Emission Labs Tube Warranty Problems


Has anyone else had difficulty with EML tube warranty? I purchased a pair of their 300b 2.5 tubes (around $700) in late 2019. After about 6 months I started noticing an intermittent problem with one tube that exhibits a low level sputtering sound. The tubes were purchased through RAM Tubes one of their authorized dealers. When I reported it to the dealer I was told I needed to report it to EML directly. It turned that is impossible. Finally, I was told I needed to talk with the only distributor - JAC Music. So, I did. First I was told that I did not register for the warranty because it wasn't in their system. I did in fact go online and register but I expected an email confirmation but didn't get one. JAC refused to acknowledge that their registration system might have had a problem. Instead they treated me as if I was a lying cheat trying to get away with something. That was when I discovered there is no way to actually contact anyone at EML. At Jag's request I emailed a photo of the tube and gave him the details of my purchase. He denied I registered, that the serial number was not in their registration base but did contact RAM to confirm that I purchased from an authorized dealer. After that he sent me an email in September of last year (2020) that the tube should not have gone bad so soon and they would replace it BUT they had none in stock and I would have to wait for a new tube to be produced. And, that is the end of any further correspondence from JAC. Since then I have emailed him once a month, finally giving up in February. He has never responded to any subsequent emails. I actually had a moment of guilt thinking maybe COVID got him while I was fretting over my tube. But, no - I contacted RAM and they are still receiving their orders of EML tubes and so are other dealers. They all say the same thing - you need to contact Jac.  As you all know, a matched set of tubes is worthless when one is bad. I just wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience. I've simply given up and accepted that I was screwed out of $700. Frankly, they are very good tubes. I own others and have never had any problems with any of them - thank God. But, if anyone is considering buying their tubes, I suggest you ask the dealer what happens if you get a bad tube. I presume they will tell you, how have to contact JAC. Well, now you know how that worked out for one customer. I just had to get this off my chest. I'm so incredibly frustrated. 
Ag insider logo xs@2xbigsecret

The Supratech design IS the problem.

from EML:

SUPRATECH Grange DHT Linestage

Oct 2022.

The heater voltage of 300B in this amplifier is chosen 4.9V instead of 5V, by the designer. According to Mike from Supratech we are no tube specialists at all, and 4.9V is no problem.

Well I said, it is as follows: If you exceed a critical parameter, guarantee voids. Everybody knows that. But in the same way, if you choose maximum deviation of a life time determining parameter, we still guarantee the minimum lifetime of the tube. That is just basics.

With that particular amplifier, if you go "somewhere below" normal heater voltage, but within specifications, you get "somewhat" less lifetime, within specifications.

I’ve had multiple problems with the their 45 mesh and solid plates in a push pull configuration.  They blamed the amps.  Despite Sophia, full music, now bottle and globes having no issues what so ever.  This was 10 years ago.  Considering the price they are now I won’t go near them.   But they are the best sounding 45 I have ever heard by a very long shot.  Game changers for real.