Looking for suggestions for a good and trusted tube dealer


Has anyone lately bought tubes from Andy in Michigan of Vintage Tubes, and if so, how did it go?  I bought a couple of batches from him about 25 years ago, and I was surprised to see his web site still in existence.

In doing searches for tube dealers, I also found a site by "Brent Jessee."  In my past searches I had never seen that site before.  Does anyone have experience there, and if so how did that go?

I am looking to upgrade the stock Electro Harmonix 6SN7s in a Cary SLP 05 and I was hoping to find a dealer that people had had positive experiences with.

immatthewj

Thanks for all the input!

I sent Brent Jesse an email earlier, describing my system & listening preferences, and asking him what he would recommend.  I'll probably give Andy a call also.  25 years or so ago he did sell me some great sounding 12AU7s and 6922s, and I remember that talking to him was interesting.  It does look like he has a lot of 6SN7s.

I did have a good experience buying EL34s from Jim McShane, but I note that he doesn't seem to presently have a lot in the way of 6SN7s right now.

Without mentioning them by name, some of the other places I have bought tubes from do a great job of writing about the tubes they are selling, but I am sometimes wondering if it is just some very good writing.

Thanks to all for the input!

 

Be aware (and to some extent, "beware") of so-called NOS that are "pulls" i.e., used tubes that "test" like new. Most are labelled "NOS" but it is often defined in the small print with qualifications.

It is getting very hard to find even some common audio tube types that are true NOS. Andy is truly old school, but I like him and have dealt with Brent, Brendan Bievers, and several others over the years. All have been reputable in their dealings with me. Tubemonger is another one that was known for very good tubes, but have not bought from them in a few years.