Who is your favorite tube seller?

I have a good tube tester and have been able to verify tubes sold by Brent Jesse, Tube Depot and Jim McShane.

The big problem for me is I haven't yet built a rig to test for noise as this is important for tube phono stages. So, the only thing I can do right now is use the phono stages to test for noise. The above three vendors will sort for noise if you ask them and I've had good results.

When I purchased from Viva Tubes, I saw they had no optional noise testing. So, when I placed the order I asked them to sort for noise. The tubes I received were unacceptable for noise. They ignored my emails asking for a refund. That's why I don't recommend them.

 

Surprised to read so many recommending United.  Last time I checked they were vague about what one is actually buying.

I have bought most of my Mullards over the last few years from Brent Jesse.  Got some good ones from Tube Depot when Jesse was out of what I wanted.

Y'all take care,
Robert

@vinylvalet  When I purchased from Viva Tubes, I saw they had no optional noise testing. So, when I placed the order I asked them to sort for noise. The tubes I received were unacceptable for noise. They ignored my emails asking for a refund. That’s why I don’t recommend them.

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That’s too bad.  Good to know. I’ve bought several tubes over a year ago from multiple suppliers including Viva Tubes and they were responsive, previously.

Goes to show proper pre-testing and validation before shipping can be a game changer.  Brent Jesse always properly tested my small signal tubes I got from him with a real curve tracer tester.  

 

 

1. Peavey Electronics. Headquartered in Meridian, Mississippi

2. TubeDepot

I do match pairs of new tubes before using, and check conditions after every 200hrs usage on TV7 tube tester. 

"Surprised to read so many recommending United. " I meant Upscale:-)