2. amps-preamps
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Anyone else evolve beyond tubes?

Over many years of owning both solid state and tube amps/pre-amps, my most recent high end system makes me question the need for tubes at all, except at the source! My Mcintosh C46 pre and MC501's driven by an MF A5 CD player into Dyn" C4's with MIT Magnum cabling produces music of great beauty and dynamic swing. I even demo'd some of the newer tube gear available for comparison...not even close. I think modern, well designed solid state gear is superior overall...at least with a tube output stage in your source!
128x128dave_b
sherod
1,690 posts
 
Here's an interesting thread about some views on the current crop of Chinese tubes:

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/tubes/messages/184779.html
snook2's avatar
snook2
626 posts
 
My info came from the gentleman who owns Vintage Tube Services. I ordered new tubes and he explained the problems he has with NOS in bulk. He checks all tubes before sending them off. Lots are failed or don't test to his standards. BTW I retubed with his tubes and never had a problem with the Steelhead. Manley originally replaced my sets of tubes twice and agreed the tubes had problems
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I have had good experience ordering tubes from the tube depot and the tube store. Only one Mullard EL34 from about the last 50 tubes, I ordered from both of them, failed.

But try as I might, I still can't get those Chinese tubes, pre or power, to sound as good as the current Ei, TungSol and JJ tubes, despite long run in time in a variety of amps and phono preamp configurations.
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audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Tvad's right. Andy is OCD with his products. I'd also love a crack at the "junk" bin.
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