Tube amps - what 3 things…

I have an allnic in the house now and need to adjust bias every time I switch it on - is this normal?

@mpoll1 No it is not. Are you allowing the amp to warm up for 15 minutes or so before checking bias? Bias should be pretty stable once it is set. As tubes age it may need to be adjusted, and at a certain point they they will need replacement if you cannot get the amp to bias properly. I prefer amps with fixed bias vs. cathode self-bias, but I have access to a computer tube tester and a huge stock of tubes so I can ensure well matched tubes for use in any of my amps.

I agree with the previous comment on transformers being the most important component.

Until they aren't. Tube amplifiers with output transformers, regardless of how good they are wound are not as transparent as their OTL or direct drive counterparts (given a level playing field). I've have all three design types and it's pretty clear what an output transformer adds to the mix. Getting rid of the capacitor at the output is also a benefit.