Latest Thread Images

For 6AS7G tube rollers here .....
Jan 6, 2013 at 11:49 AM Post #481 of 9,574
Quote:
oskari said:
 
How about $85.80 at New Sensor (aka Sovtek)? [http://www.newsensor.com/ProductHighLight.aspx?ProId=198]
Click to expand...

eek.gif

I wonder if all those cheap Russian 6AS7G you can still get from the fleebay are just rejects that didn't met certain standard at the factory and that's why many are not impressed by them?
Then you also have the quite well regarded Billington Gold, which are just hand-picked Russian tubes 
rolleyes.gif

This tube business is really a minefield!
Anyway, I decided to only buy tubes from well regarded sellers with up-to-date digital valve tester.
 
Jan 6, 2013 at 11:57 AM Post #482 of 9,574
Even the best tester can't test a tube like an amp does.
 
The behaviour in circuit is the final criterion.
 
Even the latest digital testers don't tell the full story.
I have bought tubes tested on an Amplitrex that developed a problem in circuit very quickly.
 
Jan 6, 2013 at 12:07 PM Post #483 of 9,574
Right on, Stavros.  Putnak always says, the best tube tester is the equipment you are going to use it in.  As long it is safe to use, listening to it will tell you more than a tester will.
 
Jan 6, 2013 at 12:26 PM Post #485 of 9,574
Use the tester first to test for leaks and shorts, and then use your amp to determine how good the tube sounds. That's the way, I agree.

You can get winged C 6H13C tubes on eBay NOS, right from Russia, for $25/pair SHIPPED. I'm sure they are generally quite good. I've ordered tubes directly from Russia via eBay on quite a few occasions, with good results,
 
Jan 6, 2013 at 12:39 PM Post #486 of 9,574
"the generally quite good" is the part that concerns me. Buying tubes feels a bit too much like playing the lottery those days.
biggrin.gif

Sadly, I don't have a tester but I probably would have saved money if I invested in an Amplitrex AT1000 before getting involved with tubes. 
wink.gif

 
Jan 6, 2013 at 12:43 PM Post #487 of 9,574
Quote:
zenpunk said:
eek.gif

I wonder if all those cheap Russian 6AS7G you can still get from the fleebay are just rejects that didn't met certain standard at the factory and that's why many are not impressed by them?
Click to expand...

 
Not true. They are just old stock, lots of it good old stock.
 
Many are not impressed because of a number of different reasons: taste, hearing, equipment, prejudice, ...
 
Others like them for similar reasons.
 
Jan 6, 2013 at 1:02 PM Post #488 of 9,574
Quote:
zenpunk said:
You might be right but not very practical for most of us. That would involve buying dozens if not hundreds and search for the ones that behave the best? 
rolleyes.gif

Few companies such as that one:
http://www.watfordvalves.com/aboutus.asp
are likely to be me more reliable than the numerous amateurs on fleebay with testers that predate WWII. 
wink.gif
Click to expand...

 
Quite opposite.
Some sellers use ordinary testers to ensure the tubes are safe and strong and then amp test them to verify they are fine for audio use.
 
Because a seller uses the latest digital tester doesn't mean you can't trust others as much if not more.
 
Jan 6, 2013 at 1:41 PM Post #489 of 9,574
zenpunk said:
"the generally quite good" is the part that concerns me. Buying tubes feels a bit too much like playing the lottery those days.:D
Sadly, I don't have a tester but I probably would have saved money if I invested in an Amplitrex AT1000 before getting involved with tubes. :wink:
Click to expand...

No doubt about that. It's a roll of the dice every time, especially when you factor in microphonics, emi sensitivities, pin corrosion, etc... E.g. Ive got one JAN 5998 in my stable that produces a random loud "pinging" noise once every few minutes without any apparent cause that I've been able to discern.

For the same reasons, it's all the more satisfying when you manage to land a deal on a particularly good tube!
 
Jan 6, 2013 at 1:50 PM Post #490 of 9,574
Quote:
dminches said:
Right on, Stavros.  Putnak always says, the best tube tester is the equipment you are going to use it in.  As long it is safe to use, listening to it will tell you more than a tester will.
Click to expand...

 
I've learned the hard (Expensive) way!
 
Jan 6, 2013 at 3:34 PM Post #491 of 9,574
So... Just a question about availability. I've been searching for some Tung-Sol 5998 tubes and I can't seem to find any at a decent price. Is there any similar sounding tubes to the TS5998s that are reasonably priced and in steady stock? Thanks!
 
Jan 6, 2013 at 3:39 PM Post #492 of 9,574
What price are you looking for?
 
Jan 6, 2013 at 4:08 PM Post #493 of 9,574
Quote:
dminches said:
What price are you looking for?
Click to expand...


Well.. I've seen matched pair of TS5998s recently going for 180ish, but also seem them go for more outrageous prices like 350. Honestly my wallet is hurting right now, so I would like to get some good tubes for under 100 for a pair, but I'm not sure if that's wishful thinking or not. Still quite new to the tube world. Thanks!
 
Jan 6, 2013 at 6:47 PM Post #495 of 9,574
Just saw that LANGREX (UK) has some 5998s up on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5998-TUNG-SOL-USA-GRADE-1-/271079372750?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Valves_Vacuum_Tubes&hash=item3f1d96f7ce
 
I've already got enough for now...
 
-Mark
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

  • Total: 8 (members: 1, guests: 7)
    Back
    Top