[bevanc]

I just got quoted $4k for new wheels for my Mazda 6. Not including the tires either. I'm going for aftermarket rims and the local Monro Muffler to fit them for under $2k.

 

[sam6550a]

Not really. Wife's car -- a well maintained 2017 Ford Escape with 2.0 liter engine. Seems there was a design flaw in the engine block for 2015-2018 2.0 liter motors that Ford will not own up to. Coolant and water entered into cylinder head and block -- ruined the engine. No recall or technical service bulletin. I'll be joining the class action suit. Lawyers will make the $$$ and maybe I'll get a coupon for $100 off on my next Ford purchase, like that'll ever happen.

Anyhow -- Vali 3 is looking quite tempting!!

May I suggest that you get rid of the car and buy something else. If the first engine failed because of a design defect, the second engine is sure to follow.

 

[Paladin79]

Not really. Wife's car -- a well maintained 2017 Ford Escape with 2.0 liter engine. Seems there was a design flaw in the engine block for 2015-2018 2.0 liter motors that Ford will not own up to. Coolant and water entered into cylinder head and block -- ruined the engine. No recall or technical service bulletin. I'll be joining the class action suit. Lawyers will make the $$$ and maybe I'll get a coupon for $100 off on my next Ford purchase, like that'll ever happen.

Anyhow -- Vali 3 is looking quite tempting!!

I gave up on Fords decades ago, as well as some GM cars. I had a Chrysler 300 on lease that I loved but buyout was too high.

 

[corndog71]

The cherry on top for my speaker rig would be an Urd, but that will have to wait now that we've dropped $7K on an engine replacement at 50,000 miles.

Perhaps a Vali 3 will make me feel better.

I’m in a similar boat having to pay off redone electrical in my basement. Hoping to get Urd by summer.

 

[Adam Balm]

I gave up on Fords decades ago, as well as some GM cars. I had a Chrysler 300 on lease that I loved but buyout was too high.

My dad drove Chryslers
My Mom drove Chevys
I drove a Gremlin...Oy

 

[Paladin79]

I’m in a similar boat having to pay off redone electrical in my basement. Hoping to get Urd by summer.

I feel like I should spend a bunch of money just to fit in. All new flooring in the upstairs and stairways it will be. I will turn my wife loose tomorrow and duck and cover till all is done.

 

[Senex49]

Brent Jesse, audiotubes.com

Thanks!

 

[riffrafff]

My last two Ford Mustangs were sold (running) with over 300k miles on their original engines. There's something to be said for synthetic oil (and regular maintenance ).

 

[Senex49]

What @Ripper2860 said. Seriously, that's a great way to get good tubes, as most members are not going to knowingly sell you a crap tube and you'll likely get a much better price than going through a (reputable) vendor. You might also keep an eye on the classifieds here, or even put in a Wanted ad.

Just checked the usual vendor suspects I buy from (which is obviously not all-inclusive), and only one shows any in stock: tubeworldexpress.com. Most of what they have is 70's or later which wouldn't be my choice. They have one nice '53, but they want $200 for it. Ouch. They also have a '49, but list it as being microphonic and it doesn't test all that strong either.

You might also check the audio classified sites like usaudiomart and see if anyone is selling. You can place a wanted ad there as well for free. Beyond that, you're left with Ebay. Quite a few listed there now, but caveat emptor is all I will say.

Thanks. So I was born in 1949. I’m optimally looking to buy a turbe that was “born” not that long after I was and has sat on a warehouse shelf for around 70 years!
How hard can it be, right?

 

[AstronomerXI]

My dad drove Chryslers
My Mom drove Chevys
I drove a Gremlin...Oy

My new-to-me low mileage Honda Passport in Touring trim (same as American Elite minus the roll-up sunshades in the passenger seating area and some headlamp adjustment) gets picked up tomorrow. I won’t miss the old Chev Equinox, but seeing as that rig cost me all of $1, it served me very well and I’m grateful for the miles I was able to put on it.

 

[Paladin79]

Thanks. So I was born in 1949. I’m optimally looking to buy a turbe that was “born” not that long after I was and has sat on a warehouse shelf for around 70 years!
How hard can it be, right?

It can be done, I have new in the box tubes from 1942. Oh they do predate my birth by several years.

 

[riffrafff]

Thanks. So I was born in 1949. I’m optimally looking to buy a turbe that was “born” not that long after I was and has sat on a warehouse shelf for around 70 years!
How hard can it be, right?

I was born in 1958. I've ordered a 1958 GE 5670 5-Star 3-mica black plate tube for my still-unopened Vali 3, for $20. We'll see how that goes.

 

[Senex49]

Save a TON of money...

Get a 2C51 Bendix from:
$25 + $8 Shipping.
I have several 396a's and this Bendix made came this week and honestly you cant tell the
difference unless you have "bat" ears...

Alex

Looking very, very good. I think the WE396 has become Holy Grail. Gonna try me one of there. Thanks for the tip! (And I need/wear hearing aids - no bat ears at all.)

 

[jonathan c]

My dad drove Chryslers
My Mom drove Chevys
I drove a Gremlin...Oy

... you don't drive a Gremlin ... you try to prevent fatalities ...

 

[highgrovemanor]

Pulled the trigger on the Multibit+Sys to sit between my Roon Server and Ghorn and KEF 150s to complete a deliberately headphone-less work from home computer desk. Mini shelf courtesy a @quimbo donation, so many thanks again!

Coming from Asgards, didn't realize how small the small form factor here is...

Very appreciative of this community for both advise and entertainment. One of the more enjoyable corners of the internet.