Quote:
Originally Posted by markmaxx /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Thanks! My friend!
What don't you believe? Did you see the pictures, zip ties, hardware crimped on ends, the switch on the top so I could go from Supra/extreme,that he told me my tubes were all bad, that he wanted 100% more (he wanted $140 or $150) for the tubes Bendix 2C51 which Earl wants $70 for, that it took for ever to build, or that he held it hostage untill I gave him more moneyor the fact it went $1000 over budget?
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I was not going to comment but since I saw my name pop up here .... I am.
Mark, I may have not been clear when you contacted me to ask me about the pricing for 2C51s. I thought I told you the Bendix are very rare, and $125, the price you quoted, was not something out of the norm. But, what I added was that I personally did not think the Bendix is noticeably superior to the typical 2C51/ 5670, if at all .... just different. Adding to that, I told you because the Bendix did not sound special to me that I would never pay that much for them. Next, I told you the standard 2C51s like the TS/ GE and Sylvania are all excellent tubes. So, I offered you essentially a lifetime supply of standard matched pairs for the same $125 you would have paid for the one pair.
Later when you asked about ECC #1 adapter tubes I looked through my stash for you and I happened to find a pair of Bendix 2C51s. The tube as you know is tiny and I had put a divider in a standard 9 pin box with a 2C51 on each end. I didnt realize I had two until I accidentally turned the box over and saw writing noting I put tubes in both ends.
Now .... knowing you originally really wanted a Bendix 2C51 pair I asked you if you were interested when I pm'd you about the ECC #1 tubes I had. The reason I priced them as I did is you are a friend and I dont like to charge my friends the going rate for tubes. To be honest, I felt guilty asking for $70; especially for a tube I dont think is anything special. But, I could easily sell them on ebay and get the same $125 or more. So, I came up with that compromise price.
So, my price was not reflective of what a Bendix 2C51 is worth. Consequently, in this case, the fair market value from Mikhail was not out of line, mine was. Moreover, given tube values fluctuate wildly at times with new upper price barriers being established almost monthly sometimes for a "hot tube" .... a value is as much a guess as anything. This certainly doesnt excuse him throwing away your tubes in your other transaction. I return tubes when they are bad if I expect compensation .... or have them returned to me if I sold them to verify the truth.
But, back to the 2C51s, he is a business man and he is in business to make money. So, IMO, him charging the typical going rate is to be expected. Bendix 2C51s are definitely a rare tube and there is a much smaller supply of the Bendix 2C51s around than the rare 6SN7GTs you see going for $400-500 per pair.
As an interesting side note, I had a member contact for advice about tubes for his Wavelength dac. You guys really need to be careful when you buy tube gear so you dont get gear with irreplaceable tubes. You also need to do a little research to see tube pricing before you buy tubes .... or atleast ask somebody. Check this out!!!
Hi,
I've read some of your posts and it seems you know alot about tubes. So, I wanted to ask if the above mentioned will run me 1500 USD?
I have a Wavelength Audio Crimson DAC, which I am thinking of upgrading with this particular tube.
And this is a triode, right?
Me ....
You can buy the nos 71A for $40 each from Radio Electric Supply (RES). I would never pay that much for a pair of tubes. Tubes get hyped and the price skyrockets. Sound is so subjective .... I have used many holy grail tubes and some are very good and some are not. I use a alot of tubes no one knows about that sub for the expensive tubes .... and I dont feel I am missing anything. The 71A is a small power triode and the tube plain sounds good no matter which brand you use. To assume that the tube in question would sound the best in every system is a real stretch.
So to be clear, the tube may be fantastic but standard 71As are fantastic. I cant see the tube in question elevating the performance to justify the cost. I hope that helps.
Him ...
Hi Earl,
Thanks for the quick reply.
I wrote to you because the manufacturer (Wavelength) is selling the Telefunken's for 1500 USD each. But I'm happy with the 71A in them now, the balloon variant have a warm and smooth sound which suits me just fine.
I don't think I will be buying the RE134's, at least not from Wavelength. But he may think I am a noob, and would charge the high price, and I would pay, no questions asked. Not anymore though.
Me ....
$1500 EACH!!!! I thought you meant for a pair. Do you know some of the dacs you can buy for $3000 .... good grief! Telefunkens ARE usually hyped period. Like some of their 12AX7/12AU7s .... which are good but on the bright analytical side, IMO. I have to tell you this is may be the most extreme pricing I have ever come across.
Being curious I called RES myself .... they had one Zenith branded 71A in stock. I will look around for you. I hope you havent bought a product that has no replacement tubes available; atleast available for a reasonable price.
Earl
Me again ....
I find 71As listed in stock for sale with
Radio Daze = Radiodaze .... and
Antique Electronic Supply = Antique Electric Supply. If I were you I would buy some while you can. These sellers are also charging in the $35-45 per tube range.
Earl
Him ....
Hi Earl,
Thanks for the findings!
I do need some new 71A tubes. There is a loud hum in one of them and I can't get rid of it argh! I've talked with Gordon (Wavelength) about it and he made dampers and sent new tubes etc, but nothing worked. The Crimson DAC can also work with WE101L/M but I've never tried. Only 71A ST and balloon.
Gonna buy some tubes fron those sites, maybe that'll help with the hum, by getting some NOS.
Back to the present ... you wonder if this is even a tube problem and that there isnt something wrong with the dac. I think I suggested he send the dac back to be evaluated. Also, while I think that tube price is crazy I am not familair with a lot of the European tubes and maybe this a going rate. But, if the dac was designed for 71As and doesnt work correctly with that tube .... how would selling him a pair of tubes that sub for the 71A for $3000 help?
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