[whirlwind]

I'm sure we succumb to expectation bias in tube rolling like anything else. I threw my "worst" 6J5 into my amp a while back without thinking about it much while I already had my "worst" power tubes in there. Not even sure why, I didn't have an intent, I just did it at random. One night while listening to this combo I got really, *really* into the music and had one of the best listening session of my life. Everything just sounded wonderful. Then at one point I remembered that I had my "bad" tubes in the amp and kind of had one of those "huh........ huh" moments.

I have done the same.

No matter the tubes the sound is still euphoric.

 

[UntilThen]

I have source in Holland for the EL3N if you are interested.

His name is Peter and his 2 helpers are Paul and Mary.

 

[mordy]

His name is Peter and his 2 helpers are Paul and Mary.

Inter dynamic trio.

 

[gibosi]

Unsure exactly when they were manufactured, but I can almost be sure it was some time between 1942-1959. On their boxes we can see "Sylvania Electric Products Inc.", which according to some brief historical research, that name would've not been used after 1959, when Sylvania merged with GTE and became a subsidiary of them.








Besides the "W" you see on the base, there really is nothing else to go off of to date them, or determine where they were manufactured outside of "Made in USA" on the base.

Actually, after GTE acquired Sylvania, the Sylvania label continued to be used until about 1986, when Philips implemented their ECG labeling. The Sylvania triangle logo was discontinued around 1972, so this suggests that the tube was manufactured prior to that date. Since I have no idea what "w" might signify this is my best guess.

 

[g0ldl10n]

Actually, after GTE acquired Sylvania, the Sylvania label continued to be used until about 1986, when Philips implemented their ECG labeling. The Sylvania triangle logo was discontinued around 1972, so this suggests that the tube was manufactured prior to that date. Since I have no idea what "w" might signify this is my best guess.

This is good to know. So we've got it narrowed down between 1939 and 1971, we are making substantial progress

On a side note, the vendor, which is a trusted European vendor said they are from old European military stock from the 1950s. I could ask for more specifics on how he might know this, possibly from the bulk packaging they may have been in, idk.

 

[triod750]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/40456964...JkdiZobjL6o7flRtJcussbVoEV|tkp:Bk9SR8TvyoKwYw

GEC L63 Foreign. Wow!!!

 

[LobalWarming]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404569646515?hash=item5e323ae5b3:g:EPoAAOSwa2FlN6Jv&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAA4N3QfR6xwaMI4GMCq79ZoI1FPrgrEqb3o0pB9igealIUvaix11PRJTLVvlzSx6nff+n/igDyjo7SJqr5403nrxY70xUdLl6Y0gGokTRMWZ+jm4WXPqvxxKOBWufRz2QkiBuSgK3HRBmC9DvLg5yobeAQTtIgYmngqkWhDMBiUxbR8x5cQN9OgtV/UaVFxQ16hM3Dqb0vYK1lzQIBhWfKb2ba+npAooQt9cT3iCuyAJACJ7PuLpfxZUQqcO2h/NKmywMqByCQsLSUkPJUCWJkdiZobjL6o7flRtJcussbVoEV|tkp:Bk9SR8TvyoKwYw

GEC L63 Foreign. Wow!!!

Seller also has a foreign Brimar 6SN7...

Rebranding For Foreigners!

 

[triod750]

At least you know they are not British made. But L63 should be. Brimar imported and rebranded in the end.
You often see 'Imported' or 'Foreign' on Mullard branded tubes made in Holland.

 

[mordy]

Looking for that rare tube? Can't find it? Well, just have patience, and it will show up!
Here is a chart that shows total US vacuum tube production numbers.
In 1955 almost 500 million tubes were made.

 

[shwnwllms]

Looking for that rare tube? Can't find it? Well, just have patience, and it will show up!
Here is a chart that shows total US vacuum tube production numbers.
In 1955 almost 500 million tubes were made.

If you deduct all the tubes @Wes S has bought and socked away, that should leave a couple of dozen for the rest of us

 

[g0ldl10n]

Looking for that rare tube? Can't find it? Well, just have patience, and it will show up!
Here is a chart that shows total US vacuum tube production numbers.
In 1955 almost 500 million tubes were made.

Geez, that is a depressing chart - fully shut down before I even existed

 

[David A Silva]

Geez, that is a depressing chart - fully shut down before I even existed

Millenial? I was born before the peak!

 

[triod750]

Mordy and I were born the same year as Thomas Alva Edison.

 

[g0ldl10n]

Millenial? I was born before the peak!

I prefer Chiliadal, but.. Millennial is fine I suppose.

 

[bcowen]

If you deduct all the tubes @Wes S has bought and socked away, that should leave a couple of dozen for the rest of us

ROFL!!!

400 million the year I was born? And that's just US production? I look at my collection and feel like I'm slacking.