I have been given various support in relation to tube ownership and tube rolling over the years.
Much of my early advice was from those who lurk with the intent to sell tubes and their assuring me the Tubes were top drawer and the best option for my needs. I'll be as kind as I can and refer to these types as Charlatans.
Occasionally the Huckster showed themselves, with their aggressive reproach spread publicly when their best endeavours were proven quite shady and rebutted.
Never give up, "when a Pupil is ready, a Teacher will appear."
Today I have an understanding of how a broad range of Valves can impact on a System in a selection of permutations, throughout a Phonostage - DAC - Pre Amp -Power Amp.
Loaned Valves not costing a penny but only the outlay for being sociable and hospitable as a Host or as a guest.
Never has the loaner of Valves with a great condition, i.e, match on the Anodes and Matched as Pairs or Quads, asked for remuneration or sold a Valve within the local audio group.
What I know today is that Valves will produce an End Sound in almost any condition, I have even been shown a Valve not produce a reading on the test device create an End Sound on a channel when put into a circuit.
What I know today is that Valves will be supplied by Vendors that are very very different to what is their advertised condition, and that quite a lot of customers settle for an End Sound as the decider on the Valves quality in relation to New Stock Factory Spec.
What I know today is that Valves with a Factory Spec' and over with a Matched Anode and Matches as Pairs or Quads, have the capability to put many lesser valves fallen short of Spec' on the reject list with immediacy of hearing the comparison.
What I know today is that Valves from certain brands and certain periods of production within their range of production models have the odd Valve that shines in quality above others, it can take multiple experiences of the same Valve to discover it and the challenge in the modern day is way too cost prohibitive. Those few in the know from yesteryear, who purchased full cases of Valves for 1 x the same model at current market prices know what it means to tube roll a box of Valves and possibly retain 1 if really lucky 2. I am familiarised with such pickings and do know they are the Holy Grail, not the Valve Brand and era of production.
What I know today is that Valves will be in certain cases a mimic of a Holy Grail, but a poor cousin only. A mimic poor cousin only Valve will blow one away as an End Sound, but if one is lucky in life they get their chance to experience the Holy Grail Valve and if extremely lucky actually purchase one, leaving the ultimate challenge. How does one stumble onto valve no 2.
The LE 6SN7 Valve will be in good company when they called upon to show off their qualities.
