@mapman I think you're missing the point. I believe that all the amps referenced sound great right from the start and don't rely on old tubes to sound good. Tube rolling allows for adjusting the "house sound" to one's taste. These aren't generally stratospheric changes, though. My VAC Signature II's sounded good with the KT-88's they came with. For me, they sound best to my ears with KT-170's. I agree completely with Mulling-"Vintage tubes are great, but new tubes are better than no tubes".
Would you buy a tube amp if you were unable to use vintage tubes in it ?
Not available or too expensive.
Hmm.., I don't think I have a definitive answer for myself, but I would do my best to avoid such amps. There is no substitute for great tubes, I guess, especially if you value sophisticated sound.
Showing 2 responses by orthomead
Like @chenry, I have several matched quartets of NOS RCA and Sylvania 6SN7 tubes that really complete my desired sound-and each brand has its own flavor.
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