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.  
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Showing 2 responses by barbapapa

The initial post is not Tubes vs SS but "what would you choose as new production tubes if NOS disapeared". Good music can be obtained ind with both. Technologies thanks god.

At that time I still have nos tubes, pre and power in my pre and amps, but a friend of mine curiously likes Sovtek 12AX7 LPS.
My Air Tight pre came equipped with them for the phono section because they are silent. I changed them with 5751 NOS for the best, but it is me.
12 AU7 Gold Lion have good reputation too (not cheap however).

You are off topic Raul. You are clearly trolling this thread. Your answers are off topic and sooo stupidly long they are a good incation of the high opinion you have of yourself.
get off your high horse and out of this thread.