I have been happy with used tubes. Many are available that are close to NOS. Keep in mind that unless you own a tube tester, you have no way of knowing a tube is really NOS. And some NOS tubes don't test as new because of age.
NOS vs used tubes
I've enjoyed my tube gear for sometime now and never paid much attention to it, just enjoyed the music. I've started to listen more carefully and have decided to investigate the finer points of tube ownership. ( which is probably a mistake) I'm interested in doing some "tube rolling". I'm not sure paying a premium for NOS vs good used tubes makes sense. Is there a sonic difference if a used tube tests out to 70-90 % of the new one? Or is it strictly a longevity issue and one gets the extra hours out of the NOS? Is it a matter of hours vs. dollars and NOS buyers chasing something that's not there.
Any thoughts would be appreciated
John
Any thoughts would be appreciated
John