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***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
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,617 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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elrod
244 posts
 
Have an Atma-Sphere MP3 preamp with New/NOS setup. I use the  New Shuguang Treasure CV181-Z  to replace the 6sn7 and nothing NOS sounds better (and it's not even close).

For the 12au7 I use the old Amperex 7316 long-plates, which in my mind is the top 12au7. Have not tried any new 12au7 because I've been totally satisfied with the 7316's. If anyone knows a new 12au7 that could be better, I'm all ears

I think there's probably a mix in the New/NOS scorecard. Ease of availability/cost is a definite + for new tubes
initforthemusic
282 posts
 
Psvane's are excellent and EH are good.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
I think the new production Gold Lion KT88s provide great bang for the buck.  So yes, I agree with the OP.
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