Tube question- finding and sources

Hi Experts. I’m new to the tube thing but loving it from a preamp perspective. I have recently acquired a BAT VK-80.
The tube compliment is:
Four Sovtek 6H30Pi-EB Tubes, Two OTK 6C19P Tubes.

Been told from folks who have experience with this amp that gains can be had with NOS tubes… such as:
Russian NOS 6N30P-DR, 6H30 Old Stock Tubes 6Н30П-ДР

The above is on Ebay. Not sure I want to go there. I really don’t do Ebay.
A. Why are NOS tubes better?
B. Can a tube like the above be found at a reputable dealer stateside or is this (tube acquisition) a separate hobby in itself?

Thank you!

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There are two people I trust for tubes.

Jim McShane
http://www.mcshanedesign.net/

Brent Jessee

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I ‘second’ the first-two recommendations, especially Brent Jesse, and add The Tube Depot.

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I’ve had really good luck purchasing from sundry eBay vendors. I’ll research recommended tubes from audio forums and buddies and also from the great resource Brent Jesse has online describing different tube types within a family, and experiment with low cost examples, and then if it’s a great tube splurging more on great examples most often from a vendor I’ve used before. Most of the vendors with tubes I fancy test them and post the results in the “ad.” For example there’s a pair of excellent RFT 7308 tubes I got from eBay that really make my system sound fantastic as well as a pair of Amperex Holland 7062 with pinched waist that I often use in my ZROCK2 and SEWE300B.

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Thank you…if my research is correct, my choice got really simple.

Electro Harminix or Sovtek

Exact same tube from same factory. EH has some gold on it and looks like they charege more for it but same tube. 40 to 80 bucks if ya want to get special treatment at Upscale.

NOS. Ebay 200 a tube up to 350 a tube at Tube Store IF you can find them. And of course pretty dang old.

I guess i will watch for these and go to suggested web sites to learn more .

Definitely does not seem like trying a EH tube makes any sense if its the same tube just with gold plating.

Just my personal preference but generally speaking if a tube is NOS or ANOS, old generally equates to good/better. These are tubes, not eggs.

Agreed. Tubes are different animals I guess. In my brief brush with older ARC equipment I realized problems can occur that certainly would not be an issue in newer gear.

My first thought I guess if age affects longevity or performance in tubes as well, paying 800+ for a set is a higher risk than I want to take.

Lets hope eggs stay under 800 a dozen. After yesterday, I think they will !

I don’t blame you. Ten to 20 years ago I used both the EB and DR versions of the 6H30 tube. I liked the DR better but in those times the price difference was $30 for the EB versus $75 for the DR. Even taking simple price increases over that time $200 to $300 a tube is a different story. The EB are fine.

Exactly. And i learned something. EB is normal 6H30 i guess you call it and DR is Soviet Mil Spec?..

I guess BAT used the DRs I belive but supply was a factor. I was recommended the DR on Ebay but 200 a tube will keep me out of the tube rolling game…lol. however IF I see 6H30 anywhere it will catch my eye…

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated…

You’re welcome. Yep, the EB is the consumer version while the DR is the military built to tighter standards.

There was a point in time (maybe still) that Victor Khomenko the chief designer of Balanced Audio Technology had quite the supply of the DR version (the supertube version) and they were available to BAT owners. As you know he’s the VK in your VK-80.

Yes sir. He is a great guy. I got a ebay link from him. I dont think they have stock anymore.

So why not roll and find out? Well 800 bucks is the answer to that one.

Now I realize as well that my choices are limited but thats fine. I will look for a spare set just in case. If i feel crazy ill look for DN. In the meantime it is sounding very good… best pre i have owned and plays well with my other equipment. Thanks for you help and education.

May of got a reliable line on DRs. Right ones and at a great price. If it happens ill update. Ill try and delineate any improvements etc.

Looks like not many folks use these. BAT, Conrad and ARC…

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