Re-biasing a CJ Premier 8


I am considering to get a used CJ Premier 8 amp, current tubes are 75%-50% of their life (12 6550 per side) and dealer recommends me to re-tube both units.

1.- Which are the best options considering a high price/performance ratio?

2.- Any word on domestic Svetlanas vs fying "c" options?

3.- What about trying KT90´s?

Thanks for your feedback.

Fernando
flg2001
If you're about to spend a perhaps over a thousand dollars on tubes, spend a few bucks on the recent issue of 'Vacuum Tube Valley' that has MUCH info on new and old 6550s/KT88s/KT90s.

A 2-amp set of Ei KT90s from The Tube Depot would be $560.
.
Fernando, I don't know where you are getting your price quotes, but I just check the web site of Triode Electronic's. He is selling matched quads of SED (the old Svetlana brand) for 95.90. According to my calculations that would bring the cost of retubing your amps to less than $400. I've used him many times. Very reliable and the product is guaranteed. I'm using these tubes in my amps at this time - I've yet to have a premature failure.
I guess the retube price includes the 12 driver tubes 6fq7 (8)and 5751's(4)----These make a big difference to be sure.
CJ quote came from the company itself (they have been very supportive, kind and informative), again - it would be around 600 US per amp.

The Svet 6550c quote comes from www.sovetk.com, under Svetlana section, my friend has dealer pricing and kindly passing thru.

I am NOT including the driver set, which look OK.

I need to take a decision in the next 48 hours or so (flying to Detroit on Sunday from Mexico) - I have the feeling that I will run the "risk" of re-tubing and keep the Premiers 8 for me.

Fernando
Believe me the drive tubes matter, more than you think.When you finally get around to getting some cryoed ones;you'll understand.