Siemens CCa vs. Amperex PW 6922

I am aware of all the info you posted. I've been buying dull grey plate CCa tubes for many years. I have not debated the merits of grey versus shiny support CCa tubes.

I know that good quality, non-microphonic, early 60s grey riser CCa tubes sound exceptional, and the best of the Siemens 6922 family (but not really my cup of tea in the long run).

Only about 60% of the dull grey support Siemens CCa tubes I have purchased have been good (including from our friend in Germany, although his ratio of good to bad has been higher). The rest have been junk.

So, IMO CCa tubes represent a bit of a risky purchase. If one can find a dealer who will accept returns, the risk is significantly lessened.

TVAD,
I agree 100% with everything you said about Andy. I was wondering if you could recommend another reasonable, reliable tube source, with a more extensive inventory, for those tubes that Andy doesn't carry.

Phaelon, that depends on the tubes you seek.

Upscale Audio seems to be one. Jim McShane is another, although I have not purchased from him.

The German source mentioned in this thread is another.

Basically, I believe it's critical to have a return privilege for tubes, even if it's a short one. If a seller doesn't offer one if asked, then I'd buy elsewhere.

Some people are threatened or intimidated by Andy's knowledge.

He's by far the best tube vendor I've ever dealt with.

Audiogon member Jsutter sells terrific tubes at very fair prices but doesn't have an inventory as large as Andy.

Mr T- I couldn't agree more about the risk involved buying NOS CCa tubes, or any others for that matter. Finding someone that has the right tester, knows how to correctly use it and is honest about the results is becoming increasingly hard to do. And(like any other commodity) as the price increases, so does the number of crooks. Most of the tubes I've purchased in the last few years came from Germany, Argentina(lots of Germans down there) or Australia, and those have all been excellent. Perhaps the people in those countries have a stronger moral code or something. Still- I've found myself grilling sellers before purchasing anything(I hate having to feel that's necessary). You may have noticed me ending a few posts with, "CAVEAT EMPTOR!"