Russian tubes: 7591, etc. Opinions??

[audio]

Well, it seems that some forum members like Russian tubes. I'm confused, because I thought they were to be avoided. I am contemplating the purchase of a Quad of Electro-Harmonix 7591s for my Fisher X-202-B. I know they don't last as long, but how do they sound?

[EC3970]

I'm a complete novice to tubes. The ARC Vsi55 I bought recently uses all Russian tubes. It certainly sounds better than my previous amp, a ss 80's NAD, but I've never heard a vintage tube amp and can't make comparisons.

http://www.audioresearch.com/

[chrischross]

I can only speak out AGAINST the use of Sovteks. I didn't realize that for all of these years, I've been listening to those as I could have sworn that the seller said they were Ei Yugo EL-84s. Now that I'm completely deaf from this abuse, I've seen the light.

Got ahold of some Ei Elite Gold Pins from a web site out of the UK, http://www.tube-shop.com/home.asp

The price was the lowest I found and the shipping was fast (under a week). I tried a domestic seller, but they never seemed to have them in stock.

Don't know if anyone's noticed, but I haven't been on this forum or really surfing the 'net at all. You see, it's like I have a whole new stereo! I'm pulling out everything and giving it another chance. Huge changes in percussion and vocals. Everything is nice and smooth. Time to upgrade those other tubes on the power amps, the 12AT7WA input and the 6414 driver. I can't wait.