The Reference Pentode and Beam Tetrode Thread EL34, KT66, KT77, KT88, EL11, EL12, EL3N, EL35, EL37, 6550, 6L6, EL51, EL39, 4654, 4699, KT63, KT61, 6V6, etc

[Galapac]

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that all the major online tube dealers (Upscale Audio, Tube Depot, The Tube Store, Viva Tubes) all started selling tubes again at the same time after the Russia shutdown and tube hoarding mess?

I don’t buy tubes from many of the dealers above but have been quietly watching the fracas unfold.

It’s as if they are one big company under different names but I know that’s not the case.
Kevin Deal said they had a tube tester go down and couldn’t keep up with orders but I find that hard to believe.

Other reputable dealers like Brent Jesse were still selling tubes during this time with no issues.

Makes you wonder if all the bigger dealers meet secretly to control the U.S. tube market?

Note: Upscale Audio is currently only allowing one tube purchase, per month, so forget about getting matching pairs/quads from them for a while.

 

[UntilThen]

I wouldn't know because I've been buying from a private seller. However I'm about to buy one of this Footscray. Just can't decide which.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/274128808004

https://pulsetubestore.com/products...4-12at7-factory-tested-plug-play-ready-to-use

 

[mordy]

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that all the major online tube dealers (Upscale Audio, Tube Depot, The Tube Store, Viva Tubes) all started selling tubes again at the same time after the Russia shutdown and tube hoarding mess?

I don’t buy tubes from many of the dealers above but have been quietly watching the fracas unfold.

It’s as if they are one big company under different names but I know that’s not the case.
Kevin Deal said they had a tube tester go down and couldn’t keep up with orders but I find that hard to believe.

Other reputable dealers like Brent Jesse were still selling tubes during this time with no issues.

Makes you wonder if all the bigger dealers meet secretly to control the U.S. tube market?

Note: Upscale Audio is currently only allowing one tube purchase, per month, so forget about getting matching pairs/quads from them for a while.

One tube purchase per month? Not that I buy from them, but suits me fine; I have too many tubes...

 

[LoryWiv]

Great thread but a bit text heavy of late. How about pentodes in action? These are Sylvania 6K6GT drivers / Mullard 6F6GT powers in Feliks Elise. Current draw is 1/3 of stock tubes (2.2A total for all 4 tubes!), amp runs cool & quiet w/excellent sound.

 

[bcowen]

One tube purchase per month? Not that I buy from them, but suits me fine; I have too many tubes...

This is an oxymoron. Just sayin'.

 

[jonathan c]

Note: Upscale Audio is currently only allowing one tube purchase per month, so forget about getting matching pairs/quads from them for a while.

…purchase of one tube per month or one purchase (any amount!!) per month… ?

 

[jonathan c]

One tube purchase per month? Not that I buy from them, but suits me fine; I have too many tubes...

You do not have too many tubes. You have too few amplifiers !!!

 

[Isaacc7]

You do not have too many tubes. You have too few amplifiers !!!

I, uh, actually thought this and ordered a push pull amp so I would use more tubes… Man, I really do have a problem don’t I? Lol

 

[mordy]

You do not have too many tubes. You have too few amplifiers !!!

I have three tube amps and don't have room for more. One I use all the time, one is a back-up and one I don't use...
But all are hooked up, ready for use.
I have an advanced storage ystem for vacuum tubes - some 40+ shoe boxes (as of last count) that are marked with the contents.
Usually it does not take me more than a few minutes to locate a specific tube although a couple are AWOL. As most of the tubes are bought in the bargain bins on eBay they are lacking boxes, but I wrap them in bubble wrap and attach a description with name, date codes, dates and price. Also a description how I like the tube.
Matching pairs are put together, but especially with 6J5 family tubes there is such a variety of constructions and tube sizes that I at times have to settle for "near pairs." If they sound close it is good enough...
Here is an example of such a near pair I am exploring - two Tung Sol 6C5GT. One is taller than the other and the screens are different - one is solid and one perforated.

The right tube has a date code 9 - 1939?
The left tube is NOS with box and has the date code MR 28. MR = Manufacturers Replacement. This code was a war time code used between 1942-1945 when tubes were mainly earmarked for military use; MR was for the civilian market. So I assume the date is August 1942.
Have only used these tubes a short time and one is definitively NOS so I don't know if/how the tube(s) will change after burn in. At this point they sound almost the same; the '42 tube is just a tad brighter but only noticeable with my analytical hat on.
Lot's of fun for very little money... -Hope i don't upset anybody by using tubes that are different looking - at least they are both Tung Sol 6C5G and GT/G.
And they sound good.

 

[Isaacc7]

Here’s my current setup. Burning in the Mullard 6aq5 tubes with the Raytheon 6f8g input tube. I love the size imbalance between the input and output tubes, it’s hilarious! But with only 3 tubes I will never be able to use my stash. My next amp will have 6!

 

[leftside]

Here’s my current setup. Burning in the Mullard 6aq5 tubes with the Raytheon 6f8g input tube. I love the size imbalance between the input and output tubes, it’s hilarious! But with only 3 tubes I will never be able to use my stash. My next amp will have 6!

Nice looking amp and tubes.

 

[bcowen]

I have three tube amps and don't have room for more. One I use all the time, one is a back-up and one I don't use...
But all are hooked up, ready for use.
I have an advanced storage ystem for vacuum tubes - some 40+ shoe boxes (as of last count) that are marked with the contents.
Usually it does not take me more than a few minutes to locate a specific tube although a couple are AWOL. As most of the tubes are bought in the bargain bins on eBay they are lacking boxes, but I wrap them in bubble wrap and attach a description with name, date codes, dates and price. Also a description how I like the tube.

They still make boxes you know.

 

[mordy]

They still make boxes you know.

Makes sense - do you have a good source for boxes? (Many of the old original boxes just fall apart from age.)

 

[Zachik]

They still make boxes you know.

Bill, why do you hate Foton tubes?!

 

[Zachik]

do you have a good source for boxes? (Many of the old original boxes just fall apart from age.)

https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/tube-boxes-generic-storing-vacuum-tubes

Bought these in multiple sizes, several times...