My amp cost around $900 all tubes included. A replacement set of the power tubes is around $360. IMHO the power tubes are insanely overpriced garbage. The preamp tubes that came with it cost about $9 each to replace with the exact same ones. I've made tremendous progress by getting cheaper power tubes and vastly more expensive pre's. If you have the money, go for it, you only live once.
I do believe that the law of diminishing returns applies in all situations, yours included. The $700 tubes are likely only marginally better than some that can be had for 1/4 the price. One example being telefunken 12ax7's for $500 each vs a similar vintage rca or mullard that can be purchased for about 10% as much. IME the differences are minor.
I do believe that the law of diminishing returns applies in all situations, yours included. The $700 tubes are likely only marginally better than some that can be had for 1/4 the price. One example being telefunken 12ax7's for $500 each vs a similar vintage rca or mullard that can be purchased for about 10% as much. IME the differences are minor.