites on the Dude, it's a Triode Wire Labs model "8G American" and quite a tremendous performer (reasonable too).
By coincidence I happened to have bought a CRL (Cable Research Labs ) power cable many years ago because I had heard of their reputation and thought I'd give it a try...It turned out to be extremely stiff and difficult to work with in my limited space behind my previous rack configuration so I set it aside at the time and never really pursued it since.
What a coincidence that I now end up with a Dude (CRL for those that didn't know, was originally a big part of Paul's domain for awhile, though I don't know the exact details...) Anyway, when I had mentioned the cable to him, Paul told me it was a very good match for the Dude and to give it a try. I sent it out for cryo treatment and just got it back recently so I'll be experimenting with it versus the TWL and hear how it goes... It should be interesting.
This is a great hobby if you have the time and patience for it...
As for the original post...I would like to know how the Sophia 6sn7 would sound in the Dude... I use Sophia Mesh Plate Ceramic Base Gold Pin 300B's in my Canary CA 301 MK2 amp in another system and I like them far better than the stock EH's it came with (but I guess that's to be expected)... they are much more open, articulate and expansive with surprising frequency extension at BOTH ends including remarkable potency and dynamics [in my particular application] (amp runs 2 pair per channel for 22wpc) into 95 db sensitive 8 ohm Silverline Sonata 2's [with a midrange on female vocals that is breathtaking...]
So, it makes me wonder how the Dude might like the Sophias, especially the two pair per channel version like ours...just maybe swapping out 1 pair split L/R...
Interesting. Good luck and keep us informed...

I owned your speakers for a couple of years as well as the Bolero's. I love
Silverline speakers.

I have a tube DAC that uses a single 6sn7 as output. I compared the shuguang black treasure and Sophia tubes in a direct comparison. The sophi has a slightly better dynamics overall, slightly better soundstaging/imaging, noticeably better bass slam and extension. However, its midrange is not fleshed out and natural like the black treasure. It is most apparent on female vocals. IMO, the latter is more enjoyable and less fatiguing in the long run.

Lissnr
How did the CRL compare to the TWL pc's

Thanks