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Is it common for tubes to outweigh the cost of the amp or preamp?

I just got my first tube (headphone) amp and was wondering if it is common to spend more on the tubes than the actual cost of the amp. The amp was $599 with stock tubes. I just ordered NOS driver tubes that ran $640 for the pair and the power tube upgrade I'm planning will be another $300. That has the tubes sitting at 1.5 times the cost of the amp itself.

I don't find the total of $1539 for the amp and upgraded tubes unreasonable but considering the next model (amp) up is $1199, it has me wondering what would be better... a lower cost amp with superior tubes or a higher cost amp with stock tubes?
samiamnot

Showing 2 responses by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Viva tubes

https://www.vivatubes.com/search.php?search_query=kt88&section=product

Thanks for that link.

Yes even better on some of the equivalent brand, but if your can prove your in the industry and join/login I think you'll find "some" are better from New Sensor. 

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
samiamnot
Is it common for tubes to outweigh the cost of the amp or preamp?
Depends where you get your tubes from, have you tried here?? Even cheaper if you login.

https://www.newsensor.com/

Cheers George
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