CARY SLP05 - tube configuration?

@stfoth my tubes are very similar to yours. RCA grey glass in 1-4 and Sylvania chrome dome GT’s with 3 hole construction in the balanced positions.

@mikey8811 
how are you running 4 grey glass in 1-4?  That would mean that you have it along the entire front row, and then on the left-most of the rear row.

@mikey8811 ."Sylvania chrome dome GT’s with 3 hole construction in the balanced positions."  IMO, that's one of the sweet spots from Sylvania.  I like the blackbase 6sn7w shorties just a tick more, but they are usually 2-4x the price.

@joey_v I meant the 4 tubes to the left - I can't remember how Cary numbers them.

I've also used CBS GT's in the same spots - more speed and extension - nice too but not as rich and full sounding as the RCA grey glass. It depends on your tastes I suppose.

I've tried NU's in the balanced positions but found those a little dark sounding.

I’m running balanced to balanced, so I’ll need six 6SN7. Should the tubes be purchased in matched pairs for the Left/Right?

I’m not interested in frequent tube rolling, so I’m hoping there’s a high quality NOS or new production option which delivers all around better resolution and darker background than the EH. So, not a tube known to impart a heavy handed, tailored sound onto any given recording.

Appreciated any advice!