where to buy tubes?

O

Old Bob

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May 27, 2016
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:hey:

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
 
Old Bob said:
:hey:

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
Click to expand...

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
 
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
 
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/
 
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