2. amps-preamps
  3. 192573-139717

DON:T WAIT! Replace Those Old Power Tubes!

For several years I've cobbled together the required quad of 6L6GC power tubes for my Raven Audio Integrated amp. I say 'cobbled' because out of two sets I culled four which would perform what I perceived as reasonably decent sounding. Being on the last best four I feared one more failing tube would put me out of the music. So, I ordered another quad from Raven Dave (Thomson). At first I thought to just saved them for an emergency but on a whim I decided to just put all the Chinese New Old Stock (NOS) in place. APPARENTLY, and obviously, my smorgasbord set in place previously had various quirks including but not limited to: hum, occasional buzzing, and a bloated`slow tone. My wife immediately stated: I don't hear anything in the background. Indeed there isn't anything but dead silence. NOS tubes are always a "Russian roulette" deal but their unique and amazing "real-ness" is worth the gamble. (IMO) So if you have been waiting until you absolutely have to, DON'T WAIT any longer. The improvement is profound. These tubes are as old as I am! Only difference is I've not been in a box traveling around the world for over 60 years! 

allears4u

Showing 2 responses by oddiofyl

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,143 posts
 

I agree with Elliott. I test all tubes before they go in my gear for shorts and Gm.   Even then it's no guarantee.  

I bought a tester and few years ago when I started playing with rectifiers and DHT tubes .  It wasn't cheap but it saved me from putting what was no question a bad  NOS tube in my amp.   I bought 6 of the same tube, same JAN box, lot # etc but there was a bad one in the mix.   

My failed tube count over the past 25 years is low but I wish I had a tester years ago.   It only makes sense if a number of components are tube, but it is valuable when you have a problem.  

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,143 posts
 

I have a Hickok 800 , it seems pretty accurate with a few tubes that I have that were matched on a modern Amplitrex tester.  

Sure it's great to know how strong a tube is but it is far more important to check for shorts and gas.  

I was lucky, the one I picked up looks like it was in a museum.   It was serviced a few years ago and gives consistent readings.   Not usually the case with old testers.  

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