Best place to snag tubes these days?

[Nitrobattery]

I think like a lot of people here I used to get my tubes from Laura at Valve Queen, but ever since she switched ventures (all the best to her and the shift) I've had a lousy luck with some other companies. I've had matched quads of power tubes arrive that weren't even remotely close to being matched, and received some super microphonic preamp tubes. Who are you guys using these days that actually tests the tubes before they ship them?

 

[skullfxr]

I just go tube depot. Cheaper than most. All I really buy (preamp) new production are JJECC83's, a few tung sol, and the Sovtek 12AX7 LPS.

power tubes I am straight JJ. Cheap and good enough to not feel like I am held back. I have never had an issue with tubedepot with JJ's.

I just got a bunch of NOS tubes as they pop up on the 'bay.

 

[FourT6and2]

Antique Electronic Supply

 

[rickenbacker198]

Antique Electronic Supply

+1

Dealt here for years
Fair pricing and I’ve had good luck with their tested tubes.

 

[skullfxr]

Antique Electronic Supply

I will have to give them a look!

 

[psychodave]

I like the tube store or Antique Electronic. I tend to use the tube store more though.

 

[Nitrobattery]

Awesome, thanks guys. I'll give AES a whirl.

 

[V2a]

Dougs tubes is another good option.

 

[Ventura]

http://www.thetubestore.com

And Jon there is awesome - solid pricing and awesome selection - Canadian based but they do so much shipping to the States their orders are in USD and shipping is FAST!!

Also very cool when it comes to pre-mature blowouts or the like - they're 100% my go-to place.

Laura "ValveQueen" used to be a resident RT'er here and I always try to support the local talent, but I've not heard much from her - she's also based in the States.

 

[Kordoba]

Power tubes/803s preamp tubes I go with eurotubes.

Sovtek LPS I go to ebay.

 

[BorfJr]

Other than buying from Laura in the past, I've used https://www.thetubestore.com

 

[Braciola]

Dougs tubes is another good option.

I disagree.
I've had nothing but bad experiences with him.

 

[NewWorldMan]

I haven't bought from either in a while, but I've had good experiences with The Tube Store and Tube Depot.

 

[Markedman]

MESA/Boogie does the most comprehensive testing.

They also have a super high quality tube stash but you have to ask for the good stuff. Their retail stuff is top notch all the way.

Just saying.

 

[Phil M]

Dougs tubes is another good option.

I disagree.
I've had nothing but bad experiences with him.

Same. Never again.

 

[PBGas]

Tube store here as well as I live less than an hour from their shop. Super nice folks!

 

[harddriver]

Dougs tubes is another good option.

I disagree.
I've had nothing but bad experiences with him.

Same. Never again.

I bought a couple quads of JJ EL34's and 6ca7's from Doug last time. It took forever to get the tubes, when I finally emailed him he said he was having issues with JJ's especially EL34's holding bias and not running away after he matched them. I understood JJ could be having issues and he comped me an free preamp tube for the trouble. The quad of 6ca7 from that order had issues when I installed them in one of my amps, they were new. I never bothered to try to get him to warranty them since it had been quite a while from the purchase date. I'll still buy preamp tubes from Doug but no power tubes, I have read some other stories as well about customer service slipping.

Valve Queen was also having issues with bum tubes and was frustrated with the vendors, as was Doug according to the email I got from him.

I've also bought from Anitques Electronic Supply with no issues.

 

[japetus]

Just a heads up, but Laura ValveQueen is no longer in the tube game, which sucks. Don't know if anyone posted that but I saw her name mentioned.

 

[steve_k]

Had good luck here lately with the APEX matched tubes.

https://www.tubesandmore.com/