Where do I Go for Tubes now that Brent Jessee has Closed Shop?


I've been buying tubes from Brent for many years. I am now looking for 12AX7 tubes as back up for the tubes I now have in my 80s preamps (ARC SP-6B and the rare Paragon System "E"). Since I only use the phono section of these, I'll need 3 tubes for the SP-6B and four for the "E".  I'm most interested in the Amperex and Mullard brands. I like a warm, full-bodied sound. I detest any and all sibilance.

I completely missed his closing. So now where do I go?

I've looked at the SND and vacuumtubes.net. These seem to have most reasonable prices. Are they legit? I will not buy from eBay.

What are other well-regarded vendors?

My sincere apologies if this duplicates an existing thread.

kevemaher

I bought a few sets of Sylvania and RCA 12AU7 vintage from 1950s tubes on ebay. So far, all perform as they should, but they are not new and they were not advertised as NOS, just that they tested NOS. Well, they might test new but they might last half as long or less as true NOS. That’s fine with me, especially considering that I couldn’t find them new anywhere. Prices were fair, sellers’ feedback 100% positive or very close to it. But I probably wouldn’t buy test NOS Mullard long plates for $500 pair, something that I saw on ebay, too much for me for used tubes that might only last for one/two years.

Let’s be real - were most of Brent Jesse’s tubes really NOS? I have serious doubts. The Mazda 12AX7’s I got from him early on measured a LOT stronger than the ones he sold years later. Ebay is a fine source of tubes. I’ve had good results and the prices are better. You DON'T need to buy strictly NOS anyways. Check seller feedback, and look for measurements from a good tester (not emissions). If you do this a lot, you’ll want to have your own tester to re-match and screen the duds. 

Brent advertised his tubes as either NOS or used test NOS. It's a matter of trust when buying vintage tubes, including what tube testers are used.

In some cases, ebay is the only source of tubes.

Was also a Jesse customer but I purchased many from TX Audio Tubes via Reverb. He has been pretty good and consistent. There are a few good sellers also in usaudiomart that also publish measurements. My other one has been TC Tubes. Purchased many from them also and were all pretty reliable.