Tube Help

[poppachubby]

What does tubey have to do with buying tubes off Ebay?

Good question. I see you're one of those posters who is unable to scroll back through a conversation. At some point, someone made this comment...

You can do your own research. I've already done enough being a guitar player for more years than some of you have been alive. Yes, guitar players use tube amps too. Yngwie Malmsteen, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, they all use tube amps.

I was wondering the exact same thing. What does it have to do with buying tubes off of Ebay? Oh hey, Eddie Van Halen uses a tubed Peavey, Ebay sellers are ok....

Anyhow, I'm sure you'll have something really witty to say about this too. Think I'll just stick to the subject now...

[Geoffcin]

Bonsai;

I took nothing bet your off-color comments out of the post. Yes these are moderated boards, and we are usually very good about letting people have their say. However, if you don't get back on topic that will change.

Everyone else;

Let's get this thread back on track OK? I for one am interested where people can find quality tubes. I wish E-Stat would chime in, I think his amp takes like 24 tubes!

[bonsaiguitar]

Agreed, and since we're all agreeing to do that, let us not forget the original post on this thread.

[bonsaiguitar]

I prefer Electro Harmonix made in China myself. If you're lucky you'll get some 20-30 years old. Much mellower sound if that's what you are after.

[Geoffcin]

For what he's looking for I prefer the Tung-Sol reissue. It's what I'm using in my amp;

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tung-Sol-6SL7-6S...item518a5ace4c

These were recommended to me by the experts at Pacific Valve (where my amp was bought)

[poppachubby]

They're for a Golden Tube SE-40. I've read that just about every conceivable tube has a sound that someone prefers.

I like the Tung Sol too Geoff. What are your thoughts on new vs NOS?

[Geoffcin]

They're for a Golden Tube SE-40. I've read that just about every conceivable tube has a sound that someone prefers.

I like the Tung Sol too Geoff. What are your thoughts on new vs NOS?

I wish I had some NOS to compare my re-issued to. From what I've heard you can pay quite a bit for NOS tubes, some even run into the thousands of $$$. With these pre-amp tubes not nearly so much, but your still going to pay a premium. What I can say for certain is that you want a matched pair for your amp. Tubes age, and if the original tube has a lot of hours on it the output will not match the replacement tube.

Also, your going to want to have the output tubes biased. I paid a tech to do my amp, but he showed me the correct procedure, so now I can do it myself. Nothing is going to affect the sound as mcuh as having the tubes in proper bias.

[poppachubby]

I'm in the same boat. I have a tech doing some work. He is putting together the required cords for biasing and will show me how. For the cost, I'll probably try some other tubes once i get going.

[Geoffcin]

I'm in the same boat. I have a tech doing some work. He is putting together the required cords for biasing and will show me how. For the cost, I'll probably try some other tubes once i get going.

What output tubes does the GT-40 use?

[Feanor]

Chubbs,

Are you aware of Sonic Craft as a source for SE-40 components??
... http://www.soniccraft.com/upgrades/se40.htm

[hifitommy]

upscale audio in upland california.

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/b6SL75691VT-229b_c_92.html

kevin runs a dealership out of his house and is the distributor for prima luna and mystere tubed amps.

perhaps that will help.

[poppachubby]

What output tubes does the GT-40 use?

Sorry Geoff, 6SN7.

Chubbs,

Are you aware of Sonic Craft as a source for SE-40 components??

Yes Bill, long story short; the kit is more about "How To" than "Parts to Do It With". The amp isn't in horrible shape. We figured we could source the parts for 50-75 less than SC. We will be addressing everything they do, we know this by way of the Yahoo GT group.

perhaps that will help.

Are you suggesting I ship it to this guy Tommy?

[hifitommy]

he seems to have what you are looking for. i figured you would contact him for tubes.

[poppachubby]

he seems to have what you are looking for. i figured you would contact him for tubes.

Of course, of course. thank you Tommy.

[Geoffcin]

Sorry Geoff, 6SN7.

I think your used EL4, or 6L6 for your output tubes. Good tubes and easy to get as a lot of guitar amps use the same kind.

[Gastone]

Hey lads!

I need some help sourcing some 6SL7 tubes. Technically I need just one, but depending on the cost I will gladly roll both.

6SL7 = Russian 6H9C.
I'm using them in my power amp together with 6H8C (SSN7) and GU50 pentode.
I also use russian 6N6P in my tube DAC, as an anode follower, and it sounds great

[poppachubby]

Hey guys. Looks like I'm just about ready to roll my tubes. First, I'll start with the 6SN7's. I live only an hour's drive from The Tube Store. Here's my first choice, any thoughts?

http://thetubestore.com/eh-6sn7g.html

[poppachubby]

...tommorrow I am going to stop into the Tube Store and buy myself 3 matched pairs of these bad boys. Tung Sol 6L6GC-STR. They are one of the better production tubes being made right now. I'm pretty pumped and excited to see how the SE40 responds. The Sovteks that are in it have seen better days.

I may get crazy and splurge for the Winged C SED type...we'll see.

[Poultrygeist]

I've bought lots of tubes on ebay without a problem. I especially like the Russian tube dealers who have some great deals on their NOS tubes. Russia unlike many countries never stopped tube production as they are still used in their military electronics.

[atomicAdam]

I've bought lots of tubes on ebay without a problem. I especially like the Russian tube dealers who have some great deals on their NOS tubes. Russia unlike many countries never stopped tube production as they are still used in their military electronics.

PC - let us know how it goes. I'm glad you are enjoying that GT.

[Geoffcin]

Hey, I just bought a quad of Sylvania 6SN7 GTB's



If anyone needs a pair let me know, I only need two.

[pixelthis]

I've bought lots of tubes on ebay without a problem. I especially like the Russian tube dealers who have some great deals on their NOS tubes. Russia unlike many countries never stopped tube production as they are still used in their military electronics.

Actually I HEARD THAT tube preoduction did cease after the unpleasantness
for awhile, the tubes that were coming to market were being looted by starving Soviet
officers. There were also huge stocks in the former eastern block.
WAIT until the next war, you should be able to dig all of the antique stuff you
want from grounded (shot down) Migs.
Or you can join the 21st century and buy some solid state gear.
Never have to change out the valves in those.

[hifitommy]

"Or you can join the 21st century and buy some solid state gear."

another revealing comment by the BRILLIANT PIXEL ! most of us have gone away from solid state BACK to tubes for superior sound. and what happens when a transistor goes bad, do YOU change it ?

[Geoffcin]

Just pix throwing grenades again and hoping someone will fall on it.

Actually they haven't used tubes in MiG aircraft since the 60's so there's no chance of that happening. Surprisingly though the British continued to make military grade tubes into the 80's. A lot of their old military kit was sold to the "colonies" after WWII and there was a decent market for replacement parts for a long time.

[Geoffcin]

Well I'm listening to my amp with the new (old) Sylvania tubes and it's sounding real fine!