Tube Dealer Recommendation

I've dealt many times over the years with Andy of VTS. I've gotten nothing but great results from him, fair, knowledgable and quality tubes. There is one recommended here that I wouldn't based on some tubes I purchased from him, both failed in short order, maybe bad luck, maybe weak tubes, should have checked them first which I now do when I purchase tubes from any source based on that experience.

+1 for Upscale Audio ... sent him a message this morning and got a same day reply with solid information. Just explain your situation and your budget. Not the lowest cost, but worth the piece of mind.

Brent Jesse has helped me a couple of times and I have been very pleased with his suggestions and quality of tubes.

I've bought a bunch of tubes from Upscale over the years - including one binge purchase of (IIRC) 6 different output tube types in matched quad sets to rotate thru my Prima Luna mono amps. I've always had a great experience at Upscale and I've got nothing but good things to say about Kevin. Just one more data point for you.

Here's a BAD experience tale...for no reason in particular I ordered a matched pair of gold pin blah blah Psvane 12AX7-T IIs from China. They arrived with one tube looking sadly oversprayed and off kilter. I had 'em send a second pair (sent the first ones back) and after various angry (from me anyway) Ebay rants they sent me a second pair that are fine. Took forever. The good news is that these tubes are the best sounding 12AX7s I've ever heard. Next time I'll get 'em from Grant Fidelity in Canada!

I have dealt with with tube depot,Vintage Tube Services,and the tube store All fast with good advice and quick service.Not the same with Upscale Audio AND MISTER ATTITUDE Kevin Deal No ever again.

Great reccommendations!

I would have to say all the above are good dealers, so I've heard. But I have to add tctubes.com to the list. They are good tubes, the nos stock is awesome (much more than what's on the website) and Tyler has been awesome to me as far as service. The fact that they're in the city next to mine (I live in MN) has been icing on the cake.

Tube Depot!

I had 2 positive transactions with Andy at Vintage Tube Services.

brent jesse and tubedepot

tubeworld.com

Large selection and knowledgeable advice!

Jim McShane and Brent Jessee. These guys know tubes. Never dealt with Kevin at UpScale Audio but even Jim McShane recommends him or Andy at Vintage tubes but he is supposed to be one of the best from what I have read.

Who is the most reliable source for Shuguang 845B tubes these days ????.

Tubedepot, fast shipping and friendly guys.

All of the above recommendations are spot on. I especially like Jim McShane and Kevin Deal. Like Wolf, the Tubestore replaced a questionable pair of tubes for me; they were courteous, fast, problem solved.

Second the recommendation for Jim McShane.

Thanks everyone for your recommendations!! very helpful.

I have bought many tubes from Andy Bouwman (VTS). His tubes are the real deal, and his knowledge of tubes is enormous. You pay a bit more, but you get what you pay for.

Upscale Audio/Kevin Deal: +2

http://www.tubemonger.com/

I've done well with thetubestore.com. They replaced a pair of sketchy tubes no problemo, have advised me to buy a LESS expensive pair of tubes that turned out ot be great, and ship quickly. They seem to know what they're doing.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Anyone have experience buying from Andy at Vintage Tube Services?

http://audiotubes.com/

and as already mentioned Upscale Audio

I would highly recommend Brent Jesse Audio. Brent is great guy, stands by his tubes and is an expert on the sound of different tube types. His website offers a vast wealth of information.

Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/VacuumTubes/

Jim McShane

http://www.mcshanedesign.net/tubes.htm