Tubes & Audio Research Corp.

Richard, I don't think your opinion carries much validity, after jerking me around twice on a pre-amp. I've got good service from the forementioned "California guy" lately, I suggest if you have an issue with him, you ought to get in touch and see what can be worked out.

Man, are you guys trying to scare me off right when I was thinking of going tubular?

If the California guy you guys are speaking of is Kevin at Upscale, I have had excellent results with him. If he refuses to sell to certain people, it may be because the products he carries are low in supply, high in demand, and he feels like he cannot afford to offer much in the way of telephone advise, unless there is a retail sale to make up for the time. I am only guessing about this, but I have bought over $3000.00 worth of NOS tubes in about four telephone calls, and all the tubes were EXACTLY as described and promised. Granted, I did not need much advise, only what he had in stock and how much money he wanted. I have purchased tubes from Ned at Triode, Antique in Arizona, Svetlana (I have an account, direct), New Sensor (account there as well), and from Bruce Berman in New York, Vintage Tube Service (Andy Bowman), Elmira Electric, Salt Lake Instrument and others. I have had NO bad experiences with any of these suppliers. Maybe I am lucky, or perhaps there are other factors that are not being talked about here?

Danvetc There is no reason to get scared. BUT if you can honestly listen to solid state over tube gear without it making a difference to you I say GO SOLID STATE. "How they gone ta keep them down on the farm after they've seen Pariee?"

Albert, If you have an account w/Svetlana, do you know what the deal is with the Svet 300Bs? I can't find them anywhere, and I've heard that Svet is no longer making them. It would be disappointing if this is true.... Svet won't take phone calls from the great unwashed, so I can't get any definitive answers. New Sensor was no help when I asked them either.