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RE: Replacing factory tubes with NOS tubes

I would say in many cases, yes. That's much of the fun of owning tube equipment. In my McIntosh C220, the factory 12AX7s are chinese, likely good and reliable tubes, sound good. Getting some used, tested Telefunken ECC83 ('standard version' 12AX7 equivalent) improved the resolution and high end a little. Recently got some ~1972 NOS Tesla E83CCs ($180/pair on eBay). These are interesting because Tesla apparently bought factory machines and remaining stock parts for the 'famous' ECC803S tubes from Telefunken in the late 60s or 1970.

NOS Telefunken ECC803S go for $1000/pair when you can find them ...

Sound noticeably better than the Tele ECC83s.

Twice as good? no. Notable improvements in resolution of detail, smoother high end, more lifelike overall sonics? yes.

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