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Why do old tubes sound better than current tubes?

just wondering, is there something in the design, materials, or fabrication that makes old tubes sound better than those being currently produced?

it seems nearly universally held that old tubes are superior sounding to those made today - is there something specific about the old tubes that make then sound better?

-Scott
srosenberg

Showing 4 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
I've only heard one new production input tube that sounds anywhere near as good as several NOS versions, and I've tried several new production variants. That particular tube is the Shuguang 6SN7, and it was heard only in VAC components.

I do like some of the new production power tubes...Sovtek 2A3, Shuguang KT88, and Shuguang 300B.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I get good mileage out of new production tubes as well as NOS and often actually prefer them, especially on a cost/benefit ratio.

FWIW
Newbee (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
I'm certain you've mentioned them specifically in the past, but would you mind stating exactly which new production brands and tube types you like in your system?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Newbee, I think you have read more into my question than was intended.

I really only wanted to know what new production tubes you like. Just listing them would have been fine with me.

I have used the following new production tubes with good results: Penta Labs KT88SC, Valve Art KT88, Shuguang 300B, VAC 6SN7 (which I presume to be Shuguang).
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Newbee and Almarg, thanks for the lists.
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