My Moth s45 SET amp uses five (5) tubes: Two 2a3 or 45 output tubes, one 5ar4, 5y3 or 5r4 rectifier and two 6an4 input tubes. At last count I have 47 input, rectifier and power tubes. I've pretty much settled on the 45 power tube, I have three pairs of "ST" and one pair of "globes". Vaic is currently manufacturing a killer 45 that I hope to add to my collection, not cheap ($330) but supposed to be superior to the famed globes which NOS will cost you even more - for a 70 year old tube! Right now is still a great time to collect some wonderful tubes.
When the Power Tubes Run Out
A lot of you have nice amps that essentially require quality NOS tubes. Do you have any plans about what you are going to do when you get cut out of the diminishing tube-trade loop? Or are you like Dubya?...By the time tubes run out someone will have thought of a substitute. I don't see a sub of equal quality on the horizon. No one is insane enough to spend the money in order make them like they used to for such a small market. And even if they did, the price of those tubes would make the NOSes look like a dime a dozen. But maybe i'm wrong.
So SS for you, then? *Cringe*, i'm sure:) Any idea if or how the industry (e.g. high-end tube amp manufacturers and/or SS companies) will respond when the supply becomes critically low?
So SS for you, then? *Cringe*, i'm sure:) Any idea if or how the industry (e.g. high-end tube amp manufacturers and/or SS companies) will respond when the supply becomes critically low?