Linear Tube Audio- Any feedback on their amps/ Preamp?

Lance, thanks for hosting that shootout! We had another with Mark's system and we've decided to go full Genalex Gold Lion for both the ZOTL40 and the ZOTL10. KT77, 12AU7, and 12AX7 for the 40 and EL84, 12AT7, and 12AU7 for the 10.

These Gold Lions are really excellent current production tubes, and unless you want to pay significantly more for some of the boutique current productions, they seem like the way to go. Now they just need to make a 6SN7!

So given that the Gold Lions are the new stock tube, are the NOS Mullards worth the additional cost?

The NOS Mullards as you probably know are extremely expensive. I purchased a used quad of XF2's for $300. These are used tubes mind you but they test strong. The ZOTL 40 is very easy on tubes so I expect to get a pretty good life span out of these Mullards.

I think the EL34 NOS Mullards are the holy grail of tubes and yes, better than the Gold Lion KT77's. Don't get me wrong the KT77's sound great in the ZOTL40 and definitely better than the Tung Sol EL34's, so the question of is it worth the cost? It's all relative. If I didn't have that extra $300 to spend I would say no but I like to collect tubes. 

Thanks.  You are right - the value of incremental improvements is in the ear of the listener.  The Mullards are intriguing.  The fact that the ZOTL is easy on tubes increases the value of using those tubes.     

lance:
Congratulations on a greats sounding amp and taking it to the higher level with evaluating so many tubes. Have you had an opportunity to try audio grade fuses and wall outlets with your system?

I am quite pleased with the improvements after installing Synergistic Research Black fuses and their Black A/C wall outlets. And unlike most tube purchases, they come with a 30 refund policy.

Have a good music weekend.

David Pritchard