The price of audio power tubes are all over the place. The NOS power tube prices are very dear indeed. However, some current production tubes are pretty pricey as well.
For example, the EAT KT88 is priced ridiculously high (espcially for a current tube). The Gold Lion KT88 re-issue is 60.00 a tube, and while it sounds good, is it really worth double the SED 6550C? (No, IMHO). Beside, you can obtain GE6550A for not much more if you look around, and the GE will provide good sound and long service. The long term cost to own and use NOS tubes may not not be as much as advertised.
Then there is the issue of longevity. The only current 6550/KT88 that has a history of longevity is the SED 6550C. If you have to replace current tubes twice as often as NOS, are they REALLY a bargain?
The local techs all pretty much agree that NOS 6550 are a better (safer) buy than the current crop of power tubes.
