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If NOS pre or power tubes became unavailable altogether, what new tubes would you buy?

Hey tuberollers, 

I'm curious to see what happens if there's a gun to your head, or more practically all NOS tubes disappear (dread).  What would you do with your line/pre stage and/or power stage?  

I have tried 5 different NOS 12AU7s and only 1 new 12AU7 in my preamp section (Cifte, RCA black plates (late 50s), Sylvanias, Baldwin organ tubes, Amperex 70s orange globes, and new Chinese stock Primaluna tubes).  In my power section, I have not tried any NOS tubes and 3 types of tubes (stock Chinese Primaluna EL34s, reissue Mullard EL34s, and reissue Gold Lion KT88s).  

Side note: I haven't ventured into NOS power tubes because of the cost and availability/scarcity.  I need 8 of them!

Without having tried anything else, I would be lost on new or reissue 12AU7s.  On the power tube side, I'd be just fine with either the reissue Mullard EL34s or the Gold Lion KT88s.  
128x128jbhiller
don_c55
823 posts
 
OK jbhiller Point taken.

Chill out! It was a joke.

The Russians bought many original names, and they do not have the "tone" of true NOS.

The results of quality sound varies "all over the map" with the amp or preamp design.

What type of "tone" do you want?

What tubes did the designer use to "voice" the equipment?

Email, or talk, to the designer, or at least the factory that made your equipment.

If made in China, good luck!

You have 89 replies! Are you anywhere close to an answer?


chakster's avatar
chakster
2,482 posts
 
I don't know of any modern EL84 / 6BQ5 or ECC81 / 12AT7 tubes that are close to the NOS vintage tubes from the 50s, 60s or early 70s. 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
464 posts
 
@don_c55 ,  No worries Don!  Good points.  

I think you've (and several others) have answered it by saying none of the Russian/Chinese reissues just don't measure up and aren't worth it. 

I am looking for a new tube that has some air on top, a la GE 5814as, Ciftes, etc., or at least some syrup in the midrange.  I can stick with NOS for sure.  
bigkidz
1,784 posts
 
Simple, modify your components to work with the standard tubes.  For example, caddock resistors, better capacitors like V-Caps, Clarity, Elna, and adjust the power supply and tube voltage to your satisfaction.

Happy Modifications!  
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
tubegroover, that's a serious problem that Sophia has not addressed.

I started a thread a few weeks ago where I brought up the subject of NOS 6SN7's becoming microphonic. I don't like the sterile sound of the new production tubes I've heard in the preamp stage, so I would like to hear the Sophia's.
I will heed your warning, thanks.
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