[jroseCT]

With the Western Electric 396A (2C51), does it have to be JW?

 

[jroseCT]

GE 5670, GE 5-star 5670, Raytheon CK 5670, RCA Command 5670, Sylvania 5670, Western Electric 396A (2C51-JW) ..... all do not need adapters, go directly in Vali 3.

With the Western Electric 396A (2C51), does it have to be JW?

 

[jroseCT]

• I believe that one of the major factors behind Vali 3's outstanding performance is the hefty 'wall-wart' power supply. Being external certainly helps to lower the 'noise floor'. I notice that the power supply unit does get warm in use - no problem. I do, however, unplug the power supply when not in use .

It’s the same wall wort as the Vali 2+.

 

[HWB3]

With the Western Electric 396A (2C51), does it have to be JW?

I have a WE 396A/2C51/5670 and it works fine.

 

[Mr Trev]

If staying with 5670 tubes, the Western Electric 396A / 2C51 are the endgame. Used 'test strong': up to ~ $70 each; new in box: up to ~ $170 each.

I'm sure it be asked before, but how much does the vintage affect the WE396a? I've seen anywhere from 50's - 80's for sale. The 80's ones tend to be much cheaper

 

[Condocondor]

What tubes to get with the new Vali 3?

I'd go straight for the endgame tube. WE396A. You could spend so much money buying "cheap tubes & adapters" that sound decent, only to find, in the end, the WE396A is what you should have had all along. Then you never have tube "nervosa". Like I said before, $149+$170 for the tube is still only $320 all-in, which is $80 less than the Jotenheim2. And this combo beats Jotenheim2 hands down.

If staying with 5670 tubes, the Western Electric 396A / 2C51 are the endgame. Used 'test strong': up to ~ $70 each; new in box: up to ~ $170 each.

Yeah, I got my 1962 used, "tests strong" WE396A for $100. Worth every freaking dime.

 

[jroseCT]

I just ordered a “tests strong” WE396A JW for $79. Excited. The stock tube also sounds great through my Grados.

 

[jroseCT]

I'm sure it be asked before, but how much does the vintage affect the WE396a? I've seen anywhere from 50's - 80's for sale. The 80's ones tend to be much cheaper

Great question. Anyone?

 

[Condocondor]

With the Western Electric 396A (2C51), does it have to be JW?

No. Mine does not have the higher spec'd, ruggedized "JW" but it's the same tube according to the ebay tube vendor. He had the JW for sale at $170 but I declined.

 

[LobalWarming]

I'm sure it be asked before, but how much does the vintage affect the WE396a? I've seen anywhere from 50's - 80's for sale. The 80's ones tend to be much cheaper

Great question. Anyone?

Time for some great answers! I looked on eBay and didn't see any I could afford.

Generally the 'rule' with tubes is... older is better. Usually the early versions were produced under the watch of engineers who ensured the production was right on spec.

However... I have a number of 396A from the 50s, 60s and 70s. To my ears, my '66 396A sounds more detailed and open than my much more expensive '51 sample. My '59 396A is a little better as well. The '51 is better in most ways than my '78. Haven't tracked down a 396A from the late 40s when production began. I mean, I tracked a few down, but not ready for a 3rd mortgage.

My generality is... buy what you can afford and not worry about the best of the best. It may or may not be the best after all. YTMV (Your Tubes May Very). I like the 60s 396A just fine, still prefer them to the most any other 5670, including 6CC42 and GE 5-Star. Seems like the cheapskate's sweet(ish) spot.

Haven't tried any from the 80s. Maybe they'd be great despite the big hair heaters and spandex getters.

 

[HWB3]

My WE396A is from 1966. I got it for $75 last fall. I'm seeing some of the prices being mentioned and I'm like, whoa!

 

[Mr Trev]

Time for some great answers! I looked on eBay and didn't see any I could afford.

Generally the 'rule' with tubes is... older is better. Usually the early versions were produced under the watch of engineers who ensured the production was right on spec.

However... I have a number of 396A from the 50s, 60s and 70s. To my ears, my '66 396A sounds more detailed and open than my much more expensive '51 sample. My '59 396A is a little better as well. The '51 is better in most ways than my '78. Haven't tracked down a 396A from the late 40s when production began. I mean, I tracked a few down, but not ready for a 3rd mortgage.

My generality is... buy what you can afford and not worry about the best of the best. It may or may not be the best after all. YTMV (Your Tubes May Very). I like the 60s 396A just fine, still prefer them to the most any other 5670, including 6CC42 and GE 5-Star. Seems like the cheapskate's sweet(ish) spot.

Haven't tried any from the 80s. Maybe they'd be great despite the big hair heaters and spandex getters.

Yah, that's what I was wondering about. I know with other tubes, there seems to be a fall-off at some point - '60s or newer Foton 68HC for example. But there are always outliers - I remember reading certain newer Melz whatevertheirversionof6sn7is don't quite half-suck. I don't think I've read a comparison of 396 vintages tho.
That said, I do have a soft spot for '80s metal girls, so maybe a 80s 396 would be right up my alley

 

[Magic77]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804743629210.html
Does this look like a good deal?
or this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004541302260.html

 

[LobalWarming]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804743629210.html
Does this look like a good deal?
or this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004541302260.html

Not exceptional deals. Average deals, imo. Are the images of the exact tube you'd receive? Are they tested to NOS spec?

 

[Mr Trev]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804743629210.html
Does this look like a good deal?
or this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004541302260.html

My biggest concern with buying NOS tubes off AE is whether they're legit or knock-offs. Personally, I'd recommend sticking with trusted, established sellers to be safe