Wow, I have a lot of tubes laying around. My last amp used KT66 and 6922. Now my new preamp and amp. Use EL34's, 12AX7, 12AT7, 6SN7 and 12AU7's. Oh well just have to but more tubes. Like another here my new preamp can use either 6SN7 or 12SN7 tubes. There are more cheaper tubes available in the 12SN7 variety so this feature is an advantage.
Why no tube loaner/testdrives--It's hard being an audiophile
I just wanted to vent for a moment. I'm going to quote my wife and file this under "It's hard being an audiophile" as there is some absurdity to the fact that I view this issue as a real life problem.
The issue:
My Primaluna integrated amp has 6 premp tubes and 8 power tubes. While the unit makes tube rolling a snap, it's (a) difficult to find or at reasonable prices NOS tubes in larger batches; (b) reissue or new tubes cost a bunch to experiment with.
For example, if I want to swap in a set of Gold Lion KT77 power tubes (I've already tried the stock EL34s and Mullard re-issues), it's a small fortune to do so. I think the GL KT77 may be the ticket, yet making another expenditure to find out seems pricey. I wish I could borrow a set and pay a tryout fee, as opposed to spending $400 on a set.
The issue:
My Primaluna integrated amp has 6 premp tubes and 8 power tubes. While the unit makes tube rolling a snap, it's (a) difficult to find or at reasonable prices NOS tubes in larger batches; (b) reissue or new tubes cost a bunch to experiment with.
For example, if I want to swap in a set of Gold Lion KT77 power tubes (I've already tried the stock EL34s and Mullard re-issues), it's a small fortune to do so. I think the GL KT77 may be the ticket, yet making another expenditure to find out seems pricey. I wish I could borrow a set and pay a tryout fee, as opposed to spending $400 on a set.