Why Can't Modern Tube Manufacturers Make a Proper Tube?

Ghdprentice makes a good point about the longevity of well made tubes.  A 6922 is rated for 10,000 hours , as are a lot of other small signal tubes 

I use e180f in my amp and have about a dozen or more pairs of NOS tubes , Mullard , Amperex, GE, Telefunken..   all relatively cheap, except the Tele.  Those were $75

I basically have a lifetime of tubes for that amp, also have a dozen 274b and 5r4gy tubes .    

After a year of use they all tested like new or close.  I can run that thing every day for years and never run out.  I probably went overboard but at least when I'm dead the next owner won't have to worry

Luckily I live in a 50's house. Built to last. Made by actual craftsmen that care

The lumber was way heavier and stronger back then, definitely not put together better compared to today.

I wouldn't necessarily generalize things. Back in the 40's, 50's and 60's tubes were in everything and were literally a dime a dozen. So maybe the tubes that are around today were just heartier than the rest and the vast majority weren't so great. 

So it's possible that in 50 years, the batches made today by New Sensor and the such will have survivors that are better performers and audiophiles will be lamenting why can't we have the same quality tubes as audiophiles had in 2023.

@ghdprentice 

""The rest have performed flawlessly for there entire life or are still in use.""

The issue is not failing tubes, but other tubes from the 50's that sound 70 times better than any modern tube.

@oddiofyl 

""

Western Electric has acquired a lot of tooling to make small signal tubes.  I heard that they bought a bunch of the old Ei factory tooling and machinery.   

Hopefully they will be producing quality tubes in the near future. ""

lets us hope so...