yah, the new ones do look better, but I am still skeptical. My ASL 1009's (PP triode monoblocks using a pair of 845's per channel), although sounding great in my system, could NEVER hold the bias properly- I got thoroughly frustrated and sold them (for the build quality, not sound quality issues).
On the plus side though, along with an older modified pair of Altec 1570B 811-based 160 watt tube monoblocks; a buddy's fabulous DIY 211 SET; a pair of recently heard excellent Dehavilland GM-70's; and the ASL 1009's; I am a big fan of higher-powered triode tubes in general...
And yes, I have also heard the Hurricane (original version) on my speakers, and there were several qualities to admire- one of which was the 'presence' those amps created...
On the plus side though, along with an older modified pair of Altec 1570B 811-based 160 watt tube monoblocks; a buddy's fabulous DIY 211 SET; a pair of recently heard excellent Dehavilland GM-70's; and the ASL 1009's; I am a big fan of higher-powered triode tubes in general...
And yes, I have also heard the Hurricane (original version) on my speakers, and there were several qualities to admire- one of which was the 'presence' those amps created...