John Curl has been around and active for a LONG time. He is correct about high quality parts.
It’s easier and cheaper for large quantity FET manufacturers to skip a few steps in production (especially baking time) to produce chips that still meet specs. But those specs don’t necessarily carry over to quiet / low noise audio components. And the quantities of chips required for high-end audio manufacturing doesn’t justify the added expense in manufacturing.
Keith Herron has also been around for a long time, since the 70s. He designed Crate and Ampeg musical instrument electronics before forming Herron Audio.
It’s easier and cheaper for large quantity FET manufacturers to skip a few steps in production (especially baking time) to produce chips that still meet specs. But those specs don’t necessarily carry over to quiet / low noise audio components. And the quantities of chips required for high-end audio manufacturing doesn’t justify the added expense in manufacturing.
Keith Herron has also been around for a long time, since the 70s. He designed Crate and Ampeg musical instrument electronics before forming Herron Audio.