Why do AudioScape units use NOS tubes?

In honor of “6x4 Day” yesterday – the 6x4 being a favorite rectifier tube around here – a word from us here at AudioScape about NOS tubes:

Why do we use NOS tubes as much as possible in our products?

Using mostly NOS tubes in our builds is something that we feel sets us apart and cuts to the core of what we’re about. Putting the absolute best tubes you can find in EACH product you’re building at your shop – whether it’s our B-stock original Opto Comp, EQP-A/MEQ-A equalizers or our flagship vari-mu, the ASA-6A – speaks to our intention. That’s what AudioScape has been all about since the beginning - the best version of each product, with the best parts realistically available. For these circuits, NOS tubes are a huge part of that. If you want the original sound, use the original parts.

Aren’t NOS tubes usually an upcharge? Why don’t you charge extra for them?

We won’t “upcharge” for NOS tubes like we’ve seen being done. What does that say if you’re charging for an “upgrade’? Charging extra for something that should be standard just shows you’re not putting your best foot forward in the production process of each unit.

How does it affect the build process? Doesn’t tube rolling take time?

In some ways it’s a little crazy that we do it. Tube vendors know the scope of how crazy what we’re doing is. Why? Selection takes time. Sometimes it takes as long to select tubes as it does to build a unit. Let that sink in…

In spite of this, we’re simply not interested in making cheap versions of these designs we revere, or watering them down and making concessions with the “all in one shampoo/conditioner” approach. We’re aiming to pack the best parts in each unit and making that precision tool the best it can be. No dulling on the edges or cut corners. That is our Mt. Everest (not just a hill to us) that we’ll gladly die on.

What about scarcity? Aren’t NOS tubes going to run out eventually?

Yes! This is why we’ve always said that today is always the best day to buy an Audioscape unit. There is always a clock on NOS parts. Those who source them know we’re not bullshitting here. We don’t do this to just make money. This is our passion and life’s work, and we’re lucky that enough money comes along with it to keep the lights on.

With all of that said, here’s a quick list of all the NOS tubes we’re grateful to use every day here at AudioScape:

-6X4

-6SK7

-6J7

-6879

-OD3

-OB2

-5R4

-6H6

-12AX7

-12AT7

-12AU7

-12BH7

-6AQ5

-6AL5

-6V6

-5879

-6084

-5651

-5AR4