2. amps-preamps
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NOS Tubes--Are they worth it? or accurate?

After doing considerable investigation, I question whether it is worth it to undertake the quest of finding NOS tubes. Just looking at the volumes of discussion on audioasylum about Amperex 6922's and how many of them don't sound that good, the fakes out there, the difficulty in confirming how much use the tubes have seen. It just seems like way too much to deal with.

I know many will say, buy from the reputable tube dealers, but at what cost? Is their inflated pricing worth investing into something that has a limited life and can quite probably never be replaced? I think that looking into current production tubes that sound good would make a lot more sense.

The other issue is that many of the amps and preamps we are using them in are were not designed around the sound of these NOS tubes. If you substitute another tube, I think you are drastically altering the sound from the designer's attempt towards his version of reality and accuracy to something that is totally unrelated to this man's intentions and work.

It seems that we then end up with a mish-mash of sonics that are tailored to an individual's preference and may be far, far removed from any accuracy at all.
saxo
saxo OP
98 posts
 
Good point about the designer's musical tastes. Designers should really become intimately knowledgeable of the sound of a full orchestra as well as a jazz band, a jazz ensemble, vocalists, choirs, etc.

I guess those who think they have achieved 'accuracy' are fooling themselves as our technology and knowledge is far too limited to accomplish this.
pmi_guy
72 posts
 
Saxo,
It sounds like you are trying to talk yourself out of upgrading the tubes. Stick with what you have if you are happy. If you find you want a little more (as most of us do) then I highly recommend upgrading the pre-amp (small signal) tubes first. It does take some research. Different tube types, different manufacturers, different amps. My pre-amp only has 4 tubes so I replaced the entire quad with a matched set from a reputable dealer here on A'gon. There was a dramatic change in sound. All the good things you read about NOS tubes. Try to find ones which are matched, tested for noise and microphonics.

I'm sure that amp designers would use Mullards, Amperex or whatever NOS style tubes if they were currently being produced. I think that MF bought up the world supply of Nu-Vista tubes so they could make a limited production run. They simply can't sell a product where the tubes are in increasingly short supply.
captpenny
23 posts
 
Everyone has very good points. I would like to add that I have NOS tubes in my ARC gear but after much research and confusion, bought them from Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio.
He knows what works and sounds best in many brands and is very good to do business with. I bought some Amperex
off ebay and never received them, so beware and buy off a reputable dealer. The tubes are worth every penny and for the improvement in sound, a steal. IMO if it sounds good, it is good!
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Pls1- Wow, a terrific response. If this is your quick off the cuff remark, I want to read more later. Lots to think about.
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