In 1986 Pioneer and Sansui were both still making a tube receiver (all tube except for the phono section). By 1969 both had stopped. So my vote is 1968 was the last year that the major audio companies were seriously into tubes.
Mac got out in 1969. I think Marantz did too. In 1970 I don't think anyone was doing tubes except Electronic Industries, which was founded by Bill Johnson of ARC. Electronic Industries is still around (they make circuit boards including the boards for ARC gear) and obviously ARC was spun off, about 1975. So that period marked the Nadir of tubes and they have been on the resurgence ever since.
In the guitar amplifier world, it did not happen that way- tubes were and are the only game in town the whole time.
Mac got out in 1969. I think Marantz did too. In 1970 I don't think anyone was doing tubes except Electronic Industries, which was founded by Bill Johnson of ARC. Electronic Industries is still around (they make circuit boards including the boards for ARC gear) and obviously ARC was spun off, about 1975. So that period marked the Nadir of tubes and they have been on the resurgence ever since.
In the guitar amplifier world, it did not happen that way- tubes were and are the only game in town the whole time.