Tubes getting hard to come by?


Hi All,

I've noticed that both Upscale Audio and the Tube Depot are running out of tubes, or, at least, they are limiting buyers to ONE TUBE PER MONTH (UPSCALE) or simply out of many popular tubes.  Am I imagining this, or is the pandemic, or something else, causing a dearth of available tubes?  Might this be a bad time to buy a tube amp because of this?

rustler

Showing 1 response by whart

The real depletion occurred more than a couple years ago- truly "new" old stock of even common audio tubes is scarce and some of the more desirable old tubes, including rectifiers, are simply not on the market or very recherché. (and you have to know what you are buying). 

The latest crunch doesn't affect me since the gear makers can supply most; and the few tubes I roll-- I'm good and have various back-ups. Truly new old tubes of the never used variety have performed better for me than pulls. 

Good luck, it's a jungle out there! :)