Why do old tubes sound better than current tubes?

In this context, bongs suck. (Sorry about yet another bad vacuum joke.)

It amazes me that some find the fact that people are making a profit selling pulls to be the source of misinformation about the quality, both physical and sonic, regarding vintage tubes. On last check, the vendors of new tubes make a profit as well. Since when did making a profit on things with a degree of rarity become an issue in a capatilist society? If you don't like the sound, or can't afford it, then don't buy it. But that doesn't mean that I won't.

Viridian, we found something we can agree on; I think. New tubes do not even compare to NOS tubes. NOS tubes can take gear to another level. Let me be specific; I am referring to preamp tubes, those are the one's I have had experience with.

We agree on lots, and I always enjoy your posts.....even those that I don't agree with. Keep it up!

I have a rather LARGE collection of NOS and "pulled" tubes both preamp and power tubes bought most in the 90's. I 100% agree w/ orpheus & Virdian. I originally collected vintage guitar amps from the 60's (mostly Marshalls) before I got into i-Fi again. In my experience ANY new tube does NOT compare w/ vintage tubes,period! Now I'm just talking preamp tubes. I will attest to the fact that when it comes to KT88 and Kt66 tubes some of the new ones beat out my vintage ones. I must stress that I'm comparing them to vintage USED.
When it comes to NOS and even used 6L6's/5881's, El 84's, and EL 34's..... NO COMPARISON! the vintage win! Especially true w/ EL 34 mullards and telefunkens. I would not even "think" to put in ANY of the new variants available when it comes to them. My 02 cents...