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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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In Reply to: Re: 1st tube rolling adventure..my God what tubes??? posted by tubecrazy on January 17, 2006 at 09:09:47:
With a phonostage you would do well do buy from a reputable dealer who does extensive noise and microphonics testing. I recommend Vintage Tube Services (616)454-3467. Andy (the owner) is GODAWFUL slow with the whole buying process, but he won't do the following, of which many others are guilty: 1st, He won't B.S. you about how GREAT mediocre tubes are just because he has them in stock. The 1980s Mullard CV4004/12AX7 comes to mind. Those tubes are ACCEPTABLE, but what you want in a 12AX7 is 1950s RCA or TungSol, Telefunken, long and short plate Mullards and Amperex, and early Valvos, and Andy sells these for what the few dealers with CV4004s get. His Matsushitas are also suberb. Andy also grades tubes for noise more conservatively than anyone else I have dealt with. 2nd, he has a "no questions asked, any reason is OK, no return fee, no hard feelings" return policy. This is rare. Another "Good Guy" is Michael Marx at SND tubes. His prices are fantastic, he is fast, and easy to deal with. He also seems to have the most consistent stock-on-hand of the "good stuff." Brent Jesse is good, can get you what you need, but has slightly high prices. He has (like SND tubes/Michael Marx)a good return policy. Ken Chait at ATSI tubes is a great source for phonograde Ei 12AX7s. VTV tests Eis for noise too-- Also, they have great NOS stock but get yer wallet out or pawn that Rolex if you need to tube a preamp and amp. However, their sales stock IS the gold standard of "time capsule" quality levels of tubes; they look like they were hermetically sealed, boxes and all. My only complaint with Vintage tube services is that Andy almost never has the original boxes for the tubes. VTV does. I have never bought from Tubeworld, but others say he is great. Finally, John Birck at Raretubes is great, but his stock is limited.
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- Re: 1st tube rolling adventure..my God what tubes??? - tubecrazy 13:37:02 01/17/06 (0)
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