Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ

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Re: What's in Your tube box?

Posted by Gary Kaufman on June 1, 2001 at 07:02:45

In Reply to: What's in Your tube box? posted by Bambi B on May 31, 2001 at 21:58:15:

Around 7 years ago I purchased 30 boxes of tubes from an old radio repairman. It contained everything from WE VT-1, VT-2's thru compactrons. The collection has grown steadily since then, around 6,000 tubes at last estimate. Sometimes the hardest job is locating a common tube type - I finally ended up stealing a 6GK5 from a junker 500c after 20 minutes of searching. I know I have them here somewhere...

Truthfully however, I think the audio market spends way too much attention to a very few tube varieties and ignores lots of types that are inexpensive and way better sounding. If you devote too much time searching for the perfect 6SN7, 6DJ8 or 12AX7 you're really missing the boat IMHO. There are ton's of types that aren't glitzy, but sound wonderful. Take the 6EM7 as one example of a $2 tube that has tremendous audio potential. I still think Bob Danielak's DC-Darling which uses 8532 driver and 1626 output is the best sounding (but micro-powered) amp I've ever heard.

I'd love to hear what other "orphan" tubes folks are having good luck with. Recently I've had good luck with the 46, 6S4, 2C51 family etc.

• Gary's Tube Page

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