Power supply
I bought several vintage tube amps (all same brand) for tests.
I started all mods on the worst sounding of them which was my Fisher 500c. The reason for this if I messed something up it was the worst sounding amp anyway.
Now after listening to the EL84 (all vintage) the 500c hammers it with all Jensen (copper paper tube) and Duelund VSF caps. So my worst, now my best. (by far)
How did they compare to new? I had new SS (pre and amp 10k here) and ALL of the vintage amps sounded better. (wayyyyy quieter) My worst amp (the most $$$) has been long sold. To my ears it was the best SS I could find in my budget.
What about a new tube amp?
Not a bad idea at all, but I would like Duelund caps all through out. (they are clearly audible over even Jensen) A top notch power supply, Jensen, Black Gate etc. Silver Duelund solid core wire would be nice as well. Problem an amp like this is far from cheap!
Hmmmmm No cheap answers.