I am in full agreement that modern tube amps (perhaps with exception of the Western Electric) have doubtful standards and the price point of the Western Electric is just for billionaires to show off functional art not for audio. You can buy Banksy that self destructs or a Western Electric tube amp that glows.
The vintage Dynaco beats the new one
This is a review and detailed measurements of the vintage Dynakit Dynaco Stereo 70. It is on kind loan from a member who bought it used online and repaired it. Previous owner hand upgraded it but could not get it working. Given that it is 60 years old, one can forgive the rust and dust...
www.audiosciencereview.com
This is a review and detailed measurements of the Bob Latino's take on Dyna ST-70 stereo tube amplifier. I believe (the kit?) costs US $1,430. This unit was bought used for around US $900. The polished stainless steal case looks very nice. The three transformers give it substantial weight...
www.audiosciencereview.com
The thing is, Dynaco was the budget option of its era. I believe that the very best tubes and tube systems are better. But they are still functional art and not about technical performance.
The point made about Russian tubes is well taken. I don’t know if tubes are still being made in Europe but the only Audio tube I know of in the US is Western Electric.
The pro-audio brand tells Guitar.com how it plans to bring US-made guitar amp tubes back – and why it doesn’t want to charge a premium for doing so.
guitar.com
There is a whole world of military based vacuum tubes which do not apply to audio.
100%. The scary part is actually the newer stuff in my opinion!