Tube Help

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  • 01-03-2010, 04:32 PM
    poppachubby
    Tube Help
    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.

    I have looked on Ebay and found this...good?

    http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...tchlink:top:en

    Here's another...

    http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/detai...eblack_plates/

    How about this guy?

    http://www.audiotubes.com/6sl7.htm
  • 01-03-2010, 05:04 PM
    jrhymeammo
    Hey Poppa,

    Don't buy tubes from ebay. They are cheaper than other stores, but they are cheap for a good reason. They usually do not meet certain specs set by retailers, so they usually sell other working but lesser quality tubes to ebay sellers.
    Some here have good experience with ebay tubes, but I've read horror stories on expensive NOS tubes.

    http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr...e+to+buy+tubes

    Read up on above thread for your reference.
    Kevin from UpscaleAudio is a d*ck from my experience, but sells good tubes.

    http://thetubestore.com/6sl7types.html

    6SL7, what will it be used for?
    If it's used as input/driver/power, then it may be best to match a pair, instead of just replacing one tube. If it's just used as a rectifier tube, I wouldn't worry too much though.

    JRA
  • 01-03-2010, 05:41 PM
    poppachubby
    It's a pre-amp tube for my Golden Tube SE 40. Ya, I'm quite certain I'll replace both. Thanks for the tips!!
  • 01-03-2010, 05:43 PM
    02audionoob
    I think Jim McShane will help you out via email...

    http://pages.prodigy.net/jimmcshane/tubes.htm

    Another good source...

    http://www.tubedepot.com/6sl7.html
  • 01-03-2010, 06:23 PM
    poppachubby
    Thanks noobinator.
  • 01-04-2010, 05:13 AM
    Hyfi
  • 01-04-2010, 08:46 AM
    Feanor
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by poppachubby
    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.

    I have looked on Ebay and found this...good?

    http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...tchlink:top:en

    ...

    eBay doe have some good tube deals if you shop carefully. Choose a good seller and read the descriptions very carefully . E.g. if tube isn't explicitly described as "new", or at least "NOS", it is used. Used isn't necessarily bad; I bought a pair of used Amperex 'PQ' 6922's that have been working beautifully for almost 3 years -- I paid about 1/4 the retail price for a NOS copy ofthe same tube.

    Here are a couple of eBay tube sellers who have treated me well ...
    A Canadian retail tube supplier is The Tube Store ... http://thetubestore.com/

    A seller who also provides great background info about tubes is Tube World ... https://www.tubeworld.com/index_high.htm

    And here's another good source of toob technical data ... http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/ ... see HERE re. the 6SL7.
  • 01-04-2010, 09:30 AM
    mlsstl
    I buy my tubes from Triode Electronics in Chicago - http://www.triodeel.com. They've been very reliable for many years now. Looks like they have Tung Sol 6SL7s in stock.
  • 01-06-2010, 09:26 AM
    bonsaiguitar
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by jrhymeammo
    Hey Poppa,

    Don't buy tubes from ebay. They are cheaper than other stores, but they are cheap for a good reason. They usually do not meet certain specs set by retailers, so they usually sell other working but lesser quality tubes to ebay sellers.
    Some here have good experience with ebay tubes, but I've read horror stories on expensive NOS tubes.

    http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr...e+to+buy+tubes

    Read up on above thread for your reference.
    Kevin from UpscaleAudio is a d*ck from my experience, but sells good tubes.

    http://thetubestore.com/6sl7types.html

    6SL7, what will it be used for?
    If it's used as input/driver/power, then it may be best to match a pair, instead of just replacing one tube. If it's just used as a rectifier tube, I wouldn't worry too much though.

    JRA

    If a seller is selling anything other than top quality they will state in in their auction. If they are not their feedback will show it. Some of the best tube sellers on the planet sell every day on Ebay. A load of horse crap.
  • 01-06-2010, 10:25 AM
    jrhymeammo
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bonsaiguitar
    That's a load of horse crap. If a seller is selling anything other than top quality they will state in in their auction. If they are not their feedback will show it. Some of the best tube sellers on the planet sell every day on Ebay. A load of horse crap.

    I'm just regurgitating what I've read from other audio forums. I've never bought tubes from ebay based on what I've read, so I was just sharing information I had read. Of course, I've read the Bose offer the highest fidelity in the world...

    I think we all got your comment that you feel my post is a load of horse crap. But the answer we all would like to know, especially poppa, who do you recommend and what have you purchased? If they were the greatest tube seller in the world, then what do you base it on? Other people's feedback of the seller? If so, isn't your comment as good as mine?

    As Feanor stated, I knoew he had great experience with his NOS or lightly NOS tubes from Ebay. I never said, all tubes from Ebay are bad.

    Thanks for sharing your comments as I did mine.
    As for Horse crap, feed this post to your Bonzai. It just might act as fertilizer.

    JRA
  • 01-06-2010, 10:35 AM
    poppachubby
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by jrhymeammo
    As Feanor stated, I knoew he had great experience with his NOS or lightly NOS tubes from Ebay. I never said, all tubes from Ebay are bad.

    JRA

    You don't have to explain yourself JRA, I got your message, and it wasn't overstated.

    What HAS been overstated is the horse crap. Bonzai, if you're not just posting to be EXTREMELY contrary, can you suggest some tube sellers from Ebay perhaps? This would be productive...

    Thanks, Chubbs
  • 01-06-2010, 10:50 AM
    Feanor
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Feanor
    ....
    A Canadian retail tube supplier is The Tube Store ... http://thetubestore.com/

    ....

    Another Canadian retailer I recommend unreservedly is Parts ConneXion ... HERE.
  • 01-06-2010, 11:16 AM
    poppachubby
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Feanor
    Another Canadian retailer I recommend unreservedly is Parts ConneXion ... HERE.

    thanks Bill. BTW, I checked your Ebay sellers but neither had my tube in stock. Thanks...
  • 01-06-2010, 01:35 PM
    bonsaiguitar
    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.

    It's pretty easy to do research on Ebay though not all sellers use their storefront names like Eurotubes, Groovetubes, etc. If you see a seller with 100% feedback and he's sold say 2000 items I would say its safe to say he's not selling second hand tubes without letting the buyer know up front. Do I really need to go any further. I think not.

    If you took my post personally I would consider taking a time out. LMAO

    What you won't see from me is advice based on someone else's posts that may or may not be true. There are thousands of rumors going around online that many people believe to be true that are 100% false. This is one of them and it irks me when I see it because I know it's not true.

    To state "Don't buy tubes from ebay. They are cheaper than other stores, but they are cheap for a good reason. They usually do not meet certain specs set by retailers, so they usually sell other working but lesser quality tubes to ebay sellers".

    You are not staing one seller, some sellers, etc. You are stating what you are stating and that is "Ebay is a bad place to buy tubes" when nothing can be more from the truth. I've had better experiences on Ebay due to the feedback system than online stores over the years because on Ebay they feel the pain when a customer is not happy, Many online stores will simply forget about you and point you to their no return policy.
  • 01-06-2010, 01:55 PM
    bonsaiguitar
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Feanor
    eBay doe have some good tube deals if you shop carefully. Choose a good seller and read the descriptions very carefully . E.g. if tube isn't explicitly described as "new", or at least "NOS", it is used. Used isn't necessarily bad; I bought a pair of used Amperex 'PQ' 6922's that have been working beautifully for almost 3 years -- I paid about 1/4 the retail price for a NOS copy ofthe same tube.

    Here are a couple of eBay tube sellers who have treated me well ...
    A Canadian retail tube supplier is The Tube Store ... http://thetubestore.com/

    A seller who also provides great background info about tubes is Tube World ... https://www.tubeworld.com/index_high.htm

    And here's another good source of toob technical data ... http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/ ... see HERE re. the 6SL7.

    In fact I've purchased tubes from The Tube Store on Ebay a while back. Not sure if they're still there. Just another example. Don't think they would be happy to be lumped in with those bad Ebay sellers.
  • 01-06-2010, 02:05 PM
    jrhymeammo
    Hmmmmmm......
    Quote:

    Yes, guitar players use tube amps too. Yngwie Malmsteen, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, they all use tube amps.
    Alot of live performance and recording studios use tube equipments, and we all gotta love that. I think I'll hold back on comments, because I don't want to sound like an Elitest Jerk.
  • 01-06-2010, 02:34 PM
    bonsaiguitar
    LOL I hear you. The tube -vs- solid state issue is a whole other story. :)
  • 01-06-2010, 02:45 PM
    02audionoob
    Hey, bonsaiguitar - One thing you might want to have a look at...Notice the way in this forum we're pretty civil to each other. This is not really the kind of place where we use LMFAO and such a whole lot. It's just not our thing. These posts don't just fly by like a text message....they stay here indefinitely. They can be found with web searches. They often serve as a reference to people looking for this type of information.
  • 01-06-2010, 02:56 PM
    Geoffcin
    Whoa....don't lump everyone together on EBAY!
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by jrhymeammo
    Hey Poppa,

    Don't buy tubes from ebay. They are cheaper than other stores, but they are cheap for a good reason. They usually do not meet certain specs set by retailers, so they usually sell other working but lesser quality tubes to ebay sellers.
    Some here have good experience with ebay tubes, but I've read horror stories on expensive NOS tubes.
    .

    JRA

    Repectable businessmen use ebay to sell too. The way to spot them is easy. Read the feedback. There's guys on ebay who sell literally thousands of tubes a year with close to 100% approval rating. This is the guy I bought my quad of "Gold Lion" KT88's.

    http://myworld.ebay.com/jspht8338/

    Over 16000 positive feedbacks, and not an unhappy customer in a year!

    Ebay is not the "free-for-all' it used to be either. Buyer protection is in full force, especially if you pay via Paypal.

    PS. He's got the tube you need too.
  • 01-06-2010, 03:05 PM
    Geoffcin
    OK, I got rid of the manure posted here. Please guys, if you disagree remember that we're all on the same side.

    Geeze, tube guys were supposed to be mellow!
  • 01-06-2010, 04:51 PM
    jrhymeammo
    Well, I have to use tube equipments to help me round the edges.

    OK, I should've posted to be careful buying tubes from ebay.
    But I don't think I'll take back my statement below. But who knows, maybe this is just an excuse used by retailers to charge more... I think I'll just buy from who I feel comfortable with, and am sure everyone will do the same with their preferred medium.

    They are cheaper than other stores, but they are cheap for a good reason. They usually do not meet certain specs set by retailers, so they usually sell other working but lesser quality tubes to ebay sellers.
    Some here have good experience with ebay tubes, but I've read horror stories on expensive NOS tubes.


    Well, let's just not get into the whole OTL, triode, pentode, or even tube phonostage.... or should I? Muhahahahahahhahaaa!
  • 01-06-2010, 05:22 PM
    bonsaiguitar
    There are Ebay sellers selling B stock, refurbished, etc but they are required to post those facts in their auctions. If they do not their feedback will show it. An authorized dealer is an authorized dealer and there is no such thing as some dealers only getting poor quality because they are on Ebay. Doesn't matter if they are on Ebay or the moon. I own two businesses so I do know a little bit about how this works being a dealer myself for several manufacturers. Needs some guitar parts? JK I've also been on Ebay since the first week it started.
  • 01-06-2010, 05:31 PM
    Geoffcin
    Bonsai; This is the last time I edit your reply for content. Next time I see ANY personal attack in your post, your post is going to get deleted.
  • 01-06-2010, 08:58 PM
    poppachubby
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bonsaiguitar
    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.

    It's pretty easy to do research on Ebay though not all sellers use their storefront names like Eurotubes, Groovetubes, etc. If you see a seller with 100% feedback and he's sold say 2000 items I would say its safe to say he's not selling second hand tubes without letting the buyer know up front. Do I really need to go any further. I think not.

    If you took my post personally I would consider taking a time out. LMAO

    What you won't see from me is advice based on someone else's posts that may or may not be true. There are thousands of rumors going around online that many people believe to be true that are 100% false. This is one of them and it irks me when I see it because I know it's not true.

    To state "Don't buy tubes from ebay. They are cheaper than other stores, but they are cheap for a good reason. They usually do not meet certain specs set by retailers, so they usually sell other working but lesser quality tubes to ebay sellers".

    You are not staing one seller, some sellers, etc. You are stating what you are stating and that is "Ebay is a bad place to buy tubes" when nothing can be more from the truth. I've had better experiences on Ebay due to the feedback system than online stores over the years because on Ebay they feel the pain when a customer is not happy, Many online stores will simply forget about you and point you to their no return policy.

    LMAO....indeed. The only one getting worked up around here is you. But you've probably been doing that longer than I've been alive.

    I have been playing an Ampeg V4 for approx. 15 years. Is that "tubey" enough for you?

    No one has taken your comments personally. Contribute or go write a book somewhere else and put all of your infinite wisdom to work helping to cure Cancer or world hunger.
  • 01-07-2010, 04:13 AM
    bonsaiguitar
    LOL Yeah, I'm really worked up about this. :) Looks like the mod took it personal though. It's OK for your regular to tell me to put horse crap in my bonsai though. I see nothing has changed around here.

    What does tubey have to do with buying tubes off Ebay? I've contriubuted quite a bit about buying tubes. You are all more concerned with putting the OUTSIDER down than dealing with the facts. Mods help me should I defend myself further. LMAO
  • 01-07-2010, 04:41 AM
    poppachubby
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bonsaiguitar
    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...

    Quote:

    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...
  • 01-07-2010, 05:15 AM
    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!
  • 01-07-2010, 06:29 AM
    bonsaiguitar
    Agreed, and since we're all agreeing to do that, let us not forget the original post on this thread.
  • 01-07-2010, 06:32 AM
    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.
  • 01-07-2010, 06:52 AM
    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)
  • 01-07-2010, 07:42 AM
    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?
  • 01-07-2010, 08:20 AM
    Geoffcin
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 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?

    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.
  • 01-07-2010, 10:50 AM
    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.
  • 01-07-2010, 11:24 AM
    Geoffcin
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 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.

    What output tubes does the GT-40 use?
  • 01-08-2010, 11:28 AM
    Feanor
    Chubbs,

    Are you aware of Sonic Craft as a source for SE-40 components??
    ... http://www.soniccraft.com/upgrades/se40.htm
  • 01-10-2010, 05:57 PM
    hifitommy
    pricey but trustworthy
    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.
  • 01-10-2010, 07:59 PM
    poppachubby
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Geoffcin
    What output tubes does the GT-40 use?

    Sorry Geoff, 6SN7.

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Feanor
    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.


    Quote:

    Originally Posted by HiFiTommy
    perhaps that will help.

    Are you suggesting I ship it to this guy Tommy?
  • 01-10-2010, 10:13 PM
    hifitommy
    you were looking for a SOURCE
    he seems to have what you are looking for. i figured you would contact him for tubes.
  • 01-11-2010, 03:51 AM
    poppachubby
    Quote:

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


    Of course, of course. thank you Tommy.
  • 01-11-2010, 04:49 AM
    Geoffcin
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by poppachubby
    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.