Tung-sol 5998 vs WE 421A ?

[NightFlight]

I have to reserve the right to change my opinion. Apparently. 

I was doing up the WE 421a for ebay and dropped it a couple inches. So I had to put it back in to ensure it was working, even though I was certain nothing happened.  Well, I'm now on my 5th switch between the tung-sol and the WE with a couple test tracks. I have to agree with the above exactly!  The tung sol is slightly more musical and the WE more technically astute - pulling out more soundstage and detail.

I didn't want to believe it. But when I'm listening to spatial effects on the 421a, it forces my eyes to move around where the 5998 not so much. I've only given this WE less than 20hrs, so I think its time to give the full 100hr break-in treatment and enjoy.

Plugging in CV4003 now.

 

[Doc B.]

This experiment is not complete unless you drop the 5998 too.

[Adamaley]

This experiment is not complete unless you drop the 5998 too.

Good one there, Doc. Any further assessments of the difference between the two tubes since your epiphany in March, Nightflight? I'm in the market for the Tung Sol 5998, and would appreciate being pointed in the right direction to purchase one outside of eBay. There seems to be a shade too much shadiness around transactions there.

[JamieMcC]

If you can find a 1950s 5998 clear top grab it quick its defiantly a level or 2 above both my single and twin getter 5998s and  I would go so far as to say I prefer it to the WE421a. With the clear top the 5998 essentially it looks near identical to the WE421a and I would say its a good mix of combining both the detail and musicality of the two separate tubes. 

(https://www.head-fi.org/content/type/61/id/1123319/width/350/height/700/flags/LL)

For non ebay Vacuumtubes.net regularly seem to have 5998's in stock @ $85

http://www.vacuumtubes.net/RES%20Audio%20pages/5998.html

[guildenstern]

For non ebay Vacuumtubes.net regularly seem to have 5998's in stock @ $85

http://www.vacuumtubes.net/RES%20Audio%20pages/5998.html

A few weeks or so ago, I called vacuumtubes.net and was told they had only a couple of highly microphonic 5998s left. The gentleman I spoke with said that he wasn't even sure he wanted to sell them. He did not know if or when they would be getting any more.

I mention this to prevent disappointment among those eager to acquire 5998s. But if I'm behind the times, and if you've heard that vacuumtubes.net has a new stash of good 5998s, please spread the word!

[JamieMcC]

That makes a refreshing change and is good to hear.

I noticed there has been quiet a few nos 5998's turn up on ebay over the weekend from a US seller.