Chazzbo is correct, and so is Sean and others who have expressed an opinion here. Tubes are a difficult situation, even with a known seller and a known product.
I have purchased tubes from ultra reliable sources and still had problems. Many of the tubes I favor are nearing the half century mark in age. It is not always possible for the seller, even a VERY experienced seller, to guarantee in advance that the tube will perform as expected. Disappointments with sonic signature as well as differences of opinion as to what constitutes the best sound is another issue all together.
I still like the idea of a tube section as suggest by Slowhand, Perhaps a disclaimer should accompany the ads, or sellers could perhaps qualify the buyer with a question and answer session, much like the helpful threads on those topics here at Audiogon.
I buy frequently from EBAY and have had excellent results. I can often look at the image provided for the auction and in spite of the brand name posted on the glass, know what the tube is and if it is what I want. I understand many buyers cannot do this, and they should be guided as best we can. Satisfaction with the results depend on it.
