Telefunken RS237

[TLi]

My Audio Note Kondo Kagura 2i uses 211 output tubes. The two monoblocks need 4 tubes which can be quite difficult to get matched pairs with vintage rare tubes.

Recently I am lucky to get four NOS nicely matched Telefunken RS237. Although it has been mentioned in this forum that RS237 is a direct replacement of 211 but there is no report online about its usage that I can found. There is also no mention about the sonic characteristic of RS237.

To my surprise, Telefunken RS237 not only works perfectly well in my Kondo Kagura, it sounds really well. I have many sets of 211 tube to roll in my amp, every brand and make has its own character but I have to say, RS237 is the best, beating RCA 211 or Elrog ER242 by some margin. RCA and Elrog have the best sound in my collection before. RS237 has all the features people expect from old Telefunken tubes. It is very high in resolution without sounding harsh. Dynamic can beat the best modern tube like Elrog. Although RS237 was made 90 years ago, it sounds as modern as no others. Yes, RCA 211 is more mellow but the resolution and dynamic are no match to that of Telefunken. Elrog ER242 is a good all-rounded performer but not to the level achieved by RS237.

Telefunken RS237 is truly something special.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Just looked at prices for these Teles, averaging £7k+ for a quad. And very few available generally.

 

[TLi]

I got it in the Munich HiFi show last May. For the first time, there is some nice old tubes on sale.

 

[spiritofmusic]

I'm looking at another quad of 211s or maybe 4242 Molys, if my current GEs can last another 3-4 years.
GEs still in reasonable supply, I think prices may have fallen (I've now paid £2k twice for two balanced quads).
Amperex really are as rare as hens' teeth, and as pricy as if those teeth were gold plated.
Have been warned off RCAs.
STC 4242 are my other recommendation, not far of Telefunkens pricing.
Leaving AN 4242 and Mayer Elrog Molys as new build alternatives.
--
My issue buying such fragile beauties from half way around the world is both trusting a vendor to provide genuine matched pairs or quads, and the fragility in transport.
Have had to get replacements for GEs that didn't survive being thrown around by customs agents.

 

[spiritofmusic]

I got it in the Munich HiFi show last MayView attachment 153059. For the first time, there is some nice old tubes on sale.

They sure are purdee.