Well, what I can say based on my experience of more than half a century as an amateur brass player is that there is no such thing as the perfect intonation instrument. Even the equal temperament, on which modern musical compositions are based, is the result of compromises to make the performance in all keys acceptable. I play on a 2007 Besson Prestige 2052 and I have no problem playing in tune: I use the trigger on some notes (partial sixth, F in the staff and F below the staff). Each instrument has its strengths and weaknesses, in choosing the intonation is only one of the factors to be taken into consideration; personally in the first place I put the tone and the answer: if the sound does not satisfy me, everything else does not count. I had the opportunity to try some Adams, Yamaha, Willson and Miraphone, all excellent instruments, but there was none that turned me on the light to make me take the big step of changing my Prestige or, at least that justified an expense. of € 7-10,000 for a new euphonium. Surely each of them had a few more points in their favor than the Prestige, but overall, to my ears, the Besson had the best tone and absolutely fantastic mechanics (valves and triggers) and is built like a tank, considerably more. heavy than any other euphonium. Perhaps what, in my guesswork, could be a winner is the Adams E2, which one day I would like to try: if on that occasion the light comes on I could, then, consider, wife permitting, the big step.
2007 Besson Prestige 2052, 3D+ K&G mouthpiece; JP373 baritone, 4B modified K&G mouthpiece; Bach 42GO trombone, T4C K&G mouthpiece; 1973 Besson New Standard 3 compensated valves, 3D+ K&G modified mouthpiece; Wessex French C tuba, 3D+ K&G modified mouthpiece.