@tattoedtrackman- Just my take on what Schubert meant: The only current production output tubes, that can compete with the old Sylvanias, GEs, Mullards, Tung-Sols, Genelex, etc, are the EAT KT88s. Once having listened to those old tubes, they spoil some of us for anything else. Of course, everything’s VERY subjective, regarding sound quality, aural acuity, pickiness and how much one’s willing to spend. If my money wasn’t funny, I’d still be using NOS GE 6550As. Alas: eight of them, or anything else in their class, have now exceeded my willingness to spend. I’m listening to an octet of the Russian version of the Genelex KT88s, in my Carys. If I ever win a Lotto, NOS Tung-Sols will be on my agenda.