Most new preamps seem to use tubes made by Chinese (McIntosh) or Russian manufacturers. Seems a shame really as the quality of sound obviously isn't up there with older vintage tubes.....which is why their prices are high and these vintage tube places exist to begin with.
Regardless of who makes them, it doesn't make sense to me why a preamp manufacturer can't spec out a 'good' tube to the manufacturer that is as good as the vintage tubes....other than cost reasons but given the type of preamp above $4000-$15000, you'd think there would be more control of the quality of tube being made for an OEM's preamp.
Sounds like a business opportunity.
Regardless of who makes them, it doesn't make sense to me why a preamp manufacturer can't spec out a 'good' tube to the manufacturer that is as good as the vintage tubes....other than cost reasons but given the type of preamp above $4000-$15000, you'd think there would be more control of the quality of tube being made for an OEM's preamp.
Sounds like a business opportunity.