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What makes Telefunken tubes sound better?

I've reached the point in sampling 12AU7 tubes below $100 per tube where I'm having to buy tube crates to keep the pairs I've sampled. I've tried NOS and new, but out of all I end up back with Telefunkens as having the least distortion and fastest transient response. Yet the Telefunken internals are not the best materials/quality; NOS Mullard CV4003 or the new Gold Lions have higher build quality for materials and precision.

Are there links somewhere that talk to what is different for the internal design/construction of a Telefunken tube? I'd like to support newer tube manufacturers based on educated consumerism, and hope that we can get someone to replace Telefunken at an affordable cost before NOS stock is no longer an option.
128x128davide256
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,681 posts
 
Schubert,
You're one of a kind buddy. No offense meant or taken.
John
joecasey
484 posts
 
Tomcy6 +1
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Excellent mature question Tomcy6.

One resorts to personal attacks when trapped in a corner/discussion. Pathetic!
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Tomcy6 +1
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
The Quality of the Telefunken Tubes was (or is) based on extreme quality control of all parts, a connection with engineers and mechanics how to get the best possible results. Telefunken Tubes have different materials to guarantee the 10000h (or more), they were designed for shorts signal paths, they work with lower temperatures and the engineers found new solutions to reduce the gas pressure inside. They were made in a time, where maximum quality was the goal (comparable with old Mercedes Cars). This is also the reason why Reissues are ...well Reissues. Unfortunately there are also a lot a fakes in the market.
Some impressions

Telefunken E88CC
excellent details, transparent, accurate, 3 D effect, realistic and dynamic

Telefunken E188CC
sweet and clear, 3 dimensional, high resolution, dynamic

Telefunken CCA
perfect 3D resolution, clear and fine details, powerful and tight bass, dynamic, superb realism, transparent, sweet and airy sound
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