From my experience w/Cary amps & EH tubes, I'd go w/Upscale Audio or Jim McShane because they Really match & burn them in, not just match the factory readings on the box which aren't accurate.
Source for tube shopping?
I'm in need of a dozen EL34s for my Cary V12. I'm going to go with the new issue Electro Harmonix tubes, largely because they seem to be well rated, they're reasonably priced, and I need a lot of them. I'm looking at three websites - Tube Depot; Antique Electronic Supply; and Amplified Parts - all of who offer matching services for the tubes at between $13-$15 per tube. Does anyone have any experience with any of these sites they could share, or do you have a recommended alternative? In a little bit of a rant, Cary wanted to charge $40 EACH for this same tube, which is some first-class gouging if I've ever seen it. Any experiences are appreciated.
22 responses Add your response
I had a V12R and traded it in on a CARY CAD120's. I just got a new set of KT88's (an octet) Electro-Harmonics for 229.00 including shipping, and also got a rebate of 11.45 This was offered after the fact! I love the folks at Cary, but they do charge more. V12R's make great heaters in the winter also. Has anyone figured out "What is Lowballing?'' Yet. Just make sure to ask for a matched set. B&B tubes, in Champlain NY. I've also bought from Antique Electronic supply for a Cary SLP98P pre. Good luck. |
Here's a link to Jim McShane's site. The tube listing page is a bit daunting but sending him a message at jimmcshane@prodigy.net is your best bet. |
http://www.mcshanedesign.net/tubes.htm ~65 per quad of the EH EL34's and ~80 per quad of the EH 6CA7's (all matched of course). I definitely ask his opinion on what to get within your given budget. I think the the EH are pretty good (Jim always stops carrying a given tube if it proves unreliable, so you're safe there). |
As a Cary V12 owner I can strongly recommend Jim McShane as well as Kevin Deal at Upscale. I never liked the EH tubes in my system, perhaps they sound good in your system; too bad the V12 has so many tubes, makes rolling a bit expensive. I do like the folks at Cary, they have always been extremely helpful to me, but they do charge a premium for tube replacement, hence, better to seek them elsewhere. |
