| Help with Audio Tubes
IMHOP, NOS tubes sound better than the soviet or chinese tubes sold today. I understand that the U.S. quit making tubes about 1980, so pre 1980 tubes are what you are looking for if you want US. As far as identification of the tubes, it is what the tube actually is, rather than where it is at in the signal chain. For example, twin diode, triple diode, rectifying ect...
The guy who really know this stuff is Brent Jessee. He is a friendly sort, and will return an email post haste. One other thing to remember when dealing with tubes, unlike some circuits, tube circuits really pack a wallop! Lots of voltage and lots of amps! Also, don't handle the glass. I have heard that handling can damage tubes.
I have replaced the tubes in my Millennia, UA and most of my tube mics with closest Telefunken tube I could get. Also, keep in mind that bias can be an issue as well. Ask Brent Jessee to provide replacements that don't need bias adjustments. Although the Millennia can be bias adjusted, many other amps can't. I don't know if you Avalon can be adjusted or not. One other thing, quality tube replacement can be really expensive. I have some tubes that sell for over $150.00 each.
Hope this helps
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