What’s your latest high-end audio purchase?

@bgross

Ok so just came across some incredible Tungsram, NOS 12ax7/ecc83 that might not be high-end, but that make my high-end lineatage play like I’ve never experienced before. Have run through, Sovtek, Mullard, Telefunken, Genalex and now these Tungsrams and they are breathtakingly good. Still amazed by how incredibly a 60yo tube can play. I liked all of the ones mentioned (maybe not the Sovteks) but the others are/were each VG. Just not otherworldly like these absolute gems!

tungsrams are absolutely top tier old stock tubes, made in hungary on old telefunken/siemens tooling, closest thing one will find for those desiring the crystal clear, airy sound of real deal old stock telefunkens

always distinguish the modern day russian tubes being sold under the old brand names vs real deal ones from the ’60-80’s - as you have experienced in your case

@jjss49 so I purchased them locally from the audio estate of one of the most knowledgeable and respected tube-gear lovers I'd ever met. I've had them in a box with other tubes from his estate for over a year and never had the time to dig in and see what was there. When I finally did I was pleasantly surprised to find these wrapped in layers of foam and in their own smaller box labeld "top of the world mom" - couldn't imagine what would be inside but it was the Tungsrams. Immediately tested two (A) right off the bat and stuffed them in the Calypso. Let the system warm up for an hour before sitting down for 1st impressions. They were/are amazing. The clairity & openness far outperformed the Fisher branded Telefunkens I was using prior and they are fabulous too. These however added color and vibrancy where the others seem to play in marvelous black and white. Anyway all the cheesy superlatives aside. Im super impressed with the Tungsram 12ax7 and clearly understand why the previous owner valued them above all his other tubes. 

Received and have been listening to my new amp, a Parasound JC5, which is my first 'proper amp'. It really has opened my eyes to how much improvement a well engineered amplifier can bring across the board and I'm loving it.

Eventually once I get the electrical side of the house squared away by updating the electrical panel and adding dedicated lines, I'll be able to pick up some Pass x260.8s. But for now, the JC5 is making me very happy.

@bgross  it is interesting  how big of differedifferences  that can be had with tube rolling. I have been surprised  at the difference s that can be had. I am relatively  new with tubes 

So don't really consider myself a tube roller. Never fuss with my tube amp - new stock Genelex GLs in the KT88 and EL84 slots. They are tried and true. I have a tube DAC as well and want to play around with that at some point. See where the 12au7/ecc82 magic lives. The preamp/lineatage tubes make the most impact sonically. Not sure anyone would debate that but its what I find anyway. So for now, I'm my instance, I've reached the top of the 12ax7 summit. Going to enjoy these for a while and get off the wheel.