Audio Research Reference 3 and BAT spec 6H30

I only have experience comparing NOS 6H30DR to new- production Sovtek 6H30 in a VK75SE. In that amp there is only minor improvement with DR, which diminishes as the tube ages. In my amp a fresh Sovtek surpassed a DR after about 1500 hours of use. Do the math and decide. Though a tube may survive for 10K hours, its gradual degredation in performance will vary by application.

Agree with Dgarretson regarding the 6H30 in the VK75SE. BAT no longer supplies the DR tube as standard even in the REX where 8 are needed. Prices of the DR will only continue to rise as the supply falls.