Anyone who has 12AT7's in their circuit and doesn't try these rare Telefunken 5965's will arbitrarily deny themselves one of the most incredible musical presentations I have experienced thus far in my audio journey. In my VTL Stereo 90 Ultra- Linear Deluxe power amp, I was using the Siemens 801s and the GE 5 Star black plate triple mica 6201 in the input and driver positions.
However, as good as this combo sounded, I always felt that when listening to classical music, I was missing the detail that would take my listening experience to a higher and more engaging level. Well, I took the plunge and purchased a matched pair of NOS Telefunken Long Plate 5965's to replace my GE 6201's.
Nothing could have prepared me for the incredulous transformation this tube roll rendered to the listening experience across all "Genres". These two tubes have imparted a level of "Realism" in my system that is almost indescribable. Bass response is deep, textured, extended, fast and very "real" sounding. The midrange is the most beautiful I have ever experienced. The highs are ethereal, smooth and detailed. The 3-Dimensional aspect of the musical presentation is enhanced with even greater delineation between instruments, vocals, percussions, (everything). The entire soundstage is expanded as if every sound has it's own place in space like you would experience attending a live concert.
In conclusion, in this hobby there are just so many variables involved and that will always translate into "Your Mileage May Vary". However, I am writing this Blog with less than 30 hours on these tubes and I can categorically state that I have never been so completely immersed in the recorded event as I have been since rolling these tubes into my system.