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Question for BAT 6H30 tube owners

I'm a long way from needing to replace the tubes in my BAT pre, but wanted to ask about the cost differential in buying them. I've seen them for $50 per tube and then the MUCH higher cost that BAT or one their retailers charges. I've read that Victor has a large stock of the 6H30's..are they different or a better tube than buying for the lower price? Thanks for your thoughts and/or experience.
classical1
dgarretson
2,592 posts
 
I've been retubing BAT units for years now using $18 6H30s from tubestore.com. They a have premium gold-grid version for $50, which I have not tried.

Dave
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,067 posts
 
BAT's versions are not items that can be obtained by any source other than BAT. This has been common knowledge for years.
dgarretson
2,592 posts
 
Oh? Have you asked about this BAT lately?
classical1 OP
168 posts
 
Tabl10, I knew that BAT had purchased a lot of the 6H30's to provide to their customers of which I'm one--I bought a new VK51SE from them. Are you saying then that the tubes you buy from BAT are a different "vintage" and sonically better than what you would get from, say, The Tubestore? I'm still a little confused and have missed it if this is common knowledge. I think BAT is great to deal with but it's a pretty substanital outlay to retube with them. If they are in fact a better tube I would pay the extra and buy from BAT when the time comes. Thanks to everyone for responding.
trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Hello,

Please check with the fine folks from BAT on this. BAT did buy up the entire stock of the NOS 6h30 tubes. These are called the "BAT Super Tubes". They sell these with their new SE" gear and they are available to costumers at a premium price. BAT also sells other 6h30 tubes that are available from other sources. These are much cheaper. The "BAT NOS Super Tube" does sound better and it's a personal choice if you feel it's worth the extra money.

Good luck,
Tom
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