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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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In Reply to: Tube-rolling strategies without breaking the bank? posted by Michael_B. on October 26, 2007 at 15:58:10:
And feel free to add your own.
eBay rules and tips: (partially pasted in from a post I made elsewhere ;-)
As with many endeavors, experience and self education can reduce the risk to virtually nothing. Most have to do with exercising some discipline.
1. Never buy anything without good pictures.
2. Ask LOTS of questions. You might find an unexpected bargain. Don't be afraid to ask if something is NOS, or ANOS (almost new old stock.)
3. Don't buy anything that's not exactly what you want, and how many you need. Always ask! I once saw just what I wanted, but there was only one, and I needed four. I got a great deal on four because I asked! Mostly, be patient.
4. Don't be afraid of foreign sales. Just make sure the shipping won't put you over budget.
5. There are many good sellers, I've bought from over two dozen. It is important to know what test results mean. And don't buy ANOS tubes if you can't find out. I've managed to stay clear of those sellers who are overpriced, or overhyped And I've finally gotten past my urge to bust them!
6. If unsure of price, check completed auctions to get a feel for the market.
Telefunken ECC83's (12AX7) come in either smooth or ribbed plate with the TFK diamond <> on the bottom. One should never pay over $30 each for NOS. Be patient. The rare Telefunken EC803S's regularly go for over $1000/pair for NOS. I've never heard them, and probably never will. Besides, I like 5751's better.
I have three excellent pairs of 1950's 3-mica blackplate Sylvania 5751's. All from different sellers. I paid between $38 and $83 a pair. (Of course I bought the $83 pair first. Then I got smarter ;-) Just inform yourself and follow the rules. Read the forums about a specific tube you're interested in, and see if there's a concensus about the best ones and/or their sound. Some want to hear them all, but I've set my limits, and I'm happy with what I've accomplished.
Current manufacture tubes can do a pretty good job, and are certainly worth consideration, as they are easily gotten, are brand new. I've tried some of the favorites, not extensively mind you, but those I've tried were all trumped by one or more of the NOS versions. On the other hand, NOS does not necessarily = 'better' There are some seriously crappy NOS tubes!
One does have to spend some time and money to find out, and learn from experience (Meaning trust your own ears.) And ALWAYS TAKE WRITTEN NOTES while you're listening (Did I emphasize that enough? :-) Whether tubes, cables, or components. The notes needn't be elaborate, just pick some categories and rate them:
*Adequate midrange. The first thing I listen for. No midrange = move on!
*Flat top to bottom frequency response.
*Wide dynamics.
*Low level detail.
*Air and ambience.
*Staging/imaging.
*Warm/cool/neutral? Lush or lean?
*Smooth or grainy.
*Consistency at low/high volume
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Follow Ups
- Some eBay rules/tips FWIW - nsgarch 10/28/0711:16:39 10/28/07 (0)
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