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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: Russian NOS tube lore needed. posted by Mechans on June 9, 2012 at 12:01:52:
Hi Steve:
I know that some of the tube vendors on this site will not be happy with my comments, but it is a free forum and everything I say is true and has happened to me.
I totally disagree with your comment that the newer Russian tubes are better than there earlier counterparts. Frankly, I have had nothing but trouble with the new production Ruskies. I had a quad of EH KT88 that came with my amp that worked well for a while but a recent revisit of them resulted in one flaring white hot and dying with a loud bang. OK--that can happen to a power tube. So I go to install a new spare set provide with my amp by Rogue Audio (fully tested and graded by them) The pins are so fat I can't get them in my amp---no sht. Never had that problem before with any other tubes. I force these brand new tubes into my tester and the test less than 3/4 strength. Rogue can't understand it--go figure.
I bought a quad of the Genelex KT88 reissues from the tubestore a year or so back--never cared for the sound even after about 300 hours of use so I take them out. But everyone keeps raving about how good they sound so a few months later I decide to give them another try. Take the first one out and the getters are all white. Same with the next one. Also lost a Tung Sol 6L6STR in the box to white getter disease. And two EH 6CA7 shorted on me. Maybe I am just unlucky.
The NOS 6P3S-E on the other hand ( two quads from Jim Mcshane and a box of 32 from mother Russia) have preformed flawlessly for over two years. And the metal base 1578 with the plate holes are great, although I must admit one has gotten a little noisy over the years.
My experience with new production Chinese has been more positive. I so enjoyed my Penta Lab solid plate KT88 that I ordered another quad from Dougs tubes. Both quads (used and new) both measure above new on my tester. Same with the quad of Treasure 6CA7 I picked up---strong and so far reliable.
Still think NOS is the best. Only ones I have had trouble with is some Tung Sol 6550 losing the vacuum or generally weak. I avoid them now--too hard to find good ones. But never had a problem with any GEC or Genelex KT66, or any reasonable looking Mullard EL34 or RCA or GE 6L6GC or any type one or two EI KT90 or any GE 6550. Not saying they can't fail, but in my experience they have been far more reliable than the new Russian output tubes. Others love them and have lots of good things to say.
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Follow Ups
- RE: Russian NOS tube lore needed. - Mendel 20:03:40 06/09/12 (0)
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