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Tubes from Russia block

What is your experience of using all those NOS tubes from the Russian block, especially those which are supposed to be military grade ones?

I always test the tubes I received using my calibrated tube tester. I am finding out many unpleasant surprises.

I got them from eBay and even U.S. internet stores (some are supposed to be reputable). They are hit or miss. More than 1/2 of them have short, DOA, completely different looking labels, poor matching, or just too noisy to be of any practical value. I am not sure if it's just my luck (or lack of).

If you happen to use those tubes, would you please share where you buy them from?
bsimpson

Showing 1 response by dgarretson

dgarretson
2,594 posts
 
Jim Mcshane Audio is another good source for vintage tubes and for tested & matched NOS Russians at reasonable prices. I've had no issues with the Tung Sol reissues from him and their quality seems to have improved in recent years.

Schubert, IIRC the Reflector business in Russia is as least partly owned by a US-based American who is presumably not Red.
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