Desperately seeking the elusive tube sound

I can unequivocally state that the answer to all of your questions is "yes".

Marakanetz, I agree...EI Yugo's are a good tube, especially since they are a great choice for power tubes (over Soviet and Chinese). And they're good to go, right out of the box. The trouble with NOS tubes (besides the scarcity and cost...and again, we're talking about the low power pre/driver tubes) is that they were not made specifically with high-end audio in mind! Some can be wickedly microphonic. And every simplton, huckster, and his brother is out there selling tubes. And people see a matched Quad of Telefunkens 12AU7's for $150-, and they bite! They get em delivered and WHOOPS, where's the diamond logo etched on the base? Congrats...they've just bought counterfeits, probably Chinese crap, worth maybe $20-...on a good day! Or the BIG NAME tube "guru" who's selling "Mullard" 12AU7's (CV4003) manufactured in 1985 that are total crap, and sound nothing like real Mullards from the '70's or earlier. The reason that many people don't believe in NOS, is due to the fact that they tried to save a few bucks and ended up with rebrands, fakes, or bad NOS tubes. Hey, the only place to get real NOS tubes that are suitable for your particular audio application is from Andy at Vintage Tube Services. He's the "pro-in-the-know".

Clueless, Very interesting link! Have you actually tried this stuff? On what components and what is your observation? I can't believe that I'm actually even curious about such snake oil! Has anyone else tried this stuff? I have a Cary 306/200 and am wondering what if... I must have slipped off the edge. Thanks, Dave

I once knew a guy that had a product called "See-Ya-Later". Send him some money and he said "See ya later". Ha! By the way, I have this extra bridge in Brooklyn that I don't need anymore, and ..................

Clueless,
What the hell is it?

I actually loved the tonearm also he..he..:) What cartridge is the best with this one? Twl?