Recommended tubes for my Luxman CL-40: 6BQ7A (RCA?) and 6CG7 (Raytheon?)

[taniani]

I purchased a vintage Luxman CL-40 preamp and could use some advice from the tube gurus here.

This preamp uses a unique topology with 6BK7B (or 6BQ7A) for the first stage and 6CG7 for the second stage

Although the CL-40 sounds really good with 3D sou, it was serviced 20 years ago and I am trying to move away from the stock Japanese tubes to get a richer, warmer, but still dynamic sound.

Based on my research so far, I am considering this specific combination:

• 1st Stage (Input): RCA 6BQ7A Black Plates (1950s D-Getter) – Aiming for that classic lush midrange and holographic soundstage. I found this pair at $65
  • https://tubeworldexpress.com/produc...1xlG3iDEDWujdJBNNB6r4KTezaWyKgkVJElHsI9k3tHX0
• 2nd Stage (Driver): Raytheon 6CG7 Black Plates (Triple Mica) – Aiming for speed, punch, and tighter bass to complement the RCAs. I found a pair available on eBay at $130

1. Has anyone tried this specific "RCA Input + Raytheon Driver" combo? Is the synergy as good as it looks on paper?
2. For the 6BQ7A slot, is the difference between the RCA "D-Getter" and the later "O-Getter" worth the price premium in this specific circuit?
3. Are there any other recommended tubes I should consider?

Thanks for your help!

 

[jefferylhenr]

The original Luxman tubes were chosen for a reason. I would be looking for them. As for the tubes you listed, it’s always interesting to try as you can always go back

 

[Buck Rogers]

I love 6BQ7's!

This is the first commercial Preamp I've seen that uses them.

Similar construction to "Frame Grid" 6DJ8's.