I don't normally use tube equipment in my home, but I work on that and I purchase it to restore and sell. Mainly I choose to work on vintage tube units such as Fisher 500, Scott 299 or Mac 225. I get my tubes at thrift stores, antique malls and dumpsters. Then I test them with tube tester and than sell or use them in my units I work on.
I pay in average $1...3 per preamp or amp tubes. Recently I purchased 200 radio tubes for $20 with 6CA7, 12AX, 12AU, other 12's, 6H30, EL84...mmmm.... all at flea market. At least half of them test STRONG and ready for next unit. Seen folks there pay $20...300 per single tube so one taketh another giveth.
I pay in average $1...3 per preamp or amp tubes. Recently I purchased 200 radio tubes for $20 with 6CA7, 12AX, 12AU, other 12's, 6H30, EL84...mmmm.... all at flea market. At least half of them test STRONG and ready for next unit. Seen folks there pay $20...300 per single tube so one taketh another giveth.