Quote:
Originally Posted by jamato8 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Well I first posted that it was a Tungsram because they are the only tube I have ever known that had the internal tag. Tungsram has a pretty good reputation normally but I have not heard the 6DJ8 variety.
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So Jamato, YOU think it's a Tungsram as well?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dsavitsk /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Clearly you do, but that's fine. I assume you are being friendly, which is always appreciated. This is, of course, a matter of fact and not of opinion. I don't know who is right one way or the other, but I do trust Jim McShane to know a lot more about tubes than most (certainly more than me), so I am inclined to believe him unless I see compelling evidence otherwise.
That said, even if these are Tungsram, it doesn't appear that you got a terrible deal. My guess, judging from the usual price of the Siemens, most people probably thought what I thought. If, however, they are what you think then it seems like a great deal.
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Sorry, no, you misunderstand me...I have my doubts, but I wasn't doubting you or your intentions...I'm just looking for some sort of verification one way or the other. Believe me, I appreciate your help and input on this.
I did some more poking around, and couldn't find any info or definite "these Siemens E88CC's are fake! They are actually Tungsrams" info. I DID find Tungsram Philips and Amperex, and I came across rebranded Tungsram and Sovtek 6DJ8's, and a few other bits of info. My doubts now lie with these tubes, but until I have them in hand, I have no way to verify one way or the other. It's a crapshoot - I either end up with a decent deal on a nice pair of late production Siemens tubes, or I spent money on something I didn't want. I'd really like to know before they are shipped from Holland. Here's some info:
Various E88CC Siemens:
Note different getters (some halo, some D), and some have the little internal tag plate (photos 1, 2, and 6 for sure) on the getter arm. Also note that the numbering on the tag faces different directions, and some have different shields above the plates. Could be variations due to production changes over the years, could be non-Siemens (or let's be frank...FAKES). I have NO idea which is which at this point. Pic one came from
this source, which I found very helpful in identifying the various production changes.
And this little "how to" on spotting fake 6DJ8s was useful too:
How to recognize the 6DJ8 original tubes from the imitations
Be careful when you chase these guys. The reputation of Siemens & Amperexes precedes them and they are frequent targets for counterfeiters. How do you know if a tube in question is the genuine article? Well, fortunately there are a few basic checks you can perform to differentiate true Siemens & Amperexes from relabeled Sylvanias and Tungsrams (view photo 1).
First, check the top of the tube in question. Siemens & Amperexes always have small ridges in the surface of the glass on top of the tube radiating outward from the nipple. These tubes will have 4 ridges, though sometimes only two of them are easily visible. The concept here is to look down on the top of the tube. The 2 or 4 ridges should divide the circular silver top of the tube in half or into quarters (view photo 2). No ridges? No genuine article pass on it.
Second, check the metal shield above the upper mica spacer. On Siemens & Amperexes it’s circular with two raised rectangular sections on opposite edges of the shield (view photo 3). On most fakes that shield is a perfectly flat disc.
Third, about 90% of Siemens tubes have a 1 or 2 digit number molded into the inside bottom of the tube glass centered between the pins (view photo 4). It can sometimes be very hard to see but it’s usually there. Remember, not all Siemens have it, but if your tube passes test one & two and has the number(s), it's a Siemens.
Fourth, familiarize yourself with the shape of the glass bottle on your stock Sovteks. Note that the top is smooth (no ridges) and rather rounded and the tube is short & large in diameter these traits are common to all Russian tubes in this family. Siemens & Amperexes are only about 80 to 85% of the diameter of the Russian versions and tend to have squarer shoulders on top rather than the rounded top of the Sovtek. You should be able to spot the difference between a Russian and a genuine NOS tube just by the shape & diameter of the glass pretty easily. One warning though Sovteks often (always?) have a number molded into the bottom of the tube between the pins like a Siemens, so know all the checks and don’t depend on just one to verify the tubes origins.
Fifth, if it’s a Siemens or Amperex 6922 or 7308 it will always have gold pins. So will some cheap counterfeits, so gold is no guarantee. But if they aren’t gold its not a Siemens or Amperex, so pass on it.
SOURCE (w/pics referenced):
The original 6DJ8
In any event< I've emailed the seller, asking to confirm they are legit and to provide me with more pics. If they turn out to be Tungsrams, I'm not going to smear his name or post bad feedback, as it's very possible he has no idea. If he's going to give me hard time, I may have to file a claim, which benefits no one. He's got another auction up right now of the same thing, so we'll see.
