Russian Tubes - Supply Issue?

There was a rush to get Russian tubes and all the tubes Upscale Audio had were recently sold according to a salesperson.

1 Like

Chinese and Slovakian new-prod tubes still available I guess. If you enjoy those flavors. NOS tubes too stupid-priced to justify my purchasing them. But I have solid state amp and headphone alternatives that come in a close second in enjoyment to my BHSE/Stax. Seems like such a small problem to even talk about though considering what the Ukrainian people are suffering through now.

5 Likes

I am done with NOS tubes. Every NOS tube I purchased turned noisy after a bout two months of use. I am done throwing my money away. On top of that, I can’t say they sounded all that great. Different yes, but better? I dunno…

Peace
Bruce in Philly

Basically my experience also. Except for a few exceptions, my NOS tubes generally have been a dissappointment. And it has absolutely gotten worse as time has gone by. Most NOS purchases that I have been happy with occurred prior to about 2010. And those for which with I was “satisfied” with price, I would have to go back about 20 years. My opinion is that it is now WAY too risky to buy tubes advertised as NOS, especially from private sellers or on-line private tube-selling enterprises.

1 Like

I purchased all my NOS from reputable dealers… most from Upscale Audio. They warrent the tubes they sell for 30 days, a very good thing. I don’t blame them at all for the failing tubes, but when you buy something that was made 60 years ago… well c’mon.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

3 Likes

They can be rather trying, having tried Ediswan, Tungsram, and Telefunkens in my preamp. Each initially glorious, turning into hash. IME each NOS tube experience is specific to the tube in hand. At times a pair of winners that lasts presents themselves, rare but it does happen.

2 Likes

These TungSols aren’t half bad for relatively small outlay, the soundstage is noticeably better from the stock PrimaLuna EL34’s as well as reaching lower or certainly more punch at the lower end. Really enjoying them.

2 Likes

I did the same… purchased the Tung Sol KT150 power tubes and retired the PL EL34s. I agree with everything you posted… I also tried some 6550 and KT88 (neither good) I had from a now retired pair of old VTLs… I have since re-installed the EL34 and I like them too. The sound is… um… softer and musical. I like both tube types. The great thing about the Prima Luna is you can have some great fun trying out various tubes.

I am very satisfied with my Prima Lunas. When I get bored, I will flip back in the KT150s… find them great… then swap again. I love it.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

2 Likes

I’ve never had a microphonic tube or one that doesn’t last when I buy them from Andy at vintage tube services. I don’t think anyone else tests them the way he does.

1 Like

That has been my experience so far as well. Time will tell. I have a pair of used Telefunken 12AU7’s coming from him for BHK. Waiting over 2 months now. :confused:

Schiit posted this yesterday Schiit Happened: The Story of the World's Most Improbable Start-Up | Page 5951 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

EH Russian tubes are no longer being exported and back orders have been canceled. I also noticed Vivatubes.com has stopped taking orders for a few days as they sort some things.

My first “tube gear” was the BHK 300 purchased a couple years back. It’s been very nice. Resell is going to be very difficult for tube gear if there are no tubes to be had. When is it time to go back to SS? Also, who’s selling a BHK Preamp cheap? :slight_smile:

I wonder what this might do to the BHK 600’s? Price increase? Probably. Delay introduction? Maybe?

If JJ or one of the Chinese manufacturers makes tubes that will work it won’t have any effect. They’re already using Psvane.

Well… I guess I am happy I snagged a pair of Electro Harmonix Russian tubes. These two 6C45PI tubes (apparently not widely used and only made in Russia) cost me $170 for the pair. I purchased them from Woo Audio’s website. They had been out of them for a long time, then they popped up a few weeks ago as available. I suspect it was one of the last orders out of Russia.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

2 Likes

I have ordered a new set of tubes for my full tube pre and power amps, but have not receive a shipping notice yet :frowning_face:

JJ seems like a stable company and also in a safe country.

I just picked up some JJ 12AX7’s and they’re suprisingly good considering how cheap they are, no complaints at all.

1 Like

This may not be news to anyone, but doesn’t look good if a company voiced their products based on these tubes:

Oh boy…

I am not too worried… I have two sets of beautiful power tubes for my Prima Luna integrated and Prima Luna likes to tout they run their tubes on the cool side to preserve longevity. All of a sudden I like this. I had a pair of VTL Deluxe 300 amps that ate 6550/KT88 power tubes… just awful. Good riddance.

The Prima Luna EL34 tubes are Chinese although they are branded Prima Luna. I am not sure about the smaller driver tubes… I think they are Chinese also.

My little Woo Audio headphone amp/DAC is new and now I have that extra set of Electro Harmonix gold-pin tubes.

I guess I am good for at least 3-4 years and probably a lot longer. BTW, don’t underestimate the free market to plug a demand gap. JJ and the Chinese I suspect are running the math right now. Stay tuned.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

1 Like

How about doing our part and not buying anything Russian. More important things than your tune amp.

1 Like