2. amps-preamps
  3. 148057-3130

***Is It Me Or Have Todays Modern Tubes Gotten REALLY REALLY Good***

About 3 years ago it was the Quad VA-One EL-84 amp that won my ears & heart.Almost 3 years I ran that amp night and day and never felt the urge to roll any of the tubes,which I believe were E.H...A user interface problem forced it’s sale and now it is the magical Cayin CS-55a with factory KT88’s,AU7 & AX7 small signal tubes..Once again I find absolutely no reason to start rolling tubes.Maybe,maaayyybbbeee I could squeeze a drop more liquidity outta the upper mids and possibly a hint more shimmer on top but at what expense?I hate gambling.Anyone else noting the quality of today’s new issue tubes?
freediver

Showing 1 response by elrod

elrod
262 posts
 
Have an Atma-Sphere MP3 preamp with New/NOS setup. I use the  New Shuguang Treasure CV181-Z  to replace the 6sn7 and nothing NOS sounds better (and it's not even close).

For the 12au7 I use the old Amperex 7316 long-plates, which in my mind is the top 12au7. Have not tried any new 12au7 because I've been totally satisfied with the 7316's. If anyone knows a new 12au7 that could be better, I'm all ears

I think there's probably a mix in the New/NOS scorecard. Ease of availability/cost is a definite + for new tubes
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