2. amps-preamps
  3. 193029-140513

For Tube Folks...

Hi All,

I am rather new to tube gear and recently purchased a 'NOS' GE 6550 Power Tube. 

 

A. It was advertised as:  "New old stock in original or OEM box. A nice USA tube that will outperform any current production 6550 made. An excellent lot, matched to within 5 percent and then aged in a hi-fi shop demo unit. Very low hours, burn-in time only, and the performance has been verified by us..."

B. The seller also sells used GE6550 tubes that are advertised as: "Light use, tested good with good match, and white box..."

 

The large black spot on the glass where it GE is etched makes wonder how many hours of usage this tube has seen...

My question -  Within reasonable certainty, is this tube is NOS or is it USED?  

Thanks in advance for any clarity.

 

 

inagroove

Showing 6 responses by inna

inna
7,923 posts
 

Since we are talking tubes, does anyone know how long 12AU7 RCA blackplates from 50s usually last ? I don’t mean military/industrial Command blackplates. What about 12AX7 Mullard longplates? I understand it may depend on particular amp.

That’s what I use, close to 2000 hours on them.

inna
7,923 posts
 

Those SEDs hold the bias well. I mean, the working ones.

inna
7,923 posts
 

viridian, alright, I got you.

In any case, I don't enjoy throwing out $120 tube after a few months.

I have modest resources and can't afford $300-$450 a piece NOS Mullards. Tube Depot sells them with 90 days warranty.

inna
7,923 posts
 

Right. Just as I wouldn't buy unplayed record for any significant amount.

inna
7,923 posts
 

Currently using a quad of SED winged "C" EL34 in my VAC. One was gone after 700 hours, had a spare. Bought them from Tube Depot. Not very reliable tubes, I guess, or it was just a bad luck.

inna
7,923 posts
 

Does it matter really, strictly NOS or not quite ?

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