12ax7's

I think Telefunken is overpriced (IMO). I'm running 12AX7 $10 NOS JAN Phillips in my cd player and I have no complaints.

Wrong, Fatparrot, the tubes ARE the sole gain devices for this player. In fact, they impart a controlling influence on the sound of my otherwise colorless reference system.

There are many audiophiles who will spare no expense for whatever is a hot commodity, like pricey tubes. I just settle for glorious music.

There are even more who buy such tubes in hopes of rescuing their aurally "gifted" component chain. A futile move, in my experience.