Ocenaica, the fact of the matter is that there is no set answer. A while back the choice was clear, if you had the scratch - Western Electric. Now there are several contenders at the top - those mentioned above and a couple of others - as well as some good second tier ( and much more affordable) options. In my opinion, if you can resist thinking of it as a lot of money for tubes, but instead view the expense only as "bang for the buck" improvement of your system, compared to the expenses of all your other components and ancillary equipment, the best are well worth it. Which of the best is the best for you? That will be determined by your personal taste and system synergy. Im very happy with the Royal Princesses.
