Alternate Power Tubes for a Cary V12R

04-22-13: Grimace
...but they can't overcome a screaming baby.

Duct tape will resolve that issue. ;)

You might want to call Cary to see if you can use the Sylvania 8417 tube. I had an Audio Electronic Supply (built by Cary) AE-25 Superamp and tried dozens of different tubes in the 6550/KT88, EL34/KT77, and 6L6/EL37 families, both new production and NOS. However, it was the Sylvania 8417 tube that blew me away with its transparency, bass depth and control, and midrange magic. No wonder Quicksilver used this late-developing tube in the 8417 monos. As good as the Tung-Sol 6550, Amperex EL34, and Western Electric 350B is, the 8417 was, at least in my amp, in another league entirely. I would imagine the V12 to be able to use this tube and IMO worth a call to Cary.

Vintage tubes aren't really practical for an amplifier that takes an even dozen. Even if you could get a matched set, they cost a fortune. The small signal tubes are easy enough, but not the power tubes.

That just depends on how much money you are willing to spend. I thought that buying many NOS tubes was completely practical to me because I was looking for the best sound. Perhaps you feel differently. Your call. I have seen 8417 tubes in your price range at dealers and online auctions.

I have never seen anyone with a dozen of anything in an online auction. How many dozen would you have to buy to actually get a matched dozen? Not practical.