Buying Tubes Again; Maddening


Has anyone tried the new production Genalex 'Gold Lion' 12AX7's and 12AT7's? I've been using the pricey Sophia Electric's but they just don't last long enough in my Hovland HP-100 phono-stage to justify the cost (they do sound pretty good though)...
stickman451
Elizabeth, While various circuits have an effect on tube life some tubes simply last longer than others. While one tube may last only 500 hours another tube may last 2,000-3,000 hours or more in the same circuit. Unfortunately the better sounding tube can have the shorter life.
In general, tube gear just sounds better and more real than SS gear; that's why I still use tubes...

So, no one has tried the Genalex tubes?
Yes, my HP-100 was 'updated' for final status before Hovland quit. I've tried several of the JJ's but the ones I used seemed a tad noisy and not as 'organic' as the Sophia's or the Mullard NOS.

I may just try the Genalex and go from there. The problem with getting NOS Mullards is that you never know what you are truly getting. I have NOS Mullards that came from so-called respected on-line dealers that went way noisy in just a few months...
stickman..i recently tried the 'genalex' 6922 tubes in my preamp and really liked what i heard ..but...i had an acute ground loop issue with them and replaced them .i did like the sound...as for the ' tube life ' issue...i recently bought a pair of the new sophia electric 'royal princess ' 300B tubes for my amps and even if they only lasted 500 hrs i would still buy them again due to their superb sound...hopefully they will last alot longer..
Shoot an email over to Jim McShane when you get a chance. He is very knowledgable and provides great service:

jimmcshane@prodigy.net

I don't think he recommends the Genalex with a phono stage, but he will give you plenty of options. His website is here if you want to peruse his selection first:

http://www.mcshanedesign.net/tubes.htm

I have no association with Jim, just have had very positive experiences. He is very forthcoming with his expertise.