2. amps-preamps
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What tubes and where to buy them? Conrad Johnson

Hello!

I`m from Brazil but currently I`m doing part of my PhD at University of Florida.

Back in Brazil I have a Conrad Johnson Premier 3 pre amplifier and a MV55 power amplifier.

I need to buy a new set of tubes for both, since it`s very hard to find tubes in Brazil.

The tubes they use are:

Premier 3: 2 12AX7, 5 5751, 2 5965
MV55: 2 12AX7, 2 6SN7, 4 EL34

I would really aprecciate some advice on what tubes I should buy and specially where can I buy trustable audiophile tubes, and not guitar amp tubes. I`m looking for a cost effective option because I won`t be able to spend a huge amount of money with that.

Also, I would like to know what tubes should I start changing if I can`t afford changing it all.

Thank you vety much!
pedrod45
pedrod45 OP
13 posts
 
Thank you Lowrider57.

Does anybody know any trustable ebay seller that sells qood quality tubes?
elevick
2,636 posts
 
tubesandmore.com or thetubestore.com both are very reasonable and ship anywhere. Most of what they sell is very reasonable and not out of sight.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,993 posts
 
Pedro45...I really thought that the tubes from cj would be less than what NOS tubes will run you. Your preamp, (one of my favorites BTW) uses (9) tubes and the amp uses (8).

Jim McShane is a great recommendation along with Brent Jesse. I have bought tubes from both of them. My favorite tube supplier is Kevin Deal who owns Upscale Audio.

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/VacuumTubes/

I think you will find that decent NOS tubes are going to cost you a fortune, but you never know.

Good luck on your search. Tube rolling can be fun, but you can also drive yourself crazy. I'm been collecting tubes for over 30 years and have 4 drawers full of tubes that I have acquired. I've always said that I could probably retire on what these tubes are worth now.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Pedrod45, that is a lot of tubes. Maybe you should invest in a used vacuum tube tester on Ebay. Different tube types last longer than others. ie; small preamp tubes can last for years vs. amp power tubes.
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drrsutliff
860 posts
 
Go talk to Paul at Sound Ideas on NW 13th St. there in Gainesville. He has an a nice selection of tubes and you can discuss your ideas, goals, and budget.

Another possibility is Andy Bowman at Vintage Tube Service. You can reference his website for some information, but you really just need to speak to him on the phone. He has great insight to most equipment and what tubes work well. His "perfect pick" tubes can save you some money on very well tested tubes.
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