I would use all new tubes if necessary. As it happens, I was able to get a pair of NOS military-grade RCA 6SL7 tubes for the drivers in a KT88 push-pull amp I have, which has made an improvement, as have also the higher grade PSVane power tubes.
Would you buy a tube amp if you were unable to use vintage tubes in it ?
Not available or too expensive.
Hmm.., I don't think I have a definitive answer for myself, but I would do my best to avoid such amps. There is no substitute for great tubes, I guess, especially if you value sophisticated sound.
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Yes. In my 5 tube amps, I use many current production tubes. Not because I’m cheap. I have boxes of NOS in the closet. I just prefer some of the new tubes is some cases. In others, like 5ar4-type rectifiers, current tubes can’t match up to my favorite NOS. But plenty-good tubes are being made these days. |
@mapman I think you're missing the point. I believe that all the amps referenced sound great right from the start and don't rely on old tubes to sound good. Tube rolling allows for adjusting the "house sound" to one's taste. These aren't generally stratospheric changes, though. My VAC Signature II's sounded good with the KT-88's they came with. For me, they sound best to my ears with KT-170's. I agree completely with Mulling-"Vintage tubes are great, but new tubes are better than no tubes". |
Like @chenry, I have several matched quartets of NOS RCA and Sylvania 6SN7 tubes that really complete my desired sound-and each brand has its own flavor.
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