Results 1 to 6 of 6
Thread: where to buy tubes?
-
October 30, 2019, 11:45 AM #1
- Join Date
- May 2016
- Posts
- 124
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!
bobstereo: 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.
-
October 30, 2019, 12:11 PM #2
- Join Date
- Apr 2015
- Posts
- 634
Re: where to buy tubes?
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.
AlSimaudio 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
-
October 30, 2019, 12:15 PM #3
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
-
October 30, 2019, 12:28 PM #4
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.comDoug
-
November 7, 2019, 10:00 PM #5
- 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.
-
November 8, 2019, 06:20 PM #6
Re: where to buy tubes?
my 'go-to' guy has been Jim McShane http://www.mcshanedesign.net
Cheers ! …. Dave
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
Thank you for making me feel less tech challenged.:whew: FYI, The 866 works great as a straight, no nonsense integrated with DAC.
Boulder 866 app