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Where to buy decent 845 and 211 tubes?

Let’s start saying most vintage tubes from eBay are junk.... "oh we cannot test this, but this looks like new and should work" with definition of "work" meaning there is filament continuity. or the tubes "used to work a few years ago before going to storage".

Short of paying USD $2000+ for a pair of vintage RCA or United Electrics, what modern 845 and 211 tubes are worth buying. What’s your experience with their sound and longevity?

I will not buy 211 / 845 tubes that cost more than my Viva Solista, much like I would never buy a TV shelf that cost more than the TV itself.  :-)


bsimpson
bsimpson OP
167 posts
 
@ verdantaudio

Viva Solista.  It could accept 4 X 845, or 2 x 845 + 2 x 211
sdrsdrsdr
196 posts
 
I no longer have my Viva Aurora's and have my extra NOS 845s for sale.
Also, you are aware I'm sure that you only need one pair of good 845s for output. The rest just buy the regular cheap chinese. Mine used the 572 tube for driver. I'm assuming yours is a 211. 211's are inexpensive usually for NOS.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,640 posts
 
Every tube I've gotten from eBay has been fine. The old much better than new.
jaudio1
121 posts
 
Brent Jessie Recording Supply  

http://www.audiotubes.com/


sgreg1
612 posts
 
Ebay and Amazon are both dumping grounds for counterfeit China garbage. Make sure you research the seller call them direct and tell them what you are looking for, and always remember if it sounds to good to be true it is fake China crap! Putting this garbage in your amp could cost a lot more money down the road. I know people who work in customs and you would be shocked if you knew half the story.
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