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Looking for suggestions for a good and trusted tube dealer

Has anyone lately bought tubes from Andy in Michigan of Vintage Tubes, and if so, how did it go?  I bought a couple of batches from him about 25 years ago, and I was surprised to see his web site still in existence.

In doing searches for tube dealers, I also found a site by "Brent Jessee."  In my past searches I had never seen that site before.  Does anyone have experience there, and if so how did that go?

I am looking to upgrade the stock Electro Harmonix 6SN7s in a Cary SLP 05 and I was hoping to find a dealer that people had had positive experiences with.

immatthewj

Showing 5 responses by immatthewj

immatthewj OP
2,844 posts
 

Thanks for the feed back.  FWIW,  I like his site.

immatthewj OP
2,844 posts
 

Thanks for the feed back.

I was reading on Andy's website that he himself does everything from taking the order to matching/testing, packing and finally shipping.  I am looking for the personal touch and attention, but I was wondering if that adversely affected his delivery time.

immatthewj OP
2,844 posts
 

Thanks for all the input!

I sent Brent Jesse an email earlier, describing my system & listening preferences, and asking him what he would recommend.  I'll probably give Andy a call also.  25 years or so ago he did sell me some great sounding 12AU7s and 6922s, and I remember that talking to him was interesting.  It does look like he has a lot of 6SN7s.

I did have a good experience buying EL34s from Jim McShane, but I note that he doesn't seem to presently have a lot in the way of 6SN7s right now.

Without mentioning them by name, some of the other places I have bought tubes from do a great job of writing about the tubes they are selling, but I am sometimes wondering if it is just some very good writing.

Thanks to all for the input!

 

immatthewj OP
2,844 posts
 

Thanks, Wharf, it was basically with that in mind that I was wondering about Brent Jessee and also how ordering from Andy was working out these days.

immatthewj OP
2,844 posts
 

I sure appreciate all the feedback!

Brent Jessee did email me back. I had described my system, the room, & my musical preferences and he replied:

"NOS tubes will be far better than the EH tubes you are running now.  I would suggest General Electric for your taste in music:

 

Good: 6SN7GTB 1960s GE side getter, $75.00 per matched pair

Best: 6SN7GTA 1950s GE short bottle, $119.00 per matched pair

 

Both are rock solid performers, the GTA has a bit more image and focus."

I still haven't called Andy yet.  I think I'll give him a call tonight or sometime tomorrow. 

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