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Can the Same Brand Power Tubes Have a Different Sound When Bought From Different Vendors?

I'm not talking about major differences but those subtle changes like tighter bass, more sparkling highs, better definition between instruments,  bigger soundstage, etc.? Is this what you get when you purchase through the vendors that hand select and match at operating temps and check more of the parameters that isn't necessarily checked by the factory? IOW, , will I get a better set of power tubes from a vendor who checks their tubes more closely that those who sell the factory  Apex matched tubes direct from the factory? IOW, other than life span what is better about the tubes which come from the better vendors?

I assume this is so but I don't like to assume? The reason I'm asking is because I have a set of Gold Lion KT88 and am considering another set of Gold Lions KT88 from one of the better vendors IE Jim McShane.  I like to have a backup set and switch them out from time to time. The ones I now have were factory matched.  Thanks for your help.
128x128artemus_5
ebm
9,311 posts
 
 If they test all parameters they should sound the same unless the tube is not NOS.Some vendors are better than others. Vintage Tube Services is among best and Brent Jesse is also very good don’t know about anybody else.
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drrsutliff
860 posts
 
I have bought numerous sets of Gold Lions (KT77 and KT88 for different amps) from Jim McShane.  For new production tubes I highly recommend doing business with Jim.  If you want NOS or used but excellent testing 1950s to 1970s tubes then Andy at Vintage Tube Services is excellent.  
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
The thing OP "BETTER" has to be defined by you.

If YOU think about what you want in a valve and can put that into words that the vendor understands, you're going to be miles ahead of. 
"Give me the best" or "What is the best"?

Usually valves are known more by their ability to respond to the signal and NOT distort it.. or a noisy valve subject to vibration of microphonics.

EITHER will really ruin bass duty for a valve amp.. I don't use them below 300 hz NOW. But 60-80 hz and BELOW is a real push for me.. 5-6 ohms is pushing SQ too.. 8-12 is always better for valve amps..

Can the same valves sound different because they are not matched well?

To the POINT..

Oh heck yes.. 5% or less vs 10% if your lucky. Cary HATES non matched signal valves. Just ruins the sound. BUT matched.. night and day.. Like heaven.. All the difference in the world..

That is usually WHY people weren't impressed with Mac sound, poorly matched valves.. It makes ALL the difference in the world..

Regards
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