Tubes & Audio Research Corp.

I do not think you are better off buying tubes from the OEM. All OEMs buy their tubes new (versus NOS) to ensure availability for production and repalcement. Perhaps they may test to a tighter tolerance, but this certainly does not justify a 3X price increase. There are excellent dealers that can offer the same service, at lower price and even offer professional advice if you want to try different tube types. I highly recommend Kevin Deal of Upscale Audio (www.upscaleaudio.com). Michael

I know what you mean. Your question is specific to ARC, isn't it? ARC states that they have a record of each and every unit that they have ever produced and match the tubes specifically for that unit by pulling the specific records. I do not know whether it is a marketing ploy, however, ARC does some pretty intense testing and quality control from what I am told. I just do not know if it is worth the huge difference in price. I am also very interested in hearing others thoughts.

My guess is that it isn't worth paying the price. ARC guarantees their tubes like all others for 90 days (except Triode Electronics, 6 months) Certainly their quality control and testing is probably to a higher standard but I certainly could not justify paying the prices they are asking. I recently purchase new Svetlana Output tubes for my D-115 Mk2 and have had no problems. Maybe the ARC tubes are better test wise, but does it really justify paying the additional cost, I don't think so. I also owned an SP-6A for many years. I NEVER purchased replacements through ARC and never had a problem. I did however use vintage tubes with that unit. Still cheaper than going through ARC.

It is not worth 3 times what they want.I would stay away from the California guy.Been stuck with some bad tubes as have many others.I f you have let others now.Try www.vintagetubeservices.com

Highend, I've had troubles with "the California guy" also. I'm not sure why so many people mention him. He's a flake and will outright lie to protect his ass. I lost over $500 in repair and shipping charges due to a VERY bad tube failure the first time I installed it. It was supposed to be a "premium" tube (tighter measured tolerances...). He denied that the tube could have caused the problems and then quickly sent a new tube to the mfg "free of charge". Also, my friend bought some NOS Tungsram E88CC's and they were not NOS tubes (nor Tungsrams for that matter). Now that is gall!!! I hope others figure this out.