2. amps-preamps
  3. 148057-3130

***Is It Me Or Have Todays Modern Tubes Gotten REALLY REALLY Good***

About 3 years ago it was the Quad VA-One EL-84 amp that won my ears & heart.Almost 3 years I ran that amp night and day and never felt the urge to roll any of the tubes,which I believe were E.H...A user interface problem forced it’s sale and now it is the magical Cayin CS-55a with factory KT88’s,AU7 & AX7 small signal tubes..Once again I find absolutely no reason to start rolling tubes.Maybe,maaayyybbbeee I could squeeze a drop more liquidity outta the upper mids and possibly a hint more shimmer on top but at what expense?I hate gambling.Anyone else noting the quality of today’s new issue tubes?
freediver
wolf_garcia
6,734 posts
 
Often tubes get rolled merely for fun and to satisfy a curiosity regarding tube differences, and that's a large part of the tube thing...
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,766 posts
 
Who made a tube and where isn’t nearly as important as how the tubes perform right now and the gear they’re matched with. Unless you have the money and the inclination to try all the possibilities yourself doing business with a great vendor is the best way to spend the money you do have.

I do agree with your premise, though, the new productions tubes I've tried lately don't give up much if anything to the vintage tubes I have.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
You never know what you're missing until you try...Different tubes do sound different, better or worse is up to your ears.
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
My Luxman CL38U SE came w/Gold Pin JJ ECC 802s and Gold Pin JJ ECC 803s tubes. I've had them in my preamp for over a year and a half still very quiet. No desire to change at this time. 
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
I agree that new production tubes are for the most part very quiet and well made.The various brands sound different enough from one another so it's possible to try them out inexpensively.
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