If NOS pre or power tubes became unavailable altogether, what new tubes would you buy?


Hey tuberollers, 

I'm curious to see what happens if there's a gun to your head, or more practically all NOS tubes disappear (dread).  What would you do with your line/pre stage and/or power stage?  

I have tried 5 different NOS 12AU7s and only 1 new 12AU7 in my preamp section (Cifte, RCA black plates (late 50s), Sylvanias, Baldwin organ tubes, Amperex 70s orange globes, and new Chinese stock Primaluna tubes).  In my power section, I have not tried any NOS tubes and 3 types of tubes (stock Chinese Primaluna EL34s, reissue Mullard EL34s, and reissue Gold Lion KT88s).  

Side note: I haven't ventured into NOS power tubes because of the cost and availability/scarcity.  I need 8 of them!

Without having tried anything else, I would be lost on new or reissue 12AU7s.  On the power tube side, I'd be just fine with either the reissue Mullard EL34s or the Gold Lion KT88s.  
jbhiller

Showing 2 responses by don_c55

If the sun went into super nova, and wiped out all life on earth, what music would you listen to?

Similar STUPID question!
OK jbhiller Point taken.

Chill out! It was a joke.

The Russians bought many original names, and they do not have the "tone" of true NOS.

The results of quality sound varies "all over the map" with the amp or preamp design.

What type of "tone" do you want?

What tubes did the designer use to "voice" the equipment?

Email, or talk, to the designer, or at least the factory that made your equipment.

If made in China, good luck!

You have 89 replies! Are you anywhere close to an answer?