2. amps-preamps
  3. 128671-18279

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
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.
 

More to discover