Tube Rolling and the Quest for "perfect sound"

If i get this right, i think your question is:

- do i wish to be able to keep searching for better and better sound with 'tweakable' equipment...or do i wish the manufacturer to restrict my ability to tweak my unit for better sound?

In truth, if you get SS or soldered tubes...that does not mean they cannot be bettered...it simply means they are harder to tweak. If you get tubed equipment, it does not mean the manufacturer's selected tube is not great...just means you can explore...

Sometimes, when we do not have a choice, we settle in with what we have and can find it satisfying...and when provided with too many choices, we just get caught up in switching forever.

The only suggestion i can give is call Brent Jessee at brentjes@audiotubes.com he is great...bought well over a dozen high-end NOS tubes from him...great warranty, always made good if i returned (which i've only done twice in 10 years). He helped me get tubes for the sound i was looking for...and i have stopped looking. good luck!!!

If you are seriously driven by a 'Quest for Perfect Sound' you are already doomed to failure. It doesn't exist, in audio or anything for that matter. You could be as happy with multiple possibilities just as much as one. It's OK to like Blonds, Brunettes, and Redheads, just remember Blonds generally cost more to maintain. But they can all work well for you. :-)

To me the opportunity to achieve the tone I want to get from my system by tube selection is invaluable. But the thing that is essential to achieving anything worthwhile is to have a sonic frame of reference in the first place otherwise you are chasing a fantasy that may not exist with your (or any) equipment. If you don't know what you want you'll never know when you have it. The clouds won't just part and the sun suddenly beams in.

If you know what you want your golden. If you don't you're going to have to get out and see what is possible for you in your home and with your budget.

LOL! Remember, different is not necessarily better, different is only different. Relax and enjoy the music.

some people in this hobby are a bit obsessive compulsive

myself included

it is fun but often a sideways step

imo ymmv of course...