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Why no tube loaner/testdrives--It's hard being an audiophile

I just wanted to vent for a moment. I'm going to quote my wife and file this under "It's hard being an audiophile" as there is some absurdity to the fact that I view this issue as a real life problem.

The issue: 

My Primaluna integrated amp has 6 premp tubes and 8 power tubes.  While the unit makes tube rolling a snap, it's (a) difficult to find or at reasonable prices NOS tubes in larger batches; (b) reissue or new tubes cost a bunch to experiment with. 

For example, if I want to swap in a set of Gold Lion KT77 power tubes (I've already tried the stock EL34s and Mullard re-issues), it's a small fortune to do so.  I think the GL KT77 may be the ticket, yet making another expenditure to find out seems pricey.  I wish I could borrow a set and pay a tryout fee, as opposed to spending $400 on a set. 
128x128jbhiller
soundermn's avatar
soundermn
344 posts
 
Sounds like you have the PL premium HP, which is the same one I have. The two middle input tubes are the important ones. I put Cifte tubes in mine and it was a big improvement. Better highs, smoother overall sound, and tighter bass. I would suggest starting there and the cost isn't so tough to swallow. 

 I'm using KT120 power tubes and they have much better bass than the stock EL34 set that came with it. Plus, they are more linear overall. I would like to try a set of KT150 power tubes.  A set is $700, which is a lot, but I think the improvement would be substantial. 

What have you thought of the sound with the reissues and KT77 swaps compared to the EL34s?
lancelock
1,097 posts
 
Wow, I have a lot of tubes laying around. My last amp used KT66 and 6922. Now my new preamp and amp. Use EL34's, 12AX7, 12AT7, 6SN7 and 12AU7's. Oh well just have to but more tubes. Like another here my new preamp can use either 6SN7 or 12SN7 tubes. There are more cheaper tubes available in the 12SN7 variety so this feature is an advantage.
timo62
281 posts
 

I would say Brent Jessie would be the closest you could come to a tube loaner. 

 You have to buy the tubes , but he allows a 30 day trial period of the tubes. If you order a set of EL34 tubes , but feel that you would prefer the GL KT77 , you can return the EL34 tubes. The original purchase credit would apply to the new GL KT77. You would just pay the difference plus shipping.

wolf_garcia
6,727 posts
 
Tube Loaner…that sounds like an audiophile Marvel Comics character (Although "loner" would be more apt).  Expecting somebody to "loan" a fragile glass object seems naive (Evian spelled backwards), but I think many tube sellers would exchange tubes for something else if you made a reasonable case ( like "these things suck")…"thetubestore.com" is a place I've bought stuff and I imagine they'd respond in kind, although I don't actually know for sure.
lancelock
1,097 posts
 
Brent Jesse is an excellent resource. He is knowlegeable and provides good customer service. I've purchased 2 quads of NOS Mullard EL34's from him in the past and they were excellent.
 

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