Why are older tubes so much sought after

I am neither an ee nor a missile designer. Does anyone know if there is truth to the notion that older tubes typically had a deeper (not sure if that's the right word) or more intense vacuum and therefore might be expected to last longer or perform better?

I hope you guys have fun with this thread and convince yourself that NOS tube are not worthy of your system.

Good is what I say, all the more left for me.

I've returned my Aesthetix to the factory for upgrades three times in the last 11 years and every time they run the tests they are amazed at the results.

The difference between my Aesthetix and the ones they deliver new? Theirs are new stock Russian and mine is 100% USA, German and British NOS tubes, the best possible for each position in the unit.

Laugh all you want, but tubes are parts too. No one seems to think it's funny to use good quality caps, resistors and cables but cross over to tubes and the funny spring worm jumps out of the can.

Well I have to second the sentiments of Sir Porter.Yet,and yet.....since we are in the "what do ya think" phase of this thread,I've got a question I am dying to get feedback on(if anyone knows at all,or some thoughts)....

For those understanding the "why" of how come the CCa variants of Siemens(or Telefunken)6922 tubes are so good....these were made for the German Govt and communication industry,so had to meet a certain critical performance spec.Very tight tolerences!

My experience tells me they are superb(so are Amperex variants,but they were not CCa level,in supposed spec(sound damn good though).....SO....The Amperex 6922 Pinched Waiste tubes have gotten an incredible rep(the price goes hand in hand with the rep,unfortunately).I'm concerned with phono tubes,where I use my three Siemens CCa's.These took top spot from my comparing about six varieties in my set-up,to my taste,but...

I've got it on good authority(other than stuff like Joe's Tube Lore)that the Pinched Waiste tubes are "that good"(I've not tried them)....Info from the very credible Jafox(I think he's a friend of yours,Albert)and Steve Huntley of Great Northern Sound....Jafox seems to be "such" a nice guy that he offered to loan me some,for my opinion.

That was very generous,but I could not allow him to do it!Yet it does tell me just how nice a fellow he seems to be!!

Steve told me he had Jafox's superb pre in for an update awhile ago,and "it" was tubed with the Pinched Waiste Amperex tubes....The pre came UPS,but the tubes came via Wells Fargo Armored vehicle(I made that part up -:)

Steve told me he was bowled over by just how good the Pinched Waiste tubes performed.....thus my intense interest(within reason)...

My question is....I know of a source who claims that he has NOS Pinched Waiste 6922's BUT "these" are ALSO CCa's!!!

Yeow!!!Supposedly(I really don't know,but am very intrigued)even better than the normal already ultra scarce Amperex Pinched Waiste variants.These are Phillips of Holland 6922 Pinched Waiste CCa's.To me,unheard of!!A Pinched Waiste tube AND CCa to boot!!!Oy vey!

The seller claims the CCa variants of Pinched Waiste tubes are about as scarce a Gold Dabloons,found in your attic,and "supposedly" these would trump any other tube,for a Phonostage,or amp.....I'd love any thoughts.

Yes,they are expensive!!

Best