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NOS tubes For my Rhea

It looks like I will need to replace the tubes in my Rhea.
I have been hearing a sporadic “rushing” sound from one channel on my system. I suspect it may be tubes in my Rhea OR Calypso. First off I do I determine which unit is the culprit (I only use one source – Turntable) . Also who is the best dealer (best prices) for tubes. I am very untechnical so I need help and advice. Thanks!!
rwd
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,190 posts
 
Don't overlook Brent Jessee at http://www.audiotubes.com/ if NOS is what you're after.

All the best,
Nonoise
jperry
2,479 posts
 
RWD, Do yourself a favor and just call Andy at Vintage Tube Services. He is the only NOS tube supplier that is endorsed by Aesthetix.

I have an Aesthetix Calypso and Rhea, both running NOS tubes provided by Andy at Vintage Tube Services. I am very happy with the product and the advice provided by Andy.

If you want new production tubes you might want to work with a different supplier as I think Andy only deals in vintage NOS tubes.

The lowest price is not always the best deal. NOS tubes are not all equal. Testing and matching are critical in the Rhea.

Best Regards,

Jim Perry
rwd OP
695 posts
 
Thank you Jim and Nonoise.....I am interested in NOS but some of these tubes are quite expensive. As you know Jim,,,the Rhea has 10 tubes.....so we're taking 1K plus (or more). And I also understand that the better the tube .... the better the sound. Thank you all for your valued advise.

Rick (RWD)
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I have Sylvanias on V1 & v2 (nice top end sparkle' and went with the Ampex 6922 and my Rhea is pretty quiet.
jperry
2,479 posts
 
RWD, you don't need to spend $1,000 for good NOS tubes for your Rhea, and all of the 12ax7 tubes don't have to be as low noise as the V1 and V2 positions, which are the most critical.

Another option would be selected modern tubes from Aesthetix or Jim McShane, although Jim has a waiting list for a Rhea tube set right now.

Best Regards,

Jim Perry
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