Seems like the best "upgrade" for tube amps....

Agreed. Tubes take some time to reach their best sound. I always find that music sounds better after the amps have been on at least 90 minutes or so.

Not day and night, but just more involving and enveloping.

Well Frank at Van Alstine also says all caps, wire, parts etc... sound the same as long as they meet spec. I was close to buying some gear from him until he went off on that subject. I quickly realized while he is a great designer, he does not understand some other things that impact sound quality. Like worm up!

Frank is a wonderful designer and like many skilled designers they simply don't have the desire or curiosity to try and experiment with "boutique" parts assuming they are a rip off sold to unsuspecting novices like me:)

I have owned one of his amps and heard his latest top model. Very good sounding for sure. He knows his stuff and I just wish he was more open minded to learn and give due diligence to "boutique" parts.

I have heard the same distain for upgraded parts, wire, tweaks etc.. from other very gifted designers. I suppose it is hard for them to find the time or passion to fully dive Into this world. I understand. So much to learn and experiment with and it is so hard to be expert in all things.

Schubert, yes your comment was understood and my comments are not all all intended to poke at you. I would also be dubious of that statement and may still be :)

Interesting thought and one that causes me to reflect on my own beliefs and biases on all things audio. Thanks much.

Salectric, well said and spot on. It requires one to have an open mind and the desire to persue all these important aspects of a build and the resulting sound.

Atma, also well said as usual.