What are these tubes in my VTL 5.5? Any recommendations?

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I just received my used VTL 5.5 today. The person I bought it from said he just put some new tubes in it that were supposedly approved by VTL. However, I can't really tell what they are from the markings on them. There are two white painted on boxes on each tube. One box has an arrow in it (pointing up) and below that says "7 348" The other box, right next to it, says "CV 4004" and "KB/AD" below that. I would think if these were 12AX7A tubes it would say so on them, wouldn't it? So what are these tubes? Are they any good? Unlike the four 6350 (which BTW are Westinghouse) which are "bare", the two tubes marked CV 4004 have two rubber "washer" type things on them over them.. maybe to aid in removing them? Seems weird... the tubes look kind of cheesy.
If these tubes aren't any good, could you please recommend some tubes for me to replace them with, and where to get them? And what do you like about the tubes you recommend?
Also, the manual for the VTL 5.5 says that the unit takes 4 6350 tubes, but then on a recent spec sheet that VTL mailed to me, it says it takes 4 12AT7 (along with the 2 12AX7). Seems strange. Anyone know what this is about?
One last question... the 5.5 has a pair of balanced inputs for a phono stage which currently aren't hooked to anything. I don't plan on adding the phono stage, but as my cd player has a balanced out, I'm wondering if it's possible to wire these things up as a line level input for use with my cd player.
Thanks for all your help,
David

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Topic - What are these tubes in my VTL 5.5? Any recommendations? - DavidParis 19:55:24 08/17/00 (3)

Re: What are these tubes in my VTL 5.5? Any recommendations? - Uncle Ned 06:38:43 08/18/00 (0)

the rubber washers are tube dampers ..leave them on (NT) - Joost Riphagen 01:41:40 08/18/00 (0)

Re: What are these tubes in my VTL 5.5? Any recommendations? - Y.F.C. 22:31:43 08/17/00 (0)

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