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45 tubes for Yamamoto A-08s

I am new to this type of tubes, i said to myself never buy tube amp anymore, but it was hard to resist when Yamamoto A-08s (from my old wantlist) turned up for sale at affordable price, finally. And i bought it (no more cartridges this month for sure, i am saving on new tubes). 

So many amazing reviews online, especially from people who use same speakers like my Zu Audio Druid.

Damn, why do i need another amp if i already have First Watt praised as much as the Yammy with same type of speakers. Maybe for my final comparison of the best Solid State vs. SET ... who knows.

Anyway, my unit comes with used tubes supplied originally (NOS) by the manufacturer.

I know nothing about 45 tubes and i wish to learn quickly.

The most popular NEW replacement is Emission Lab 45s ($648 for a pair in USA now, the price will be higher soon).

Maybe there are some cheaper NOS tubes available ?


Please recommend me something, especially if you have same Yamamoto A-08s amp

Thanks!


128x128chakster
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
Since I sold some of the rarest 12at7wa tubes from my ex push-pull amp., I’m thinking about much older 45 tubes from the 1930’s for my Yamamoto A-08s. ST bottle shape or Globes, Solid Plates or Mesh Plates... This is where you lost me... Vintage tubes are addictive, you’d better get rid of them all, or you’re always buying some more. I thought I’m done with the tubes, but I’m still buying more. Stop me somebody ...

After some research these trio is on my radar now:

-RCA 80 GLOBE tube (tested 56/52 where min is 40)
-RCA 245 GLOBES (PAIR) (tested both 66/66 where min is 47)

Any comments?

I don’t have a tube tester, but I hope I can trust a seller who’s got calibrated TV7 tester and life long experience.
Tube testing is another quest, I know nothing about it. Would you buy a tube with tested results stated above?

This is what I received so far from another tube dealer: NOS 717A matched pair (mushrooms).

National Union 45s from another audiogon member.

And this Radiotron 80 from Australia

chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
RCA Radiotron UX-245 was amazing!

Unfortunately one tube died slowly glowing purple and making heartbeat sound in my woofer, never seen anything like that before with old tubes, but those Balloons are by far the oldest I ever tried (from 1930’s).

Seller shipped replacement tube, but that one also died same way. So the Globe 45s goes back to America for refund.

Rectifier (Globe 80) is fine, fingers crossed !  

I think this is a lesson to avoid old Globe shape, never again.

Or it’s just a bad luck ?


luisma31
516 posts
 
Hey chakster,
I got some EML from Jac van de walle in Germany, he has pretty good stocks of tubes, even Russians, and he is very knowledgeable, the 45 is allegedly the best tube ever made for music, I am trying to get some NOS too, will let you know what I find.

EML solid plates if you like neutral sound (not mesh) is as good as it gets new production, but NOS could be less costly.

Enjoy the Amp good call


chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
Yes, I have EML 45 tubes here in the box, but my idea was to enjoy vintage tubes before modern tubes. 
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