Question:
I know I've seen this here before, but I couldn't find it, so here goes...
Where is a good internet retailer for NOS tubes? I want to replace the tubes in the Gibson Skylark vintage amp I'm currently testing right now (see separate post), and I'd like to get something as close to the original tubes as possible.
The ones that are currently in it are RCA, 6BQ5, 6C4 and 6 EU7. Like I said, I know I've seen links to internet retailers who sell NOS tubes, but I couldn't find them.
Answer:
Change this to a question about what tubes to get...
I found a cheap source for the 6C4 and 6EU7 tubes. I also found that true NOS 6BQ5 tubes, like the RCA ones currently in the amp, are a little pricey, to say the least.
Also found that 6BQ5 is the same as EL84, which are common. So, I changing the inquiry to recommendations on EL84s, as I'm sure several people on here have changed these before.
Which EL84 tubes have you used and liked in the past? Two major considerations are, obviously, price and sound quality.
Answer:
http://thetubestore.com/el846bq5types.html
the Sovtek and JJ types are under $20 for a matched pair.
the trouble I've run into is finding a matched quarted for 6V6s for my restoration project.
note: I wasn't making a brand recommendation above. Just showing you 6BQ5 labeled tubes at a decent price.
Answer:
Haha, I thought this was talking about NOS brand Nitrous Oxide when I saw the title.
Answer:
I A/B'd Sovtek vs JJ EL84's, I think the Sovteks sound just as good, at least for how I run them, and they hold up well too. If you search, you will find lots of sources for both of those, the Sovteks are less expensive. You'll see a lot of "Sovtek sucks" type comments, but IMO, that's hogwash. I'm not saying that every tube they have made is the best, but they have made multiple versions of 6L6's, 12AX7's and others over the last few decades. Some of their tubes get great reviews. Also keep in mind that tubes vary more in their distortion characteristics than their clean. I'm not a high gain player, so YMMV...