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  1. #1

    where to buy tubes?



    good morning!
    I have a Triode integrated amp, maybe 1-2 years old. I might listen 1-2 hours daily.

    it has eight tubes: KT88
    2 tubes 12Ax7
    2 tubes 12AU7
    2 tubes 12BH7

    frankly, i do NOT know when to change them! this is my first tube equipment!

    1. where do I buy the tubes?
    2. which brand? new, or new old stock?
    3. do i need to buy EIGHT matched power tubes?
    any advice?

    thanks so very much! I do love my tube amp!

    bob
    stereo: integrated amp: Triode TRX 88pp with KT 88 tubes. oppo 105 CD player, Schiit yggdrasil DAC, Harbeth 30.2 speakers., two REL T/5 subwoofers.

  2. #2

    Re: where to buy tubes?

    Quote Originally Posted by Old Bob View Post


    good morning!
    I have a Triode integrated amp, maybe 1-2 years old. I might listen 1-2 hours daily.

    it has eight tubes: KT88
    2 tubes 12Ax7
    2 tubes 12AU7
    2 tubes 12BH7

    frankly, i do NOT know when to change them! this is my first tube equipment!

    1. where do I buy the tubes?
    2. which brand? new, or new old stock?
    3. do i need to buy EIGHT matched power tubes?
    any advice?

    thanks so very much! I do love my tube amp!

    bob
    Hi Bob,

    1. at Tube Depot. Chose "low noise and microphonics" for driver tubes
    2. new is mostly fine, new old stock often more expensive. You can always try the difference with driver tubes which are in general less expensive than power tubes
    3. I would buy FOUR matched power tubes per channel if it is parallel push-pull. It is unlikely that you would get channel imbalance vs. eight matched tubes.

    Two years of 2 hours daily would be less than 1,000 hours. Your tubes should still have a long life ahead of them (they say 5,000 hours for power tubes, 10,000 hours for driver tubes, but this may be a bit optimistic in many cases). Yet is is always good to have spare tubes. Once you hear a decrease in high frequencies, it is time to change tubes. You could also buy a tube tester.

    Al
    Simaudio Moon Neo 260 DT CD Transport / MIT SL-Matrix Plus AES/EBU digital cable / Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 DAC / Octave HP 700 preamp / Octave RE 320 stereo amp with Super Black Box / Reference 3A Reflector monitors on Sound Anchors Signature Stands / dual JL Audio Fathom 112 v2 subwoofers on ASC SubTraps / ZenWave Audio D4 and SMSG cables / Acoustic treatment: tube traps, Tri-panels, window plugs, ceiling diffusers (all ASC), large absorbing panels (Acoustics First), diverse carpets chosen for acoustic properties: wool, polypropylene basket-weave

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
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    Re: where to buy tubes?

    I have purchased from Brent Jesse

    http://www.audiotubes.com/
    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

    Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables


  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
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    State of Confusion
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    Re: where to buy tubes?

    I've always enjoyed NOS tubes myself. I think they sound better and last longer than new production tubes. YMMV of course. I've bought tubes from many different places without any problems. One guy who has been great for me in the past is Andy at Vintage Tube Services. I haven't been in contact with him for a few years so hopefully he's still selling tubes. Just make sure you call him not email or anything else. He's a trip to talk to and very knowledgeable. http://vintagetubeservices.com

    I've also bought tubes from Tube World. I can't remember the guy's name but he's super helpful as well. https://tubeworldexpress.com
    Doug



  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    1,369

    Re: where to buy tubes?

    If you are looking for vintage tubes consider TC tubes. I have bought and sold tubes with them. I have been to their house and they are honest people. They are a husband and wife team.

    http://tctubes.com/
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  6. #6
    Senior Member
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    Nov 2013
    Location
    SE Pa
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    Re: where to buy tubes?

    my 'go-to' guy has been Jim McShane http://www.mcshanedesign.net
    Cheers ! …. Dave

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