Do NOS Mullard EL34 tubes last much longer than NOS SED (Svetlana) EL34 ?

bjesien: " window into the notes and texture". That’s exactly what I would seek if I wanted to take the sound to the next level, and I sure want it.

So, this is an opposite opinion - with EL34 there is no substitute for NOS Mullards.

In fact, Kevin did recommend NOS Mullards if I really wanted to push the sound quality and had the funds. He just said it was not necessary to get  excellent results.

jetter, you are probably right in that I should try these Gold Lions reissues.

In fact, Kevin of VAC told me that he no longer used any NOS output tubes in his own reference amps. This opinion has a lot of weight. He also said that in his power amps output tubes affected the sound less than driver tubes. I currently have RCA black plates 12AU7 from 50s and like them.

Maybe I should forget about those very expensive Mullards, yeah, but the doubt remains.

jetter, thank you.

I am talking about Mullards XF1 from Tube Depot. They got used for $300 each too.

So, you are not saying they would last significantly longer.

I am almost certain that they would sound better than SEDs and that's my potential problem. I listen for about 2-3 hours almost every day.

I did buy those 12AX7 Mullards from Audio Tubes, Bret was nice to talk to but he has different taste.