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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
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,992 posts
 
@oldhvymec

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.

I've read  that the hand picked and matched tubes are matched to a lower percentage than the factory matched. has that been your experience?

@ ebm
 I was referring especially to new production tubes, not NOS (though I am considering NOS Svetlana Winged "C" 6550. Good Choice?)

@ drrsutliff
I have dealt with Jim on several occasions and I agree with your assessment.

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
In all the years of buying valves. I’ve been had twice. I know I’ve bought, traded and pulled 5000 valves if I’ve done ONE. A pair of RCAs twice.
12AX7s and 12AU7 (?). Same guy too.
After he knew I would CHECK his work, we never had an issue again, AND I bought 100 valve lots a few times from the guy.

5% is 5%. That is usually the issue. MY 5% is 5% or less.

Carys matching is top to bottom. Left to right will BIAS out.
Top To Top
OR
Bottom To Bottom.

BUT Top to Bottom and left to right is what makes the the amp image the way it was suppose to..

A lot of the pulls are from instruments and the two different value sections are doing TWO different things.. THUS the used valves may be half used on one half and not at ALL on the other half..

NOS is not that way.. Noisy or handled rough is a whole different thing.. It does matter, but matched valves (TOP to BOTTOM) are usually what a good matched pair reflect. Top to bottom and left to right.. 5%..or < on all 4 sections..

Be picky, it pays..it doesn’t cost to much keeping folks honest. :-)

Regards
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,919 posts
 
Not really. What will make a difference is how long each set is in use.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,917 posts
 
RAM Tubes, the highest standard in tube scrutiny and grading done by any human, that human (Roger A. Modjeski) unfortunately (for us remaining here on Earth) now having moved on to a higher plane.

I'm no Roger A. Modjeski, but were he still here, he would (I believe) tell you that a tube doesn't itself have "a sound", but rather a given tube in a given circuit results in an amplifier that creates a "certain sound". For a glimpse into the wisdom possessed by Roger, read through all the postings on his still-viewable threads on the AudioCircle Music Reference Forum. I am hesitant to throw around the adjective "genius" ( I reserve that for the likes of J.S. Bach), but Roger comes damned close.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
All tubes are not created equally and most depend on production period. 
Best is to get them from same vendor who can provide tighter matching and same working parameters by your request and could have stock from same batch.
Winged C6550 could be the top tube of its kind  but KT88 may work better in your amp, you have to try to find out.

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