In a power amp the tube or tubes in the gain stage have the most influence on sonic signature. I've been told that the driver/phase inverters have little effect on sonics; eg, timbre, dynamics. Not so, IME. The tubes in the driver stage have an audible influence on the sound (depending on the design of the amp).
I'm in agreement with all the comments thus far to choose a good NOS tube for this stage even if it's purpose is simply to drive the power tubes.
Did I not call the tube the correct name? I referenced what I thought was called the driver tube. That’s what I always called it and the other tube is the rectifier? My understanding is the tube other than the rectifier has maximum sonic benefits. Is this correct?
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