The C500 is a great tube preamp. I have one and love it . Also an admitted tube junkie. I own or have owned about every 12ax7 & 5751 known to man. While the reissue GL get a lot a positive comments here, in my rig they are mediocre at best. I would think if you find them "harsh" my first question would be how many hours are on them? All tubes, new issue or NOS will sound quite harsh until they burn in. Typically 50 - 100 hours. Telefunkens have been mentioned and they are very nice
I personally prefer and run 1950's Sylvania Triple mica black plate Gold Brand 5751's. Very focused and balanced with a crazy 3D soundstage. I also really like Mullard 10M's but they are stupid expensive. A very musical yet "tubey" sound would be 1950's RCA long black plates. Very nice and highly regarded and quite readily available. Have fun!
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