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Why Purchase used tubes?

Is it the price? I don't understand. You buy a wonderful used tubes that tests out better than perfect. What is the guarantee, after you hook those babies up to your rig, that they won't start to degenerate. NOS are surely more expensive, but brand spanking new! Would this be the best way to go if money wasn't a factor? I'm tubie newbie, but getting there...thanks warren :)
warrenh

Showing 2 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
Siemens CCa, early 60s grey plates. $300-$400/pair.

As with the Amperex 6922 Pinch Waists, be sure you get a return privilege from the seller in the event the tubes are noisy or microphonic.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
12-07-06: Warrenh
My tube mentor happens to agree with Tvad on the Siemens Cca. Tvad, what type of tubes did you use in your Exemplar Denon 3910?
Stock. I bought a Western Electric 396A to try, but I sold the Exemplar before I tried it. Keep in mind my Exemplar was a balanced version and the tube compliment is different than your Exemplar Denon 3910 (unless you too have the balanced outputs).

12-07-06: Warrenh
After reading Joe's Tube Lore on AA, the Amperex 6922 PQ, US (shield, gold pins) sound excellent. The Holy Grail Amperex (same with the pinched waist) are out of my league. Joe says the sonic qualities are very close, however.
I did this same comparison. I found the Amperex 6922 PQ White Label USA to have a similar sonic signature to the pinch waists. Close enough to prevent me from spending the extra on the pinch waists. However, the pinch waists did sound better...much larger image and extension without being etched. The extra cost wasn't worth it to me, though. Many others disagree.
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