I agree totally. I might buy a cheap tube or two. Or maybe one better $45.00 tube. After that, if I was still a big fan, time to get a Lyr 3. Shane D
But you don't have to spend that much. Get recommdations from the threads, like a recommendation for a 6sn7 type which has a very strong history. I did that with the Tung-Sol 6sn7gt mouse ears, they fit my budget and sonic requirements. So I stocked up have about 5 years worth for a nice consistent sound for the long haul. Don't buy willy-nilly, Do research first.
That's a pretty good idea, and one I've pretty much adopted - except I have more than a tube or 2… Personally, I find there's a much bigger difference switching between tube families - say going from a 6dj8 to a 6cg7, than trying to compare different 6dj8s. Get a good example (or 2) of each family, and most importantly, don't spend more on a tube than you did for the amp.
Same set-up today except that the Liquid Spark was replaced by a Burson Fun-Classic. V2 has more bass than the Burson and sounds a bit livelier. I was running many Trombone Shorty songs (in AAC). I am again impressed. At least initially. Shane D
Different brands in the same family can make a difference as well, I’m sure @bcowen can fill you in on the sonic qualities of GE tubes
LOL! GE's are easy to describe: meh. That's the only one-word description I can come up with that the forum won't convert into ****.