Ok everyone. Who's tried the Chinese and/or Russian versions in their equipment? What's your verdict on these new issues and how do they compare to some NOS tubes such as those from Telefunken, Mullard, Siemens, etc.?
Interesting thread. Just as you found the mother lode in LPS, I got lucky with my 12AX7. I got the Holy Grail. NOS Telefunken circa 1964 ECC803 gold pins and diamond bottom. Weren't cheap but good for 10000 hours (I hope )
I have some Dynaco/Teles lying around too but haven't tried them. Are you using them in amp, line stage, phono or CD? The only problem I find is that the NOS aren't necessarily the quietest if one needs them for a phono application.
What's amazing is how many of the "vintage" gear used Teles as stock and now we look upon those tubes as worth more than gold!!!!
Myles-I don't find it amazing that so much vintage gear used Telefunken tubes. The manufacturers knew they were great tubes then and the prices weren't outrageous like they are now.
I have some Dynaco/Teles lying around too but haven't tried them. Are you using them in amp, line stage, phono or CD? The only problem I find is that the NOS aren't necessarily the quietest if one needs them for a phono application.
I just realized that I am only using one Dynaco / Telefunken right now. It is in a power amp. I am using NOS Bugle Boys in my phono preamp and they seem to be reasonably quiet but I am not currently using a moving coil cartridge.