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Why Can't Tubes Be Mass-Produced Cheaply?

I often read that old tubes manufactured from the 60's or earlier are collectible items and often much sought after, and new tubes are not as valuable. Reasons cited are that these older tubes are a rare species, and they often sound 'better' and hence the hefty price tag on them. I am puzzled as to how these older tubes are different from the new ones and why they are better-sounding. Why can't technology today produce tubes that are similiar in quality to those in the yesteryears, or even better them? After all vacuum tubes, electron tubes or valve tube(where they call it in Britain) are electronic components made up by plates and filament. What happens if these old tubes become extinct? Why are there still so many of these old tubes available for sale although it has been almost 4 decades since they were manufactured? I mean once these tubes have run out of life they will basically be disposed off.

Pardon my ignorance as I cannot seem to find any discussion on this matter elsewhere. Any opinions would be much appreciated.
ryder

Showing 1 response by ryder

ryder OP
1,682 posts
 
Thanks for all responses. Now I understand why tubes manufactured in the 'golden' era can no longer be the same again.

Sometimes it strikes my mind that in an event the old tubes come to an extinction, there has got to be a source to produce quality tubes that are comparable to the golden era although manufacturing skills have eroded due to small market today. Or maybe the rare tubes from the 60's are still in large numbers and won't go into extinction any time too soon? At the end of the day, I guess everything will come to an end, and the limited(sic) number of good old tubes will be depleted in due time.
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