I was browsing the main suppliers to see how things were tonight and noticed how Viva has done about a 4X markup across the board on tubes. I have purchased from them in the past but will shop elsewhere when things return to normal. That seems quite excessive. The Tube Store has done about a 1.5X markup which seems much more reasonable. That is fair for someone that is in need of tubes now to deal with all things considered. The Tube Depot is still showing no stock on most tubes and Upscale hasn't opened their site back up yet. Kev said his tester broke. I just can't tell about him, I really want to believe he is sincere but my gut says he is not lol.
The panic selling of tube audio had begun.
I think it is a bit crazy. I run tube gear sometimes 12 hours a day and hardly ever have to replace any tubes. My tube amplifiers have been mostly as reliable as stones and maybe more so than my SS gear since I've had failures with that. And none with any of the 70 or so tube amps pres etc I have owned over the last 35 years. I design loudspeakers so run my amps much and have to have a wide selection of types. Still while sad for those who panic easily it's an opportunity to pick up low priced tube kit and after a week or so I will most likely be making some lower offers on ads till I get a bite. So if thinking of selling your tube gear because you feel no more tubes ever please do so I have my eyes on a few amps maybe it will be yours.