Anyone here bought valves from the NOS Tube Store?

[Marco]

Chaps, chap-ettes (and those who’re not sure yet )…. I‘ve just bought some NOS 6SL7s, for my Croft preamp, from the NOS Tube Store: http://www.nostubestore.com/

Has anyone used them before? I found them very efficient and professional to deal with. Therefore, winging their way to Marco Towers, via 24-hour DHL Express Delivery, are:





1x Grade A, balanced, 'Heintz and Kaufman’ branded 1940s Sylvania VT-229 (6SL7GT).





1 x Grade A, balanced, 1950s Sylvania JAN CHS 6SL7WGT. Mine is one of the dark-brown base types, with darker green writing.





1 x matched pair of RCA JAN CRC 6SL7GT with smoked glass [from the above stock].

Now and then I like to mix things up in the Croft, valve wise, and treat it to something a bit different! Looking forward to trying these valves, as they’re quite rare and come with a good pedigree. Review to follow, once they arrive!

Marco.

[The Black Adder]

I have, Marco.

Very good service indeed. Very fast shipping too.

I also had a problem with one 6SL7 where the base was cracked and he replaced it immediately.

So yes... All good in my experience.

Be good to see what your results are, as always

[The Black Adder]

BTW... the bad valve I had was one of the Heintz and Kaufman.

[Marco]

Hi Joe,

That’s interesting. They should really check for that sort of thing before the valves are shipped. However, yes, we’ll see what happens.

I’ve had excellent results recently with NOS 1959 RCA 6SN7GTBs, in the Copper amp, so I’m looking forward in particular to hearing the 1950s smoked glass RCA CDC-6SL7-GTs, to see if they do a similar thing in the Croft.

I haven’t tried the Sylvania VT-229s before, but I have had 1950s JAN CHS 6SL7WGTs, which sound stunning (really wide soundstage and 'out of the box' sound), but not in conjunction with the RCAs.

Anyway, tube-rolling is all just a bit of fun!

Marco.

[Jimbo]

Always like to hear about NOS valve suppliers as they usually have something interesting to try. Never used this company but will check them out for a few ECC83 for the small Croft amp

[The Black Adder]

I'd first try a 1950s JAN CHS 6SL7WGTs in the central position. I did and it was quite a change. Very good indeed.

I didn't like the Sylvania's so I sold them on. I tried them in the line and the phono stage. They were good, don't get me wrong but the brown based WGT's I got from you sounded much better and the Ruskie ones in the line.

Jo

[Marco]

Interesting, Joe. I’ve still got the 1950s Russian Melz factory ones (with metal bases) in the line stage, and they are superb, but I just fancied mixing it up a bit, so the matched pair of smoked glass RCAs will be going in there, just to see what they do instead

My intention is to try both the Sylvania VT-229 and JAN CHS 6SL7WGT in the central position, and see whether either can oust the red-base 1950s GE 5691, which is currently there. I have 1940s Tung-Sol VT-229s in the phono stage section, but I may also try the RCAs in there.

We’ll see what happens - it’s always good to have some quality spares, anyway, as back-up!

Marco.

[Marco]

Always like to hear about NOS valve suppliers as they usually have something interesting to try. Never used this company but will check them out for a few ECC83 for the small Croft amp

If you fancy a left-field recommendation, Jim, try the Toshibas: http://www.nostubestore.com/2012/09/...x7a-japan.html

They’re relatively unknown in valve circles, and a bit of a sleeper… Every bit as good, IMO, as Telefunken 803S (with as similar ‘ballsy’ upfront sound), at a mere fraction of the price!

Marco.

[Jazid]

Another plus for NOS tubestore from me. not the cheapest but quality stock and honest, and quick service

Ah, just seen the link to Toshiba toobs. My tuppence would be for Matsushitas if they are available as they are Philips group and construction is essentially identical, the quality/performance is up there with the Mullard/Philips ECC83s in those I have had pass through.

[Jimbo]

If you fancy a left-field recommendation, Jim, try the Toshibas: http://www.nostubestore.com/2012/09/...x7a-japan.html

They’re relatively unknown in valve circles, and a bit of a sleeper… Every bit as good, IMO, as Telefunken 803S (with as similar ‘ballsy’ upfront sound), at a mere fraction of the price!

Marco.

Hi Marco,

Thanks for the recommendation, I have asked for a quote