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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.  
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Showing 5 responses by jbhiller

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
@rauliruegas --I'm not sure it is helpful to offer opinions about solid state v tube here. Many of us use these forums for information gathering.  If someone has a genuine interest in the title and subject of this thread, they will come to the thread and see lengthy discussion on different subjects. 

Also, I don't know why you dropped in just to knock the technology at its core. I'd have these same issues if a tube head dropped in to bag on solid state amps where the underlying discussion was about preferences within that technology. 


jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
Thanks to all who have stayed with the initial question and purpose of the thread.  I thought about deleting the thread because of the direction the thread went. 

People, at least me, really do run searches on forum threads with the objective of finding answers.  Now, if someone searches and finds this thread they will get less answers about new tubes that people like as alternative to the NOS tubes that are expensive and scarce.  

Raul should start his own thread.  Too bad.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
@don_c55 ,  No, the question is not trying to get at hypotheticals.  It was asking folks who prefer NOS tubes what they would buy from the selection of new tubes.  Perhaps, I could've phrased it differently (i.e. What new, non-NOS, tubes do you like the best next to NOS?)  

What gives with all of the hostility and argumentativeness?  Why take the time to tell people their question is "stupid"?  Why try to change the subject of the forum thread?  I just don't get it.  

For those of us in the hobby who want and enjoy the exchange of information, these types of responses do not do anything meaningful to advance the discussion or create/propel curiosity.  
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
@don_c55 ,  No worries Don!  Good points.  

I think you've (and several others) have answered it by saying none of the Russian/Chinese reissues just don't measure up and aren't worth it. 

I am looking for a new tube that has some air on top, a la GE 5814as, Ciftes, etc., or at least some syrup in the midrange.  I can stick with NOS for sure.  
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
Bigkidz, That's sooooo interesting, but I feel miles away from starting that project.  I would, however, like to learn more about it.  
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