Buy new tubes, or use "stock tubes?"


I'm considering purchasing a YS Audio Experience A2-SE. I have read reviews of different pieces, as well as different users and some say to replace the stock Chinese tubes with US or even Russian tubes. Does anyone have any experience with this matter. One member told me he replaced with RCA tubes, but heard no difference. As I said, I have heard this not just with the YS equipment, and not just Chinese tubes, but understand different brand tubes on different equipment can really change your sound. What about it ladies & gentlemen? One more thing: I read a review of the A2 SE and the owner said he was going through a set of tubes every 6 months!! In reviewing other tubed equipment, I understand it's not uncommon for a set of tubes to last years. (??)
handymann

Showing 1 response by kurt_tank

I completely disagree with Elizabeth!

You should immediately go out and buy as many expensive NOS tubes as you can find. (And, at least one of each type, and better yet, two, as you'll instantly have a backup set for the ones that you like the best!) This will allow you endless fun listening to the same music, over and over and over again, comparing the different tubes! Nothing says "Confirmed Audiophile" like a guy with hundreds of spare tubes! Oh, and don't forget to buy a tube tester while you're at it! No TRUE Audiophile is without one!

Elizabeth, on the other hand, didn't want to buy any of the multitude of tubes I had for sale, (let alone the tube tester!), and instead, (foolishly I might add!), chose to spend her time listening, (and somehow, enjoying), her music, foregoing the pleasure of endlessly swapping out tubes, and exactly how each and every tube differs ever so slightly in its sonic attributes! (Silly girl!)

;-)