Can excellent tubes transcend modest amps?


I am wondering how far a good but not amazing amp design with decent parts such as Antique Sound Lab AQ1003 DT or a Jolida 302B can be improved by putting top notch NOS tubes? In other words, is it worth buying a used $500 integrated and give it an extreme tube make over for $200-400 rather than buying say a PrimaLuna or Cayin in the $800-900 range with its stock tubes?
kanuk

Showing 1 response by jj2468

I recommend buying a better amp and using a good quality tube. I've tried using the "best" tube in amps and preamps for which I had some fundamental complaint, and expensive tubes never resolved the issue for more than a week after the initial blush of the "best" tube wore off.

On the other hand, where I fundamentally like a piece of gear, then I have enjoyed installing better tubes. But, I continue to enjoy that gear whether it contains the best tube or a good tube.

My two cents. Jeff

ps. Of course, choosing the next amp is the fun and treacherous decision.